Women’s biographies are becoming more popular in the picture book format. As well as stories written about women who were in non traditional female roles. Add in the fact she was into a sport that I’ve never heard that too many females were involved in, and you have one of the most unique biographies I’ve read.
Fly Rod Was First: Cornelia Crosby’s Adventures in Angling is a great introduction to a kick-butt woman who knew how to cast her influence on the fishing world! The more classical feeling images by Billie Micheal allow things to feel as it is set in the time frame, but keeps a modern tone with the text. Fun extras are included as well to bring to life the reel life woman, Cornelia Crosby.
Crosby, as author Cathy Ballou Mealey (I wonder if her parents were a fan of the movie, or Jane Fonda) tells us, was a fisherman/woman, writer and more. She went from being a sickly child to a woman where the fresh air did her the most good. You don’t have to be a brain sturgeon to figure out when she was where she belonged, she was going to be the happiest and contribute so much to the sport in ways no one would know.
I love the fact that Crosy also realized that to keep the lakes safe for all, that environmental paths had to be taken as well as the promotion of Maine and the fact it is going to be known as a playground. Crosby made a splash in the world and I for one think you should eat it up. Even if you must wait until April 2026 (or read an online copy as I did) to do so.