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Flutter, Flap, Fly!
Teo rides on Papi’s shoulders to the playground, wishing he could soar and swoop like the birds above. He pretends to be a bird, fluttering his arms like one splashing in a puddle. Soon, his favorite playground structure transforms into a big tree as new playmates take little Teo under their wing, and together they peck, hop, and fly, giving Teo the courage to soar and swoop like the birds.
Flutter, Flap, Fly! is a joyful story that models language development through pretend play inspired by observing the natural world on the playground. The latest addition to the Small Talk Books® series, this book includes a note for caregivers by early literacy expert Dr. Kori Bardige.
Small Talk Books® are playful stories featuring a young child and an adult having fun while engaging in rich conversation. They also model simple, research-based ways for adults to build children’s early language. Several titles in the series also support early math development. All of the books come with a supporting note from an early childhood expert.
Flutter, Flap, Fly! is a joyful story that models language development through pretend play inspired by observing the natural world on the playground. The latest addition to the Small Talk Books® series, this book includes a note for caregivers by early literacy expert Dr. Kori Bardige.
Small Talk Books® are playful stories featuring a young child and an adult having fun while engaging in rich conversation. They also model simple, research-based ways for adults to build children’s early language. Several titles in the series also support early math development. All of the books come with a supporting note from an early childhood expert.
24 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a really sweet picture book that celebrates imagination, curiosity, and making new friends.
I loved how Teo's observations of the birds turned into imaginative play at the playground. It's a great reminder that some of the best adventures kids can have come from simply using their imagination. The relationship between Teo and his Papi was heartwarming, and I enjoyed seeing how their conversation encouraged Teo to explore and interact with the other children.
The illustrations were colorful, engaging, and paired nicely with the story. This is a quick read, making it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers with shorter attention spans.
I could definitely see this being a fun book to read aloud while encouraging little ones to flap their arms, hop like birds, and join in the story. It also opens the door to conversations about birds, nature, and pretend play.
Overall, this is a cute addition to any young child's bookshelf. If you're looking for a simple story that encourages creativity, friendship, and spending time outdoors, this one is worth picking up.
I loved how Teo's observations of the birds turned into imaginative play at the playground. It's a great reminder that some of the best adventures kids can have come from simply using their imagination. The relationship between Teo and his Papi was heartwarming, and I enjoyed seeing how their conversation encouraged Teo to explore and interact with the other children.
The illustrations were colorful, engaging, and paired nicely with the story. This is a quick read, making it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers with shorter attention spans.
I could definitely see this being a fun book to read aloud while encouraging little ones to flap their arms, hop like birds, and join in the story. It also opens the door to conversations about birds, nature, and pretend play.
Overall, this is a cute addition to any young child's bookshelf. If you're looking for a simple story that encourages creativity, friendship, and spending time outdoors, this one is worth picking up.
September 17, 2026
4 stars — A joyful celebration of a father-son bond
Flutter, Flap, Fly! by Ellen Mayer, illustrated by Estelle Corke, has some lovely illustrations that bring the story to life. It's well written and easy to follow.
I liked the bond between Teo and his dad at the heart of the story, and how the book encourages participation, drawing young readers into the fun. The note for parents and caregivers at the end was a great addition too, including the point that the more you talk to younger children, the faster their language grows.
A joyful, engaging read. 4 stars
Flutter, Flap, Fly! by Ellen Mayer, illustrated by Estelle Corke, has some lovely illustrations that bring the story to life. It's well written and easy to follow.
I liked the bond between Teo and his dad at the heart of the story, and how the book encourages participation, drawing young readers into the fun. The note for parents and caregivers at the end was a great addition too, including the point that the more you talk to younger children, the faster their language grows.
A joyful, engaging read. 4 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
LGBTQ, Multicultural. Very very simple and short. Mayer means to convey the significance of onomatopoeia in speaking and playing with small children, but falls short in execution- both in examples and explanation at the end of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Flutter, Flap, Fly! (Hardcover)
by Ellen Mayer (Goodreads Author)
Little boy notices the behaviors of the birds in his neighborhood. He teaches his new friends about the birds behaviors.
A cute sciences story good for my first grade bird class research.
by Ellen Mayer (Goodreads Author)
Little boy notices the behaviors of the birds in his neighborhood. He teaches his new friends about the birds behaviors.
A cute sciences story good for my first grade bird class research.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
This picture book that wonderfully shows children's imaginations and how adults can encourage those imaginations is beautifully illustrated and written.
This picture book that wonderfully shows children's imaginations and how adults can encourage those imaginations is beautifully illustrated and written.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pretend play is so important developmentally for kids. Using their imagination to create scenarios with other kids and adults alike is crucial. It helps problem solve, make friends, helps to exercise your brain and many other areas of both language development and more. The illustrations were very nicely done.
October 14, 2026
Another hit read-aloud for little listeners by this author, who clearly understands the minds and hearts of young children and their caretakers. Emotionally satisfying and rich in new vocabulary.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews