Stories for Children / Joe Goes Fishing

Joe sat on his bed and looked at his birthday presents. They were great! Smart new trainers from his mum. A fishing rod from his dad. And best of all, his grandpa had given him a watch. A proper, grown-up watch with a black leather strap and a silver face.

You re a young man now, his grandpa said, as Joe opened the box. Twelve years old. Happy birthday!

Joe said nothing. He just gazed at the watch. It was so beautiful. Lying there, in its dark blue velvet box, it looked like a moon.

Look after it, Joe, said his mother. It was expensive.

Joe nodded. I will, Mum. I promise. Thank you, Grandpa.

That was last night - Saturday. Now it was Sunday, and Joe was going fishing.

Are you wearing them to go fishing? Joe s mum pointed at his new trainers. It s been raining all night, Joe. The river bank will be muddy. Wear your old boots.

No, it s my birthday weekend, said Joe. I want to wear my new things. It will be okay. The rain has stopped now.

He quickly pulled on his jacket and left the house. Bye!

Joe was going on his own. His family lived in a quiet village. The river was just two minutes away from the house. He would be quite safe.