The Cod's Tale

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.