Today’s Picture Book Postcard is from Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby of Fly Rod Was First.
Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby was the most famous fisherwoman of her day, celebrated for her skill, expertise and love of the sport—but she didn’t stop there!
When Cornelia Crosby was born in 1854, there seemed to be as many fish in Maine as there were stars in the sky. In time Cornelia became hooked on fishing, spending spring and summer traveling from one wilderness camp to the next, catching as many as two hundred fish in a day! And when she wasn’t fishing? She was writing about fishing. Adventure stories by “Fly Rod Crosby” graced the pages of major newspapers across the country.
Fly Rod Crosby became an influential ambassador for Maine’s outdoor treasures and dedicated her life to the enjoyment and conservation of its streams, lakes, and forests.
Fly Rod Was First: Cornelia Crosby’s Adventures in Angling
Author: Cathy Ballou Mealey
Illustrator: Billie Michael
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: April 15, 2026 — AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW!
Before I could spell my name or ride a bike, Maine was the place my family went for vacation once a year to hike, fish and relax. To better explore its every highway, byway and coastal inlet, my parents pored over maps and travel journals all year round. When a glossy magazine featured the trailblazing contributions of the inimitable Cornelia Crosby, she was someone I wanted to know more about. I hope readers will also find Fly Rod to be a fascinating and inspirational character, and learn to tell their own amazing fish stories!
– Author Cathy Ballou Mealey
About Author Cathy Ballou Mealey
Cathy Ballou Mealey loves picture books, scones, and sunny days. She is the author of the Fly Rod Was First, Make More S’mores and the Sloth & Squirrel books. A former college instructor and administrator, Cathy lives north of Boston with her family where she is most likely reading, watching silly squirrels and waiting patiently for a moose to appear.
Find out more about this author at https://cathyballoumealey.wixsite.com/author.
About Illustrator Billie Michael
Billie Michael is an illustrator with a passion for creating artwork that is full of detail, texture, and rich colors. She works with watercolor, colored pencil, and other media to bring stories and characters to life. When she’s not drawing, Billie loves watching movies, going on very long walks, and playing guitar. She lives with her cat, Louise, in Philadelphia.
Find this illustrator on Instagram.
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Thank you so much, April, for creating this delightful postcard. Truly a perfect tribute to the woman who launched the idea of Maine as a vacation destination!