Why Can't I Fly?

by Rita Golden Gelman, Jack Kent

Determined to learn how to fly, Minnie the monkey asks advice from birds, a ladybug, and a butterfly

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a monkey who wants to fly. But not just any monkey, this monkey wears a medallion, a large, flowered hat, and white cowboy boots. Anyway she tries a number of different ways to fly, solicits help from her friends and never gives up. Even when she flops. A lot. And in the end she succeeds, even though the way she flies may not have been the way she envisioned when she began.

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

There seems to be much disagreement over what it takes to get a monkey airborne, but much experimentation helps determine that we get by can fly with a little help from our friends.



With cute illustrations by Jack Kent.

[Tym · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Minnie can’t fly, but why oh why?

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why Can't I Fly? (Paperback) by Rita Golden Gelman, Illustrator -Jack Kent, Hindi language translation by Aravinda Gupta- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of Monkey named Mimmie. She is lively. She wears a medallion, a large, flowered hat, and white cowboy boots. Mimmie can jump on tree branches, hang to tress but she is unable to fly like her friends. First, her winged friend finds that Mimmie is wearing cowboy boots, if she takes them out, she may be able to fly. But the experiment fails. Another friend suggests that she must wear a red shirt with black dots on it and fly. This experiment also fails. Now, four of her friend ties ropes to her hands and feet. They catch one end of the rope and fly. Thus, ultimately Mimmie is also able to fly. Coloured illustrations help the reader in relating to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

One could argue that there's nothing special here. Just a story of a silly monkey who has the most trouble realizing there's nothing she can do to fly, despite the advice of even sillier friends. But one would be wrong.

It's a leveled reader, but it still sings. And the art, by the wonderful Jack Kent, shines with humor in that deceptively simple style he mastered. And eventually Minnie does fly! And I was smiling from page 2, tyvm.

Thank you, openlibrary.org, for archiving a copy of this for both me and my inner child to enjoy.

[hysterhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those rare books I remember from my childhood. I love the monkey's many creative attempts to fly. It was hilarious.

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2021
Gift from Harper's grandmother

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up with this book on our shelf. It’s very repetitive with fun illustrations. After many attempts the monkey in this story is able to fly with the help of his friends.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny story with an unexpected ending.

[Kylee Timmreck · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.5/10⭐️

[Marc Pagliuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute rhymes. Dumb monkey. Discount Dr. Suess.

[Jessica Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern fantasy
Pre-K - 2nd grade reading level
This book is cute. I love that Minnie kept on trying to fly even when she failed. And the animals that helped her finally helped her actually fly at the end. It's so cute and has a good message by telling kids to never give up and continue trying until you succeed.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son in first grade liked this book. Everyone has false theories about what makes you fly and the monkey flops on the ground each time after they leave. Its not taking off his shoes, or singing or looking like a lady bug, But one last time and they band together and "fly" with him on a blanket.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 1-year-old loves it. A monkey tries to learn how to fly with the help of bird and insect friends. In the end when she's about to give up they carry her to help her fly.

[Heather L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another childhood favorite, though my edition had a bright yellow cover and was printed a good decade prior to 1986.

[Oshima Sayike]

Great idea!

[Annabel Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

(6 yo)

The monkey wants to fly. Monkeys can't fly.

The monkey asked to the blue bird, "Why can't I fly?"

It ends, like, he says, "good-bye" because his friends got a big net and catched him.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!

[Jennivie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites and now one I read to and with my son several times a week.