Reviewed by: Chris Singer
About the author/illustrator:
Kevin Luthardt is the author and illustrator of five children’s picture books: Mine! (Simon and Schuster—Atheneum), Peep! (Peachtree), Larabee (Peachtree), Hats! (Albert Whitman), and You’re Weird! (Dial). He is also the illustrator of the picture book Zoom! (Peachtree, written by Diane Adams). He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (www.scbwi-illinois.org, http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/Luthardt.html).
His original illustrations are represented by Storyopolis in Los Angeles and his other paintings and drawings are represented by Mars Gallery in Chicago. He is also a muralist creating large-scale mural projects for schools, libraries, and other venues. Kevin is active in using his work to teach and inspire students of all ages. He has spoken at over 250 schools, libraries, and conferences.
About the book:
A simple question posed by an inquisitive young boy triggers a playful exchange between father and son. An answer leads to another question and then another and another, until the father surrenders and happily joins his son in an imaginative flight of fancy.
My take on the book:
I haven't been a father that long, but in these past 21 months I've tried to really appreciate the small things. Kevin Luthardt's book Flying is about one of those small things all kids do: ask the question why. At the time a parent is going through this phase it probably drives them crazy, but when it's long past I imagine they may miss it quite a bit.
This is a really simple story, which is maybe one reason I loved it so much. I couldn't help but be struck by the beauty of the bold-colored illustrations and the similar beauty of the relationship between the father and the son. The father was very loving and patient when asked question after question by his young son after reading a story about birds. Now, the boy is wondering why he can't fly. Finally his dad indulges the boy and "flies" him around and around.
The story shows the special kind of imaginative horseplay which often takes place between a father and son or father and daughter for that matter. This is a terrific book showing the simple beauty in a father-son relationship. As I mentioned earlier in the review, sometimes those simple things will be the things we miss the most as our kids get older.
Isn't it strange how we are already feeling that apprehension... how things will be different when our kids grow up? We won't be able to hug them every time we want, or "tickle them into submission"...
Bravo for appreciating the little things with Tessa!
Yes, this is the most magical time and soon the questions will be coming as a torrent.
We must always give our kids answers when they ask us - even if it is a million times per day.
One teaches respect if one shows it.
Keep teaching your kids to fly!
I love the fact that this book captures this very feeling, this most magical moment of fatherhood.
Read Aloud Dad
Great point RAD. I saw a review which said this book was nothing special and couldn't disagree more. Sometimes reviewers miss the subtle yet simple messages in children's books as if they're expecting everything to be super flashy and "Nickolodeonesque." Sometimes so much more is said with less. That's the beauty of this book in my opinion.