Unflappable: A Story of Hope and Persistence for Children

by Matthew Ward, Scott Magoon (Illustrator)

Three flightless friends long to feel the wind beneath their wings. So, they try, and try, and try to fly. But all they do is fall, fall, fall. Flying, it turns out, is hard. Will they give up—or get up?

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Animals, Growth Mindset, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 17, 2023

About the author

Matthew Ward is the author of the middle-grade novels THE FANTASTIC FAMILY WHIPPLE and WAR OF THE WORLD RECORDS. He lives in San Diego, CA, where he can’t help but look at every hawk he drives past, much to the amusement/terror of his wife and three sons. UNFLAPPABLE is his first picture book.

Reviews

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book by my old workplace & thought it was the perfect way to end this year:

“we chose this book for you because we know that while the future may seem uncertain right now, we know you will land on your feet and do absolutely incredible things, just like these birds! be rootin’, be tootin’, and by god be shootin’, but most of all be kind.”

this year taught me that flying is hard, sometimes things go wrong, sometimes you fall (a lot), but you will always fly again :)

[SaraKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the pictures more than anything else. They are detailed and adorable. The story teaches readers not to give up. This is a great story for any school that uses the power of "yet" in their motivational talks with kids.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

These birds are inspirational!

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindergarten teachers take note: this is a phenomenally underrated read aloud with a great message, along the lines of The Magical Yet but with added silliness. Reads like a manifesto. Giving up IS FOR WORMS. ✊

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 flightless birds are determined to fly. But their inventions aren't working like they expected. Will they give up, or are they made of strong enough stuff to overcome a few setbacks?

The Unflappable title works on a number of levels, from the birds' inability to fly to their stalwart and unflappable spirits when faced with failed flight attempts. They are persevering and learn from their mistakes, and heartwarming and inspiring feathered examples for readers of facing setbacks with positive attitudes.

[Serhiy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous book about avian Wright brothers that emphasizes determination and hope in overcoming lifes problems.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three flightless birds want to fly and they try and try and try. The work hard day after day and eventually, their work pays off. This picture book is really well-illustrated. I enjoy the art more than the story, honestly, a few lines here and there are clunky. The story is mainly to school children in perseverance, and the birds work hard throughout the story. I think it will be a good read aloud for students; there are some fun lines to say like, “We’re not worms!” and I think it will get a giggle. Overall, a solid read aloud for elementary students with extremely charming art that students will enjoy.

[Melissa Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sitting in the library waiting for G and I happened upon this beautifully illustrated picture book about not giving up. She never would've checked out a picture book (only graphic novels for her!) but I would. So I brought it home and convinced her take a few minutes to read it. The message about not giving up and the importance of "yet" is one I needed her to hear (and one I need to be reminded of, too). I wish I had a kiddo to buy picture books for because this would make a great Christmas present!

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational tale about three flightless birds going to impossible lengths to achieve the miracle of flight (from zeppelins, to jetpacks, to DaVinciesque contraptions). Scott Magoon's illustrations walk the line between genuinely uplifting, and straight-up silly, with his whimsical flying machines, and avian workout montages.

It is rather inspiring when the birds declare "giving up is for worms!", although it's kind of unfair to the worms! After all, the worms chant encouragement to the birds as they attempt flight, and if you read to the VERY end, you can see them ziplining! The worms in this book have spirit!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three birds who can't fly are determined to do just that. They try and try again, amidst each inventive and engineering failure, oops, and mishap. They are not thwarted by their lack of success, but pushed forward by grit and perseverance. Coupled with the cutest of pictures this is a great and easy to read story about not giving up, and hoping in the not YET.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute illustrations, good for storytime about reliance and/or birds 😁

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet three birds who can't fly but that isn't going to stop them. They are determined. This is a great story about not giving up. Add this to your units about resilience.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three endearing flightless birds are determined to fly in this story about hope and perseverence.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 2/2

Birds, Not Giving Up, Facing Adversity

[Grg · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like flightless bird and strange flying machines, this is the book for you. Also worms.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun growth mindset story.

[Christina Karvounis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read aloud for ages 6-12. Short, and illustrations tell a whole lot of the story. Great for visual learners.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three flightless birds build a series of inventions intended to assist them to fly.

The illustrations were done using Procreate, iPad, and Apple Pencil.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trailblazer 2024

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Themes: animals, growth mindset/grit/courage
Ages: toddler-1st grade+
Pub year: 2023

[Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book that gets straight to the point. Cute little details that highlight to kids that some things will not go their way, but that they should never stop trying new things.

[Addie]

good growth mindset- may get for school

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay

[Jordan Fashing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shows the benefit of never giving up gorgeously!