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The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan

Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26
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48 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 22, 2026

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Rebecca Gugger

13 books6 followers

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for MoonlightCupOfCocoa.
249 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 15, 2026
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)
Profile Image for Veronica.
34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 17, 2026
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.
Author 1 book95 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 24, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books249 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 30, 2026
Highs and lows accompany a floating dream, which some call a miracle and other call a problem.

Finnegan was born with the ability to float. Just over the floor or swirling between the clouds, his feet never touched the ground. While he loved the freedom to soar through the air, others around him expressed more and more concern the older he grew. Worries about him hitting an airplane or accidentally being blown away by the end mounted until it was decided that he needed to be weighed down on the ground. But weight carries a power deeper than first appears.

Taking a dream so many kids have (and even a few adults), this tale immediately invites listeners in. Finnegan's joy for floating radiates freedom and joy, while adding a dose of fun fantasy. Just as emotions hit high, criticism brings everything low...a bit like the plot itself. It's a little bittersweet but the humor and ending twist to draw a huge smile. So, there's a lot on the emotional end. All along, the illustrations add in humor. Even when the plot grows heavier, the details in the scene add subtle lightness. It creates a meaningful read while letting imagination play its magic, too.

This makes a lovely read aloud and can be picked up by readers, who are sure of their words. The text keeps a little distance as it tells the tale, while the illustrations invite the magic in. It fits well especially with the mid and upper range of the intended age group.
Profile Image for Julianne Harkleroad.
529 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 15, 2026
A silly, yet surprisingly poignant metaphor for people who are "different". My heart breaks for Mr. Finnegan and the life he lost trying to fit in and meet other's expectations for how his life should look. Love the shoutout to the wonderful book Matilda, and the liberation she brought Mr. Finnegan.

This story reminds me of the viral story in May of an influencer couple who decided to abort their baby for fears he had down syndrome. That baby would have been happier every day of his life than I have ever been. As a child, Finnegan floats above the noise and minutiae of daily life, often finding different ways of accomplishing his goals, enjoying the ride and view along the way.

As a caregiver to a quadriplegic, I saw firsthand that what society deems as the "right way" isn't always the best way for differently skilled individuals. Forcing them to perform in one specific way can mean they aren't able to accomplish the task at all.

As someone who struggles with depression, I wonder how this book can apply to my own life. I've been saddled with baggage too heavy to carry and still live in any lighthearted way. I, too, feel as though I've lost the instruction manual to feeling joy and freedom. What hope Gugger gives for healing and renewal!

Thank you to NorthSouth Books Inc. and NetGalley for this beautiful ARC!
Profile Image for Zainab Alhaitham.
211 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 20, 2026
​Thank you so much to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! ✨💓


​"Actually, I think I always could. I had just forgotten what it feels like to be lighthearted. Maybe floating is simply the opposite of holding on tight."


​This is a beautiful story of lightheartedness, letting go, and the joy of staying true to who we are. It serves as a very powerful reminder to adults that sometimes, one must look back to who they were before life's pressures and society's expectations kicked in, remembering what it truly feels like to have a light heart.

​No matter a reader's age, the story is thoroughly entertaining thanks to its thoughtful, rich narrative and detailed, thought-provoking illustrations.

Speaking of the artwork, the illustrations are nostalgic, beautiful, and perfectly lighthearted—making them a wonderful fit for the story.

​Additionally, the narrative journey is well-suited to preschool and early elementary school-aged readers who appreciate more complex storytelling.

It is truly an excellent read for both younger and young-at-heart readers, making it a charming addition to library storybook collections for young children and their caregivers.
Profile Image for MaKaylasJoys.
101 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 30, 2026
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley. In short, this story is about a boy, Finnegan, who is born with the ability to float. And as you can imagine, this caused stress for his parents and others around him. Finnegan is the only person with this ability, and as he got older, he did not care that he was different. People were baffled by this ability; no answers could be found, and thus his ability to 'float' was deemed unsafe. People began to physically weigh him down, until he no longer could float, and even forgot he had the ability to do so. Until one day, he met a little girl who re-taught him to float, and he was able to let go of the expectations of others had placed on him.

First off, I actually got totally distracted by the illustrations of this book and had to re-read many of the passages. The art style is very unique and beautifully colored. The message of this story, is 'being different is okay'; and not to let others tell you how you should be, even if you make them uncomfortable.

I am pregnant with my first baby; although this book will be a little too advanced for a newborn when it is published, this book will definitely be on my baby book list.
Profile Image for Steffi.
23 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Melanie Green.
237 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan tells the story of a man who unexpectedly begins floating higher and higher off the ground, leaving the people around him scrambling to figure out what to do. The premise is wonderfully imaginative, but what I liked most was how the story never lost its sense of warmth. My boys were completely fascinated by the idea of someone drifting through the sky, and they kept wondering how Mr. Finnegan would ever make it back down.

The illustrations are every bit as playful as the story itself, with lots of little details that gave us something new to notice each time we turned the page. As a homeschool mom, I love books that start with a silly idea but naturally lead to bigger conversations. After we finished, we found ourselves talking about friendship, helping others, and how communities come together when someone needs them. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing my family with a free advance review copy.
Profile Image for Pam.
10.3k reviews60 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 30, 2026
I received an electronic ARC from NorthSouth Books Inc. through NetGalley.
Gugger offers readers a chance to use their imagination and float along with Finnegan. He was born with the ability to float and this unnerved his parents. They did everything to keep him anchored and safe. Readers see experts attempt to solve this dilemma with no success. Eventually, all those around him weigh him down with all sorts of items. Sadly, he ends up as an old man who no longer can float until a young girl floats by him. Together, they figure out how to help him float again.
I love the message to keep from weighing ourselves down with what the world expects.
This book can be read as a simple light story, or an opening for dialogue about following dreams and passions.
Profile Image for Julie  Ditton.
2,225 reviews111 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 26, 2026
The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan is fabulous. This lovely story about a youngster who could float in the air and was convinced it was dangerous is a thoughtful allegory about being true to yourself and cherishing what is unique. Floating is wrong, "You need to stay grounded". Eventually he conformed and even forgot that he was once special. It is only the kindness of a youngster who floats that reminded him of who he was. The beautiful pictures make the reader wish that they could float too like Matilda and Mr. Finnegan. I read this with preschooler who loved the happy ending. This book is a great discussion starter about treasuring whatever makes you special. It is great for the young and young at heart.
Profile Image for Em’s Library.
21 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 19, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Charity (Charity's Library).
446 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 23, 2026
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
Profile Image for Katie N.
199 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 28, 2026
This book was fantastic! It was wondrous and fun. I loved the messages in this book. It’s so important for children to celebrate the differences in people. It’s also good not to hold onto heavy feelings and let them go. I read this with my 4 year old and she loved it! I asked what her favorite thing about this book was and she said the library and the fish. Safe to say she enjoyed the illustrations! I thought the pictures were super fun and really cute. I will definitely be reading this to my preschool class because I love the messages in this book!
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,069 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 5, 2026
I would like to thank NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for a free eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely book about living your best life without worring about what others think. This is a perfect book for older kids that feel pressure or that are feeling sad. A way to talk about things that weigh you down and how to let go of that burden.

I thought the art was wonderfully whimsical with a look of color pencil giving it a soft touch and a connection to the story. I would suggest this book for older children (4-6)
Profile Image for LearningWhereWeRoam.
81 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 30, 2026
The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan was such a whimsical and imaginative read. My kids were completely drawn into the story and loved following along with Mr. Finnegan’s floating adventure. The illustrations are gorgeous and really bring the dreamy, magical feel of the book to life. It sparked a lot of questions and giggles as we read, and it felt like a story we could easily revisit again and again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Profile Image for S.A. Krishnan.
Author 31 books245 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 6, 2026
Beautiful delightful book
The story is simple and profound at the same time where Finnegan tries to forget his childhood magic. It was especially hard as Finnegan himself made sure that he was grounded just so that he could fit in. The illustrations were wonderful and it was beautiful to see Mr. Finnegan re-learn to fly with Matilda’s help.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.
https://ok-readingcorner.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Chrissy.
980 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 17, 2026
Mr. Finnegan and his sidekick Matilda rediscover his hidden talent of floating after years of being told that not floating would make everything easier. The story is written and translated well, and the point comes across with grace but without an awkward thump. The illustrations aren't quite to my taste, but the sketchiness and loose lines work well with a story about flying and feeling your way.
Profile Image for Nitoy Gonzales.
785 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 16, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Adria Goetz.
313 reviews43 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 31, 2026
Oh I love this book so much!! And I love all of the different lenses you could read this book through. There are so many things that family or society will force us to suppress or push aside, always stemming from fear and worry, not realizing the suppression will cause more harm than good. <3 Gorgeous illustrations as well!
Profile Image for Maddie.
135 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 4, 2026
5/5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I loved the message behind this book. The weight of responsibilities and everything the world beats down on us that removes our childlike wonder can only be fully removed if you let it. My child loved it as well!
Profile Image for Danielle Mccoy.
2,569 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 14, 2026
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

A cute concept of a floating baby who grows up to not remember floating after being weight down for so long. And the little floating girl who helps bring back his lightheartedness.
Profile Image for Anna.
277 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 21, 2026
I received an advance copy from NetGalley for my honest review.

Oh my word. I LOVED this book. The concept, oh I felt it. I was so happy he remembered hwo to float again. I will most definitely be rereading this book.
Profile Image for Christy Anders.
57 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 29, 2026
The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan is a delightful story that reminds the reader the importance of staying true to yourself. It is fun and whimsical storyline that still has a great message that we shouldn't weigh ourselves down with the opinions of others and stay to our child like cares.
Profile Image for Claire Sylvestre.
225 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 28, 2026
What a cute, lighthearted and funny story!

Really enjoyed the story of the Fantastic Floating Mr. Fennigan.

It is an original concept to meet someone who can float around since he was a baby.

As he grows older, he’s being convinced that it’s dangerous to just float around so je stops until he meets someone else who can float around too.

Love the original story and the illustrations.

I’m happy to recommend this book to young readers.

Thank you NetGalley and North South Books for this ARC.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews