Heroes Don't Have to Fly: Scooter the Word Bird

by Shannon Anderson, Olga Demidova (Illustrations)

Scooter's biggest wish is to fly out and make a difference, like his hero, Wendell. The problem is, Scooter cannot fly. When Squawk, the new bird on the block, is unkind. Scooter shows that words can make a difference. He also shows that it is the size of your heart that matters, not the size of your wings. Heroes don't have to fly.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 4, 2023

About the author

Shannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. Her career highlight was being named one of the Top 10 Teachers who inspired the Today Show.
She is an award-winning children's book author, TEDx speaker, certified brain coach, and frequent keynote speaker. She LOVES to do author visits and coach aspiring writers. You can visit her website at www.shannonisteaching.com to find out more!

Reviews

[Aixa Perez-Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooter is an unflappable bird, he can't fly but that doesn't stop him. He knows the power of language and does some reading up on the topic so that he can deliver kind words to all of his friends and encourage him with their individual challenges. This is a sweet and funny story about the power that words have and how we can use them to inflict harm or choose to use them to inspire, encourage and show love. As a professor of applied linguistics who focuses on peace linguistics and teaching with empathy, I find this book that acknowledges the power of words with humor and heart to be particularly inspiring. The sparse and alliterative text packs a punch while the illustrations captivate with their use of vibrant color and whimsy. I would recommend this book to any family with young children and any classroom where kind and uplifting language are encouraged.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

"HEROES DON’T HAVE TO FLY" is a touching narrative that beautifully emphasizes the strength of kindness and the impact of positive words. Through the endearing character of Scooter, the book navigates themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of empathy. In the face of bullying from Squawk, Scooter bravely stands up by employing the wisdom from his favorite author, Wendell. As the story unfolds, unexpected moments of support and understanding emerge, showcasing the profound influence of positive language and gestures. This heartwarming tale not only teaches the value of compassion but also highlights the potential for change and growth, making it an inspiring read for children and a powerful tool in addressing themes of bullying and empathy.

[Bonni Goldberg]

This is a many-layered story featuring Scooter, a bird that can’t fly and loves words. Scooter’s hero is an owl author that promotes the importance of kind words and warns about the pain that mean words create. When a new bird arrives on the scene, children see the lesson unfold. Kind words, anti-bullying, friendship, and reading are all promoted in the story. One of the refreshing aspects of the story is that Scooter doesn’t care that he can’t fly and neither do his friends. Therefore the book also does a great job of incorporating a difference in ability into the story and into the main character without making it the focus. This is an important “mirror” for differently abled children.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

In HEROES DON'T HAVE TO FLY, readers learn that words are powerful. They can help but they can also hurt. Scooter, a bird who can't fly, and his friends are kind with their words and are encouraging of others. One day, Squawk, a new bird in town, stirs up some trouble and hurt feelings with his unkind words. He says to Scooter, "Are you even a bird?" Scooter stands up for himself and his friends by using kind words! In the end, Squawk learns an important lesson and changes his bullying ways. Powerful text by Shannon Anderson and vibrant, delightful art by Olga Demidova. A must-read!

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooter is an adorable bird who cannot fly. But that doesn't get him down! He won't let mean words hurt his friends and always finds ways to use his positive messages to uplift them. I love how it's okay that he doesn't fly and it's the point of the book-- it's okay that some people are different. It's a nice disability mirror here. Great messages of the power of words and how anyone can make a difference with helpful words. Anderson's writing shines with playful language that's a joy to read aloud. Great for K-3!

[Jodi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes Don’t Have to Fly...but armed with the right words, they can SOAR!

Featuring an adorable kiwi bird (on a SCOOTER!) and his neighborhood feathered friends, author Shannon Anderson shows how empathy, kindness, and compassion is the key to converting a bully into a buddy after a ‘fowl’ newcomer moves in. Delightful color splashed artwork by illustrator Olga Demidova further immerses readers into the world of this word bird and his pals. A perfect read to encourage children to take others under their wing.

[Kris Tarantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

In HEROES DON’T HAVE TO FLY, readers will see how Scooter the bird has always wanted to fly around and use his kind words to help others, just like his favorite author, Wendell. But in flies Bully bird, Squawk, who teases Scooter and the other birds. Words can and do hurt. Parents, teachers, and librarians will find this adorable book useful in starting conversations about bullying and how to stand up for yourself and your friends with just the right words. With playful vibrant art by Olga Demidova, and a layer of humor, this book is sure to captivate the littlest listeners.

[K. Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Scooter the Word Bird by Shannon Anderson, Olga Demidova, Scooter is inspired by Wendell the Word Slinging Bird and always tries to live up to his hero and be positive. When a new bird from a nearby farm shows up and says unkind things, Scooter and his friends will have to find a way to deal with this bully. This story is filled with characters that readers will relate to and the lively illustrations are colorful, charming, expressive and keep us rooting for Scooter and his friends!

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can hurt. Words can lead to new ideas, and words can heal. The message of this book reveals as we follow Scooter, an aspiring word-slinging bird, on a mission to fly and spread the message that words are powerful. But what's a word bird to do if he can't fly? Educational and fun, this story is a perfect discussion starter. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, sure to engage young readers!

[Michelle Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and colorful story! This book teaches kids that words are empowering, and that they can be used to build up others. Kids will love the charming, vibrant, illustrations of the birds, and how they interact with each other in the colorful world of the treetops. This is sure to be a hit with kids who love nature or are dealing with bullying or teasing at school.

[Nadia Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful and empowering book that teaches how impactful words are. Scooter is a bird that cannot fly, and he uses his words to spread love and encouragement to those around him. Scooter the Word Bird is a really important book with wonderful life lessons for kids. The bright and beautiful illustrations add character and fit wonderfully with this wonderfully written story.

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words are powerful and this adorable book does a great job of illustrating how they can be used to make someone feel good or bad. Parents, teachers, coaches and other community groups would find this book a great way to start a conversation about kindness. The bright illustrations are engaging and lighthearted.

[Jennifer Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, this book is cute!!! My kids adored Scooter. He learns some really important lessons about the power of words. With playful art, a dash of humor, and captivating themes, this book is a HIT! I like that this book could be used as a springboard for many important conversations for kids, especially about bullying. A great classroom refresher for the start of the school year.

[Maria Wen Adcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, a bird named Scooter could not fly. Another bird, Squawk bullies Scooter with his words. Though the words hurt, Scooter soon learns the power of words works both ways...they can used for helping others and to do good things. A sweet, inspiring story!

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers are sure to fall in love with Scooter the bird as we follow him and his feathery flock as they set out to show new bird, Squawk, that words can hurt. A good reminder for all to think before we speak and kindness matters.

[Andria Rosenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. But no matter your size, harmful words are just as impactful as a punch in the gut. The bright, energetic illustrations will pull kids right into the story. Ultimately, readers will want to rise to the occasion, act like heroes and think before they speak.

[Susi Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooter goes out to make the world a better place with his words. But when he encounters someone who uses words to hurt he has his work cut out for him. The twist at the end is perfect and the colors are fun and cheerful!

[Becky Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story contains many important talking points, and the beautiful illustrations enhance the book’s message. The unexpected twist at the end is delightful, showing that the right words at the right time can be just what someone needs.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story about a bird who uses his words to spread helpfulness and joy to those around him! The illustrations are bright and fun and the story is a great tool to help parents and teachers spark important conversations about how what we say (and how we say it!) matters so much.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of Scooter the Word Bird who loves to read, but doesn't know how to fly. He encounters a duck who doesn't know the power of words until Scooter shows him. Fun, vibrant illustrations match Shannon Anderson's lovely story.

[Katrina Tangen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story about the importance of kind words.

[Jenna Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sweet story, Scooter knows that words can hurt. A wonderfully told and beautifully illustrated story that emphasizes the importance of thinking before we speak and leading with kindness.

[Molli Jackson Ehlert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable way to instill the empowering message that your words matter. Children will love the vibrant images that come along with Scooter and his adventure. A must read!

[Melissa Stiveson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let your words soar!

Words can hurt or lift us up. In this adorable story, Scooter the bird stands up against the fowl-tempered new bird and turns things around with…words.

[Charlotte Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a colorful tale of how one bird tackles a bully through the power of words. Bright illustrations and playful dialogue bring this story to life as kids learn an important life lesson!

[Wendell Zetterberg jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story about how positive words can make a difference! Loved it, and not just because I share my name with a character, but that was awesome!

[Tiffany Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooter is an encourager of his friends, but when Squawk, the new goose comes around with lots of critiques. Words can hurt or words can help is the moral of this bird-filled story.

[yunuen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooter is a sweet bird - and teaching kids about using words for good is such a powerful tool!