Just Flash

Tales of Midlandia

by Michael Scotto, Evette Gabriel (Illustrator), Dion Williams (Illustrator)

A part of a series of beautifully illustrated story collections designed to spark a child’s imagination, 2009’s Just Flash concerns the adventures of Flash, “A most unusual animal”, that combines the features of several kinds of animals into a blue and pink coat. He lives in the imaginary Midlandia, based on a typical small town, but filled with Midlandians. Flash visit’s the Midlandia zoo where other animals, more normal, pester and torment him because he is so different. The story helps small children to understand what it means to fit in with a group and the difficulties that can be encountered and overcome in trying to do so.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Michael Scotto has worked as a filmmaker, a saxophone player and an engineer's assistant, but his true passion has always been writing. He is the author of the "The Tales of Midlandia" picture book series, as well as the middle-grade novels, "Latasha and the Little Red Tornado," "Latasha and the Kidd on Keys," and "Postcards from Pismo." When not writing, he enjoys cooking and photography.

In 2011, Scotto was honored as one of the "Pittsburgh 40 Under 40," which recognizes difference makers in the Western Pennsylvania region. He currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As patrons visited Animal Land they often asked "What do you call that big blue whatsit?" The zookeeper answers "He's just Flash. No more, no less". Oh but how Flash wishes to be much more than that. He is lonely and stuck with no friends and no identity of who he belongs to. The other animals dont relate to him, and Flash feels down in the dumps. He tries to fit in with the giraffee, the zebras and even the gazelles.. but he is just Flash.


Michael Scotto writes a beautiful tale for children and adults alike on our uniqueness and our value based on that, rather than belonging to a group. I love how Michael writes books with a strong message for the readers and uses such fantastic characters from Midlandia. A childlike way to present a universal problem.. that of not fitting in. Self esteem needs to take route in childhood and authors like Michael Scotto do their part to help their young readers to find it through unique characters.


The Ink Circle is a creative group of illustrators that bring Flash and the other characters to life through their bright colors and eye for detail. I want a Flash in my animal herd!!

[Michael Scotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

If The Pirate Koostoe is my favorite among my picture books, Just Flash was probably the most fun to write. It was a great change of pace to write a non-verbal character, and I think the illustrations are wonderfully emotive. When I visit a school, this one is my favorite to read to pre-schoolers and kindergartners -- though the first and second graders enjoy the word play, too.

[Beth Smitherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

We loved this book. Very entertaining! Help Flash fit-in at the zoo, all he wants is to be loved.