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Zephyr Takes Flight
Soar along on a clever girl’s flight of fancy in a whimsical ode to free spirits, inventiveness, and flying pigs.
Zephyr is a girl who loves airplanes. She draws pictures of them, makes them out of paper, builds them out of junk, and hopes one day to fly one of her own. But when Gramma, Daddy, and Mom are too busy to play airplane with her, Zephyr’s excess enthusiasm gets her sent to her room — where she discovers a secret door that leads to the most wondrous place she’s ever seen! Lovers of flying machines and gadgets, along with adventurers of all kinds, will be buoyed by this lighthearted tale of a little girl who finds her wings.
Zephyr is a girl who loves airplanes. She draws pictures of them, makes them out of paper, builds them out of junk, and hopes one day to fly one of her own. But when Gramma, Daddy, and Mom are too busy to play airplane with her, Zephyr’s excess enthusiasm gets her sent to her room — where she discovers a secret door that leads to the most wondrous place she’s ever seen! Lovers of flying machines and gadgets, along with adventurers of all kinds, will be buoyed by this lighthearted tale of a little girl who finds her wings.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2012
120 people want to read
About the author
Steve Light
44 books61 followersSteve Light grew up in an enchanted place known as New Jersey. He went on to study Illustration at Pratt Institute, he also studied with Dave Passalacqua. Upon graduating he did some corporate illustrations for companies such as: AT&T, Sony Films, and the New York Times Book Review. Steve Light then went on to design buttons that were acquired by the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum. He has since published several children’s books with various publishers. He has read and told stories all over including The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and The Milwaukee Museum of Art.
Steve loves to draw. He draws everyday whether it is drawing in his sketchbook or on fancy paper for an illustration. Steve loves fountain pens and collects these ancient artifacts in order to draw with them. He also loves making things. Steve usually makes things like sculptures and toys out of wood. Steve loves sharing his art and stories with children.
Steve loves to draw. He draws everyday whether it is drawing in his sketchbook or on fancy paper for an illustration. Steve loves fountain pens and collects these ancient artifacts in order to draw with them. He also loves making things. Steve usually makes things like sculptures and toys out of wood. Steve loves sharing his art and stories with children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 23, 2022
Charming story about the power of a child’s imagination. The collection of zephyrs and other vintage aviation paraphernalia is delightful.
December 4, 2019
Zephyr loved airplanes of all kinds, whether paper or real. When her passion landed her in hot water at home, after a paper airplane launch caused chaos in the living room, she was sent to her bedroom in disgrace. Discovering a mysterious door behind her bureau, she walked into a magical alternative world, one containing an amazing airplane design studio, the bright blue skies in which to fly a real plane, and a far-off land with winged pigs. An amazing adventure ensued (naturally), before Zephyr finally decided it was time to return home...
An entertaining tale of a girl who followed her passion and experienced an out-of-this-world adventure, Zephyr Takes Flight reminded me both of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are , with its tale of a child sent to their room in disgrace, only to escape into a land of imagination (or is it?), and of Aaron Becker's wordless picture-book trilogy, beginning with Journey , which likewise follows a child as they use their imagination while stepping through a door into another world. Zephyr is an engaging heroine, and her story, as told through both text and illustrations, is quite appealing. I really enjoyed Steve Light's artwork here, and think it ably captured the whimsy of his text. Recommended to all young would-be aviators, and to anyone looking for children's stories about using one's imagination, and having exciting adventures as a result.
An entertaining tale of a girl who followed her passion and experienced an out-of-this-world adventure, Zephyr Takes Flight reminded me both of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are , with its tale of a child sent to their room in disgrace, only to escape into a land of imagination (or is it?), and of Aaron Becker's wordless picture-book trilogy, beginning with Journey , which likewise follows a child as they use their imagination while stepping through a door into another world. Zephyr is an engaging heroine, and her story, as told through both text and illustrations, is quite appealing. I really enjoyed Steve Light's artwork here, and think it ably captured the whimsy of his text. Recommended to all young would-be aviators, and to anyone looking for children's stories about using one's imagination, and having exciting adventures as a result.
July 26, 2018
My four year old is quite taken with this book. The first time we read it and came to the final page her little voice said "Oh, read it again mommy! Please!". That first sitting included four readings of the book so I think it's safe to say that it is a hit at our house.
July 17, 2019
I like this book because she takes flight and she visits an imaginary world with flying pigs in the distance?
November 23, 2012
Read more of my reviews at Dazzling Reads
Zephyr Takes Flight is such an enjoyable ride! In only 40 pages, the author captured a whole rich adventure that children will love to discover.
Zephyr is a girl who loves planes. Her bedroom is full of pictures of them (she loves to draw them too!), plane toys, paper planes, etc! Zephyrs also also dreams of one day being able to fly on her own. But little she knows that a magic little door in her own room could make her wish come true.
Two different worlds and many charming characters are introduced in this book that children will certainly enjoy. In addition, Steve Light's use of ink, prismacolor and pastels, deliver a colorful and detailed illustrated world that wonderfully supports every moment of Zephyr's tale.
With an exiting adventure, wonderful illustration, and a beautiful sweet message, Zephyr Takes Flight is an excellent picture book that I gladly recommend. Children will love it! (and adults too!)
May 20, 2013
Picture book fantasy adventure--not a common genre. Zephyr is an active, imaginative little girl who really longs to fly. A mysterious door leads her to a place where she can do just that. This book gives new meaning to the expression "when pigs fly." The whimsical illustrations, done in pen and ink colored with PanPastels and Prismacolor colored pencils, are full of detail. I love it when the publisher (in this case, Candlewick)includes information about the illustrations!
December 5, 2012
Maybe it is because I am an airplane nut, but I loved this book. The endpapers were very intriguing, and I was in love with the book from the first page. The story wasn't as great as the illustrations, which are both simple and very complex at the same time. I hope this book gets the attention it deserves.
November 1, 2020
The trend for supporting "girl maker" books seems to have missed this one? Don't know why. The drawings in this book are exquisite, from Zephyr herself to the blueprints and flying machines she finds through a secret door behind her dresser. The story is simple but it doesn't need to be any more complicated. It's just perfect, and Zephyr is one clever little cookie.
April 19, 2016
Amazing art. Interesting theme. Imaginative. Love the action in the art, the adorable flying pigs, and the spunky heroine.
May 29, 2021
An aspiring spunky pilot Zephyr, who can't get any busy adults to play airplane with her, discovers a hidden doorway to a room full of flying machines. She pilots a fantastical machine named the FS Bessie to a fantastical place inhabited by flying pigs - except for one, who she helps. Love that dad is wearing a flying pig apron in the beginning, and the repetition of "triple loop-de-loop spectacular".
October 12, 2017
This book follows Zephyr on an adventure of flight after she finds a secret door which leads to a wondrous place: a warehouse of planes and maps and materials for flying. She takes advantage of this opportunity and flies, until she isn't able to anymore. But with the help of some flying pigs (one of which she helps to find his wings) she is able to fly back home and reunite with with her family. I am a huge fan of this book's spirit of wonder and adventure.
May 29, 2017
Zephyr, a little aviation enthusiast, discovers a secret hangar while in time out. Her imagination flies her to a land of flying pigs, where she invents wings for one flightless little piglet. Her friend helps her problem solve in turn. Zephyr makes up with her parents and eats pancakes.
November 19, 2018
This is adorable, imagination-driven, and full of flying machines/ planes! But the conclusion fell a little flat for me, and the prose got clunky at times.
July 1, 2021
Whimsical, charming.
October 15, 2024
3.5 Love Steve Light's gestural strokes!
October 29, 2012
I loved the illustrations in this! The story is about a girl who loves planes. In a Where the Wild Things Are-ish plot, Zephyr gets in trouble and is sent to her room (there's a funny wordless set of panels where she even has to relinquish her gum as punishment). Then she finds a secret little door that leads to her fantasy come true...a hangar full of flying machines! She flies an especially interesting looking plane, crash lands, and spies some highly improbable creatures through her binoculars. After a brief adventure with the improbable creatures, Zephyr makes it home in time for breakfast.
May 21, 2016
Soar along on a clever girl's flight of fancy in a whimsical ode to free spirits, inventiveness, and flying pigs.
Zephyr is a girl who loves airplanes. She draws pictures of them, makes them out of paper, builds them out of junk, and hopes one day to fly one of her own. But when Gramma, Daddy, and Mom are too busy to play airplane with her, Zephyr's excess enthusiasm gets her sent to her room -- where she discovers a secret door that leads to the most wondrous place she's ever seen! Lovers of flying machines and gadgets, along with adventurers of all kinds, will be buoyed by this lighthearted tale of a little girl who finds her wings.
Notes
Steve Light is the author-illustrator of many books for children, including The Christmas Giant. He lives in New York City.
Zephyr is a girl who loves airplanes. She draws pictures of them, makes them out of paper, builds them out of junk, and hopes one day to fly one of her own. But when Gramma, Daddy, and Mom are too busy to play airplane with her, Zephyr's excess enthusiasm gets her sent to her room -- where she discovers a secret door that leads to the most wondrous place she's ever seen! Lovers of flying machines and gadgets, along with adventurers of all kinds, will be buoyed by this lighthearted tale of a little girl who finds her wings.
Notes
Steve Light is the author-illustrator of many books for children, including The Christmas Giant. He lives in New York City.
October 19, 2012
4.5 stars
This is such a great story about imagination, adventure and fun. Zephyr is one of those enjoyable characters who often spends time pretending she's flying an airplane, or is drawing airplanes or building them out of something. I loved how she uses her imagination to play, and entertain herself. To help bring Zephyr's unforgettable adventure to life are some fabulous illustrations. Aside from the story, the illustrations really engaged my kids with the story, and we found ourself looking back over the illustrations when they were done. This is a fabulous picture book to have for kids of all ages.
This is such a great story about imagination, adventure and fun. Zephyr is one of those enjoyable characters who often spends time pretending she's flying an airplane, or is drawing airplanes or building them out of something. I loved how she uses her imagination to play, and entertain herself. To help bring Zephyr's unforgettable adventure to life are some fabulous illustrations. Aside from the story, the illustrations really engaged my kids with the story, and we found ourself looking back over the illustrations when they were done. This is a fabulous picture book to have for kids of all ages.
April 29, 2013
The illustrations are beautiful, and woodcut-like. I was impressed that the dad was shown cooking, the mom was shown fixing or painting a chair, and the main character - a girl named Zephyr - was so passionate about airplanes. These roles were not presented as unusual, which was refreshing. The flying pigs were a bit of a non sequitur, but I guess sometimes imagination is like that.
My almost-three year old claimed this was boring after we read it, but he was pretty riveted.
My almost-three year old claimed this was boring after we read it, but he was pretty riveted.
December 1, 2012
I enjoyed the details in the illustrations, especially all the flying pigs in the pages before Zephyr's adventure happens. I also appreciated the non-traditional/stereotypical gender roles of the mom and dad (dad cooking in the kitchen in a long apron covered in flying pigs, and mom doing woodworking at a shop table).
December 18, 2012
This story reminds me of "Where the wild things are". A kid does something bad, is sent to their room, and has an adventure. Upon the return, food awaits.
But this book is great. The little girl Zephyr is mad about planes, and destroys half the living room through her 'loop-de-loops'. I will say no more, but I also really liked the flying pigs.
But this book is great. The little girl Zephyr is mad about planes, and destroys half the living room through her 'loop-de-loops'. I will say no more, but I also really liked the flying pigs.
April 9, 2013
This reminded me of Where the Wild Things Are. The major difference being that Zephyr (which is an awesome name) has an interest in flying, so her alternate world is filled with planes and flying pigs rather than wild things. I like it better. If you've never read this book or if you hankering for an alternative to gnashing teeth and terribly roars, pick up this book. You won't regret it.
April 2, 2013
Lots of playing against expectations- mom's a carpenter, dad's the cook, and pigs fly- all while an exuberant little girl pursues her dream to fly. The ending was a bit flat, but overall the images, language, and story are lively and fun.
August 25, 2013
Loved this. Loved the illustrations. Loved Zephyr who is deeply interested in something that is not a traditionally feminine activity. A great book for boys, especially those who aren't interested in "girl books" and for all girls.
July 7, 2015
This day's story time in the park read. The illustrations looked great but we couldn't see them in detail so I look forward to looking at them later. A fun story of a girl who loves airplanes/flying finding a secret door in her house.
July 2, 2012
With mix of panels and full page spreads this adventure story should appeal to girls and boys. It's an Ameila Ehrehart meets Skippy-Jon Jones story of fanciful flight, dreams and ambition.
September 25, 2012
Zephyr is obsessed with planes and her interest leads to an amazing adventure.
September 28, 2012
Like the imagination aspect, but I'm just not sure what the context is here, the adventure just seems to out of place to connect it back to the real world.
October 17, 2012
My kind of adventure story! Awesome illustrations.
November 2, 2012
: A little girl who loves planes is sent to her bedroom for doing a loop-de-loop off the couch and finds a secret door leading to room with real flying machines, and she sets off on an adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews