Gold Mom’s Choice Award
Literary Classics Book Award Silver
Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award
FAPA President’s Book Award Medalist
London Book Festival Honorable Mention
Reader’s Favorite International Book Award Honorable Mention
Corinne’s Fin is a story for young children about courage and adaptability of a champion swimmer, Corinne, who thought life would always be the same at Lavender Lake. When things change unexpectedly, she must use her inner determination to begin the struggle to find and accept her new life, maintain her positive outlook on her circumstance, and keep smiling from Fin to Fin!
What People Say
“Corinne teaches a wonderful lesson about how to deal with adversity and to change the focus of your life to influence others in a positive way.” —Brooke Wagner, Assistant Principal, Lansdowne Elementary School, Baltimore County Schools
“Dayle, an accomplished teacher, knows what children love to read. She has provided them with a fish tale that they will want to read over and over as they learn that goals may change, but never give up striving.” —Stephanie Leddy, retired English teacher, writer
“With vivid imagery, energetic language and no small dose of fishy courage, Dayle Dabney guides us through a real hero’s journey. A terrific story of hope, courage and friendship.” —Teresa Crumpton, MFA
“As a teacher of young children, Dayle Dabney consistently demonstrates creativity, whimsy and a true understanding of what makes little ones tick. These traits are evident in her first book, which will charm, entertain and captivate young minds.” —Anne Gold, retired Principal
Rosie Malezer –
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite
Corinne’s Fin is a children’s book written by Dayle Dabney and illustrated by Ashley Teets. Corinne is a goldfish who swims well in Lavender Lake, where fishing is strictly forbidden. Her bulletin board at home is covered in gold medals, as she wins every swimming tournament. One day while practicing her swimming, not long after mentoring a group of tiny fans, one of Corinne’s fins was badly damaged when it snagged and tore off on a fishing hook; somebody had broken the law and was fishing in a no-fishing pond! Without her fin, Corinne was only able to swim in circles, leaving her very sad. While some of her friends cried with her, seeing only what Corinne had lost, her one optimistic friend taught her some new skills to build up her confidence once again. Seeking out things she could do rather than focusing on things that she couldn’t, Corinne finds not just one, but two more things she is great at and uses those skills to help others.
Corinne’s Fin touched close to home for me in so many ways, as I had faced the same dilemma when a head injury stripped me of my hearing and most of my eyesight. The illustrations in Corinne’s Fin are vivid and stunning, complementing this incredible story of greatness, tragedy, sorrow, acceptance, and finding a new path. Dayle Dabney’s message that we are not one-trick-ponies, and have many qualities which we can fall back on if we just look, is a great one. Corinne’s Fin is a tale of courage and determination, and while it is aimed at children, I could not help but smile at the way it was presented. I recommend this book to children of all ages, as well as to those who have suffered a life-altering event and need a little guidance. Great job!