Fred on the Ice Floes — Marie-Danielle Croteau

Fred's dad owns a fish market, but still he wants to go fishing on his day off. Soon Fred, his dad, and Fred's cat Rick are sitting in a hut on a frozen river, pulling fish after fish through a tiny hole in the ice. The day is going nicely, until the ice breaks with a deafening crack and Fred and Rick find themselves alone on an ice floe in the middle of the river. As they await rescue, Rick amuses Fred with tricks; while Fred, scared, remembers advice his dear grandmother once gave him. As the long night passes, Fred tries to understand her hard sayings about growing up. When rescue finally comes the next morning, he's grown up a little himself. Fred on the Ice Floes is a touching story that shows how crisis can carry unexpected benefits.