Amy Collins

the wise old fish

by amy and riley collins

The Wise Old Fish is a children’s story inspired by a childhood experience of growing up near a small lake, surrounded by the wonders of nature.

Written by Amy Collins, The Wise Old Fish is a heartwarming and imaginative tale that blends humor, curiosity, and wisdom. With its engaging narrative and vibrant visuals, this book takes young readers on an unforgettable journey beneath the lake’s shimmering surface—where one small mistake leads to a series of whimsical events.

When an absentminded fish accidentally swallows a dragonfly, he’s launched into an unexpected adventure. Page after page, children will delight in his misadventures as he tries to fix his situation by gulping down every critter he encounters.

This story encourages young readers to embrace life’s unexpected twists with creativity and resilience. Its rhythmic storytelling and gentle humor make it a perfect read-aloud book—nurturing a love for storytelling while sparking curiosity about the natural world and its ecosystems.

Join him on his journey and discover just how wise (or not so wise) the old fish truly is!

book trailer

About The Author

A Life in Art and Creativity

Amy Collins grew up in a small rural town in Pennsylvania, where she spent much of her childhood exploring the woods and pond near her home. Today, her family owns a summer home by a small lake, where her three children enjoyed the same outdoor adventures she once had. Witnessing the beauty of nature through her children’s eyes inspired her to write The Wise Old Fish. Along with her son Riley, who was five at the time, they created illustrations that capture the playful, simplistic style of a child’s art.

It was at Kutztown that Amy met her future husband, who introduced her to pottery, a craft she immediately fell in love with. After graduating, she worked in the graphic arts industry for several years, designing logos, billboards, and marketing materials. Though she enjoyed her work, she continued to explore other artistic mediums in her free time.

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Amy Collins

Customer Reviews

Amy Collins masterfully weaves humor and adventure into The Wise Old Fish, crafting a story that not only entertains but also gently imparts timeless lessons of wisdom and curiosity.
Esteemed Children's Book Critic and Bestselling Author
I work at a preschool with children ages 3 to 5. This is a great story about a hungry fish that makes some silly and unfortunate choices. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the mix of real photographs of wildlife mixed in are a fun addition. Kids this age love to pick out and identify animals they know. Adding the wildlife facts at the end bridges the gap between the silliness of the story with real life facts and content to discuss how to be kind to animals in nature…great for Earth Day themes and learning about familiar creatures!
Judith Axten
Children will fall in love with the silly yet endearing protagonist, while parents and educators will appreciate the book’s deeper message about problem-solving and resilience.
Renowned Children’s Literature Expert
This book is like a rollercoaster ride through a candy factory—sweet, wild, and slightly chaotic! From the moment I opened it. The illustrations are so colorful that they could give a rainbow a run for its money. And let’s not forget the hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud, which probably confused my dog. If you’re looking for a book that’s as entertaining as watching a dog chase its tail, this is it! Perfect for kids and adults who still believe that giggles are the best medicine. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a good laugh!
Antonio Valenteen
The Wise Old Fish is an amusingly adorable book about a chain of actions, reactions, and consequences all within the backdrop of ecosystems and ecology in the environment. I love how much knowledge and awareness is contained within its pages! This is an excellent book that grows with your child and one that can be well cherished and often reread!
Sean Hamilton
Such a sweet book! My 2.5 year old loves it. The illustrations are so unique and the story is funny and silly. I love the personal touches of the children growing up at the lake. And my husband loves the cool facts that are noted throughout the book. Unique and fun book! Highly recommend!
Desiree D
My kids loved learning about all of the wildlife and could relate to the story as we spent summers at a lake just like the one in the story. This is a must read!
Brittany K