A Different Pond
By Bao Phi
The Story
A boy and his father fish before dawn at a Minneapolis pond, not for sport but for food, while stories of a different pond back in Vietnam quietly surface between casts.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's curious about a parent's life before they were born, this book turns an early-morning fishing trip into a doorway to family history.
- Big idea: Love between a parent and child often shows up in quiet, unspoken acts — early mornings, hard work, and stories shared between the lines.
- Vibes: Hushed, tender, contemplative — the stillness of dawn and the weight of memory.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are curious about where their family came from
- respond well to quiet, slower-paced stories
- are working on understanding a parent's sacrifices
- enjoy stories grounded in real family life
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & noticing: Why do you think the boy and his father go fishing so early in the morning?
- Real-life connection: Has anyone in your family ever told you a story about a place they used to live?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the boy feels listening to his father talk about the pond in Vietnam?
- Imagination: What do you picture when you imagine the 'different pond' the father describes?
- Family & gratitude: What are some things your own parents do for you that might be quiet, everyday kinds of love?
