Gold Pans and Iron Skillets is a collection of life lessons presented in a humorous, yet practical form. There are three main themes throughout this work. 1) Life is not as complicated as most folks believe. Teaching frugality is as simple as boning a fish. 2) There is a lesson in every experience. Often the journey is more valuable than the outcome. 3) One can find humor in any situation. A sense of humor may very well save one's sanity.

Gary is a little boy who loves to learn new things. Gary knows learning should be fun. In this story his awesome aunts help him learn to fish. The author, Carol, is a grandma. She likes writing, running, and publishing books with her grandchildren. This is her fifth book. The illustrator, Margaret, is seven years-old. She likes coloring, going to school, snow skiing and playing with her sister. This is her second book.