Little Puffin's First Flight

by Jonathan London, Jon Van Zyle (Illustrations)

Follows a family of puffins from the time the parents greet one another off the coast of Alaska and prepare to raise a family, through the care of their fragile egg and ravenous chick, to Little Puffin's first flight across and into the sea. Includes facts about puffins.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2015

About the author

Jonathan London is the author of several celebrated children's books. His commitment to honoring the wonders of the natural world has been lauded by readers and critics alike. He is the author of more than 70 children's books, many of which are about nature. He's also the author of the popular Froggy series. He lives in Graton, California with his wife and two sons.

Reviews

[James Potts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very cool book to read. It shows how a puffin bird lives. The story begins by showing a mother and her egg. Then the egg hatches. Following this, it shows how the mother puffin takes care of her young. It shows her going out and getting food for her babies by diving deep into the cold ocean. This story was very cute and I enjoyed seeing and reading about the baby puffins first take off, but I did not enjoy reading this. It did not have a solid plot. The illustrations were okay. I did not like this book as much as I thought. I do not think this will be in my classroom library.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

London Odyssey #68
This is London at his best, taking what could be dry facts about a Puffin from birth to first flight, and making it interesting and engaging, matched with some great illustrations, this is a great way for the younger reader to learn about this bird and be entertained.
I could see younger readers going through this multiple time, and sparking a love for animals and our natural world.
It would be good to combine this with discussions on hot to protect and look after our world.

[Esutterlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story for preschoolers or young primary students about horned puffins who live in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean is followed by two pages with more scientific facts about these birds.
I would use in a storytime about Arctic wildlife or about different birds.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine, but not a keeper. The text and pictures are fine but not exceptional. Good for an older child who is into birds.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poetically told non-fiction book talks about the lives of puffins, from birth to their first flight. Pictures show real puffins. It's a good book for animal lovers and bird fans!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently traveling to Alaska, it now seems a tragedy that a sighting of horned puffins never occurred. This beautiful narrative non-fiction book told in Jonathan London's capable voice, gives a description of the life of a young horned puffin from egg to his first flight, carefully reared by his nurturing parents. The story is meticulously told, "Dressed in her life jacket of carefully fluffed feathers, Mother Puffin bobs like a cork in the icy cold ocean." The handsomely painted double spread illustrations are enlarged giving the viewer a very personal peek at the life of these intriguing birds, able to dive deep down in the water as well as fly. It is enlightening to learn the illustrator is Alaskan, and joyously shares the beauty of his countryside with the reader. A gorgeous title that gives lots of information told through lively text and breathtaking pictures. The Author's note in the back gives a realistic summary of these birds with a warning that their population is diminishing because of pollution. A lovely title for every elementary library.

[Christy McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Puffin's First Flight takes place off the coast of Alaska. In this story we follow along as a new family of puffins raises its children and teaches them the steps of what to do. The most important being, flying. Once the puffin is able to complete his flight, he will stay at sea as he grows. Jonathan London works as though he is entertaining and informing. The puffins learn the tricks of survival and how to grow on their own. The illustrations of the stories show in much detail the life of the puffins as you would see it if you were actually there. The almost life-like artwork gives the reader the ability to see it as real, and not only as a cartoon. This story could be great for a science class, learning about life, or even in a class in which a story is being told.

[Natalie Lacich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes you through the life of a puffin. We are first introduced to the baby puffin while his egg hatches. His parents care for him and watch him grow up. The little puffin then has to fly on his own through Alaska. The puffin is then shown meeting his mate preparing to care for his little puffin. This book was very educational for anyone wanting to learn more about puffins and how they survive and act in the wild.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and informative. The text is not too hard and not too simple for the kiddos, and the pictures and story work together perfectly. The note at the back is also very interesting - the fact that a baby puffin is called a "puffling" is about the most adorable thing I've ever heard!

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bookaday #149. Short, easy to read story about life of a puffin goes full circle, from his parents meeting, to egg, to looking for his own mate. While I wait to see puffins in the wild, I can enjoy reading about them! I love puffins!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My seven-year-old son has recently developed an obsession with puffins, so he checked this book out from the library.

The illustrations and the layout for this book are stunning. The text is good, although slightly on the factual, dry side.

[Madelaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is beautifully illustrated and informative.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

about the matting, birth and raising of a little puffin bird. Cute if your really into puffins and lots of nonfiction.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Educational story and competent illustrations but a bit dull.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute

[Bookjeannnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this almost non-fiction book we learn about the horned puffins...what a life they lead! Be sure to read the info in the back! LOVED IT!!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and attractive narrative of a puffin's life.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully-illustrated informational picture book about horned puffins off the coast of Alaska.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice illustrations, but a little boring. For animal lovers who are a little older.