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The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26- GenresPicture Books
48 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NorthSouth Books and Netgalley for the advance review copy. All opinions shared are 100% my own!
What a beautiful clever book! "The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan" by Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger is a new instant classic that would be a delightful addition to all children libraries. Somewhat reminiscent of the Little Prince! I'll tell you why.
I admit I picked it up not knowing anything about it other than the cover. I have two nieces who are obsessed with flying so I had to give this a try to see if it's something they'd be interested in. And let me tell you right now, I am sure they'd love it.
The story is very simple. Mr. Finnegan was born with the impressive ability to float and fly. He loved this ability and enjoyed the feeling that came with it. But the adults around him, concerned for his well-being, started to teach him to not give into the sensation. That he needs to stay grounded to be safe. And slowly, he not only lost his miracle but completely forgot he ever had it in the first place. Until one day, when he comes across little Matilda who still knows how to float and together they try to remind himself of what it felt like to have a light heart.
The illustrations are nostalgic and beautiful. Perfectly lighthearted and fitting for the story.
A beautiful story that teaches children to be true to themselves and how to overcome being overburdened by the expectations of others. But, in my opinion, it's a very powerful reminds to adults that sometimes one must look back to who they were before life pressures and society's expectations kicked in. An excellent read for both younger and young-at-heart readers.
You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
What a beautiful clever book! "The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan" by Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger is a new instant classic that would be a delightful addition to all children libraries. Somewhat reminiscent of the Little Prince! I'll tell you why.
I admit I picked it up not knowing anything about it other than the cover. I have two nieces who are obsessed with flying so I had to give this a try to see if it's something they'd be interested in. And let me tell you right now, I am sure they'd love it.
The story is very simple. Mr. Finnegan was born with the impressive ability to float and fly. He loved this ability and enjoyed the feeling that came with it. But the adults around him, concerned for his well-being, started to teach him to not give into the sensation. That he needs to stay grounded to be safe. And slowly, he not only lost his miracle but completely forgot he ever had it in the first place. Until one day, when he comes across little Matilda who still knows how to float and together they try to remind himself of what it felt like to have a light heart.
The illustrations are nostalgic and beautiful. Perfectly lighthearted and fitting for the story.
A beautiful story that teaches children to be true to themselves and how to overcome being overburdened by the expectations of others. But, in my opinion, it's a very powerful reminds to adults that sometimes one must look back to who they were before life pressures and society's expectations kicked in. An excellent read for both younger and young-at-heart readers.
You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an advanced reader copy (ARC) review. I obtained the book digitally from Netgalley.
The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan is a beautiful and thoughtful picture book with a title and visual style that would immediately make me pick it up at the library for my child. Those books are few and far between. I almost always have to flip through picture books before I choose them, but this one would have caught my attention right away. The illustrations were one of my favourite parts: expressive, memorable, and full of quiet feeling.
What I liked most is that this feels like a children’s book with more than one possible interpretation. The best picture books often work that way. They give children a story to follow, but they also leave adults with something to feel afterwards. This one felt simple on the surface, but emotionally much larger underneath. The parts that speak to grown-ups also feel open to many interpretations, which I think gives the book a wide emotional reach.
I found it surprisingly touching, to the point that it made me want to cry. It stirred a kind of longing in me, a feeling of missing something I cannot quite name, and I mean that as a compliment. Something about Mr. Finnegan reminded me of my own father when he first became a grandfather, and I also saw parts of my own thoughts and feelings reflected in the story. I cannot fully explain why it affected me the way it did, but it stayed with me.
All in all, this is a tender, unusual, and emotionally resonant picture book. I liked it enough that I think I will buy it when it is published.
The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan is a beautiful and thoughtful picture book with a title and visual style that would immediately make me pick it up at the library for my child. Those books are few and far between. I almost always have to flip through picture books before I choose them, but this one would have caught my attention right away. The illustrations were one of my favourite parts: expressive, memorable, and full of quiet feeling.
What I liked most is that this feels like a children’s book with more than one possible interpretation. The best picture books often work that way. They give children a story to follow, but they also leave adults with something to feel afterwards. This one felt simple on the surface, but emotionally much larger underneath. The parts that speak to grown-ups also feel open to many interpretations, which I think gives the book a wide emotional reach.
I found it surprisingly touching, to the point that it made me want to cry. It stirred a kind of longing in me, a feeling of missing something I cannot quite name, and I mean that as a compliment. Something about Mr. Finnegan reminded me of my own father when he first became a grandfather, and I also saw parts of my own thoughts and feelings reflected in the story. I cannot fully explain why it affected me the way it did, but it stayed with me.
All in all, this is a tender, unusual, and emotionally resonant picture book. I liked it enough that I think I will buy it when it is published.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Not long after he was born, baby Finnegan floated for the first time. No one was able to determine exactly why this was possible, and everyone tried to figure out a way to keep Finnegan on the ground. Weighed down by the items heaped upon him for this purpose, Finnegan finally experiences the sensation of having his feet firmly planted. But while everyone else is happy with this result, Finnegan can not help but feel that something is missing. And as time passes, it might take an unexpected visitor to help Finnegan rediscover both his identity and what brings him joy. This entertaining narrative picture book is layered with meaning. On the surface, readers enjoy the whimsical tale of a person who can inexplicably float through the air and must be anchored in order to keep from floating away. Beneath that is a metaphorical journey through life, where joy and lightness can sometimes be forgotten when societal pressures and the weight of expectations accumulate over time. No matter a reader's age, the story is entertaining thanks to its thoughtful, rich narrative and detailed, thought-provoking illustrations. Each page invites readers to investigate the images closely, discovering something new each time. Additionally, the narrative journey is well suited to preschool and early elementary school-aged readers who appreciate more complex storytelling. While there is some fluidity between Finnegan being the character’s first or last name, the overall design of the story is unaffected by this inconsistency. This is a charming addition to library storybook collections for young children and their caregivers.
June 16, 2026
The Fantastic Floating Mr Finnegan is such a beautiful and nostalgic story. From the very first pages, it has that soft, magical feeling that makes you want to slow down and really take in every detail. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and add so much warmth to the story. They make the book feel dreamy and magical.
What I loved most was the deeper meaning behind the story. Mr Finnegan’s floating is not just something magical, but also a symbol of being different. The story shows how easily we can forget parts of ourselves when the world around us tells us they are strange, unusual or not “normal”. Society often pushes people to adapt, to fit in and to stop doing the things that make them stand out.
This book reminds us that being different is not something to hide. It can be something beautiful, special and worth holding on to. It is a heartwarming story about individuality, acceptance and rediscovering the parts of yourself that you may have forgotten along the way.
A lovely and meaningful read, with beautiful drawings and a message that stays with you.
What I loved most was the deeper meaning behind the story. Mr Finnegan’s floating is not just something magical, but also a symbol of being different. The story shows how easily we can forget parts of ourselves when the world around us tells us they are strange, unusual or not “normal”. Society often pushes people to adapt, to fit in and to stop doing the things that make them stand out.
This book reminds us that being different is not something to hide. It can be something beautiful, special and worth holding on to. It is a heartwarming story about individuality, acceptance and rediscovering the parts of yourself that you may have forgotten along the way.
A lovely and meaningful read, with beautiful drawings and a message that stays with you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of ARC received from NetGalley.
A beautiful story for children and adults alike, with symbolism for changing ourselves to fit society’s mould. This was such a heartwarming read, with a great story and message told in such a fun way. I loved the analogy of floating to represent our true selves and our minds when not weighed down by others’ opinions. The illustrations were absolutely stunning and complemented the story perfectly. I would recommend this to anyone and I can see this becoming a modern children’s classic.
A beautiful story for children and adults alike, with symbolism for changing ourselves to fit society’s mould. This was such a heartwarming read, with a great story and message told in such a fun way. I loved the analogy of floating to represent our true selves and our minds when not weighed down by others’ opinions. The illustrations were absolutely stunning and complemented the story perfectly. I would recommend this to anyone and I can see this becoming a modern children’s classic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I adored this!
I actually want to buy a copy of this and keep it in our collection to read it to my son.
The art style of this was so gentle and soothing. Perfect for a bedtime story.
The story of this was also just so well done! It taught a lesson, but it didnt do it too heavy handedly. It let the reader decide what to take from the story.
I can honestly say this is one of the best children’s books Ive read in awhile. Definitely one of the best recently published that I’ve read!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy
I actually want to buy a copy of this and keep it in our collection to read it to my son.
The art style of this was so gentle and soothing. Perfect for a bedtime story.
The story of this was also just so well done! It taught a lesson, but it didnt do it too heavy handedly. It let the reader decide what to take from the story.
I can honestly say this is one of the best children’s books Ive read in awhile. Definitely one of the best recently published that I’ve read!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh man this is a good one! I enjoyed the flow of the narrative about this guy floats and forgot about it. It's an excellent metaphor for a great lesson it's trying to drive. I like how he rediscover it again with a help of a little girl. The artwork is amazing. It really captures that story and elevates it more.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews