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The Cod's Tale: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World!

by Mark Kurlansky Publisher: PUFFIN BOOKS

Critically Recognized

A fish with a place in history

Regular price $12.56 USD
Regular price $20.94 USD Sale price $12.56 USD
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Editorial selection

    ALA Notable Book

    Identified in the supplied metadata as an ALA Notable Book.

  • Critical praise

    Booklist starred review

    Starred review praising the book's illustrations and their clarity, dramatic flair, and humor.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A fish with a place in history

The cod serves as the thread connecting this illustrated account of food, exploration, trade, and scientific research. The book traces the species’ role across several historical settings, from medieval Europe to early New England, and links it with voyages by Vikings, Columbus, and the Pilgrims. Its 48-page picture-book format brings together historical context and information about the fish itself, including its place in the wider marine world. Adapted from Mark Kurlansky’s book for adults, it offers a focused look at how one species figures in stories of human history and North Atlantic life.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Young readers aged 9–12 interested in nonfiction about animals and fish
  • Children curious about history, exploration, and trade
  • Readers who enjoy illustrated introductions to a focused subject

Themes

Cod and marine lifeFood and historyExploration and tradeScientific research

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Discover the amazing true story of the fish that altered the course of human history in this thoroughly fascinating picture book perfect for young readers, based on Mark Kurlansky's New York Times bestseller Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World.

AN ALA NOTABLE BOOK

★ "Excellent ink drawings, brightened with colorful washes, illustrate incidents from the text with clarity, a flair for the dramatic, and a sense of humor."--Booklist (starred review)

"Breezy, kid-friendly prose. . . . fascinating and informative . . . bound to hook young readers."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

What was it that enabled the Vikings, Christopher Columbus, and the Pilgrims to cross the cold Atlantic Ocean to America? What became a staple of the medieval diet in Europe, helped spur the American Revolution, and allowed the early New Englanders to start making money of their own?

Would you believe that it was a fish?

Adapted from the bestselling adult book, The Cod's Tale details the worldwide historical significance of the cod fish--from its sea enemies to land worshipers alike. Young readers will learn how one versatile and enduring species aided the Vikings, encouraged North American trade, changed the development of scientific research around the globe, and so much more!

Surging with detailed illustrations, amazing facts, and a captivating message of resilience, The Cod's Tale is a fresh and bold overview of one species' ability to make waves in history.

And don't miss the companion book, The Story of Salt, the mineral that has changed history.
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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.