Fly! by Mark Teague encourages young children to spread their wings through the calm and comical story of a tenacious baby bird.
Tired mama robin says her baby is old enough to fly. But baby, with a shock of feathers standing straight up on his head, is perfectly happy in the nest, eating worms delivered by his mother. Baby demands worms with increasing volume until he screams himself right out of the nest. Sitting in the grass, he envisions fantastical ideas for achieving flight—everything but the use of his own two wings.
In this wordless picture book, author/illustrator Teague masterfully balances humor and sincerity. He lets image-filled thought bubbles and charmingly illustrated bird facial expressions guide the narration. This inviting and interactive book makes the most of every page with soft, colorful illustrations. In a unique twist, a few two-page spreads compel the reader to turn the book vertically, physically engaging the reader in the baby bird’s journey.
Readers will laugh out loud at baby’s innovative migration ideas (which include a pogo stick and a shiny red convertible) and mama robin’s increasing exasperation. Familiar, funny and sincere, Fly! gently encourages children to grow and learn. Perhaps the best part of trying new things is having a warm, safe place to land at the end of the day.
