Many picture books feature young birds who refuse to fly, but Mark Teague's story takes this genre to new heights. The wordless narrative is filled with dialogue between a petulant robin fledgling and its patient mother, entertaining readers with their interactions.
The humor in the story arises from the contrast between Teague's elegant acrylic illustrations and the amusing parent-offspring exchanges captured in dialogue balloons. The mother bird's attempts to persuade her child to fly are met with comical alternatives like hot air balloons, hang gliders, and even superhero capes.
As the mother bird highlights the importance of flying for migration, Baby bird humorously suggests modes of travel like road trips on a bicycle, skateboard, or convertible. Eventually, Baby bird takes the leap to fly, understanding the real risks involved, leading to a heartwarming conclusion.
Mark Teague's masterful storytelling through illustrations and humor proves that a picture can convey a thousand words and endless laughs. This engaging tale is perfect for young readers up to 8 years old. Mark Teague is an award-winning author and illustrator known for his imaginative works like 'Fly!', 'King Kong’s Cousin', and 'How Do Dinosaurs...?' series.