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The Simple Art of Flying Lib/E
Perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan , this irresistible debut novel combines plucky humor and a whole lot of heart in a story about the true meaning of family. Sometimes flying means keeping your feet on the ground . . . Born in a dismal room in a pet store, Alastair the African grey parrot dreams of escape to bluer skies. He'd like nothing more than to fly away to a palm tree with his beloved sister, Aggie. But when Aggie is purchased by twelve-year-old Fritz, and Alastair is adopted by elderly dance-enthusiast and pie-baker Albertina Plopky, the future looks ready to crash-land. In between anxiously plucking his feathers, eating a few books, and finding his own poetic voice, Alastair plots his way to a family reunion. But soon he's forced to choose between the life he's always dreamed of and admitting the that sometimes, the bravest adventure is in letting go.
Audio CD
First published February 7, 2019
41 people are currently reading
1486 people want to read
About the author
Cory Leonardo
2 books87 followersCory Leonardo grew up believing she’d replace Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune, but when that didn’t pan out, she decided to turn letters and phrases in a different way (but minus the glittery dresses, sadly). Author of the Parent's Choice Award-winning middle grade novel, THE SIMPLE ART OF FLYING, its UK companion, CALL ME ALASTAIR, and the forthcoming THE EMERALD CITY THEATER (Spring 2021, Aladdin/S&S), this born and bred upstate New Yorker currently lives in the Syracuse area with her husband, a collection of snow shovels, and her three plucky children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
July 12, 2017
This book is truly Kate DiCamillo meets Katherine Applegate. It has amazing voice, lovable characters, beautiful poetry, and will make you laugh, then cry, then laugh again. DON'T. MISS. IT.
September 10, 2019
My friend highly recommended this book, so I put it on hold at the library. It came. I read it. And… I loved it. This book is adorable. It tells the story of two parrots in a pet store, a brother and sister, and brother parrot is very protective of his sister. He feels that parrots are not made for cages and spends all his time plotting their escape. And then he and his sister are purchased. By different owners! But that will not stand in his way! Ah, it's very sweet, and I loved the boy who wants to be a doctor and the elderly woman who just wants to love on her pets.
This is a great book for an elementary classroom library. It has strong themes of independence, loyalty, friendship, kindness, and grief. Kids love reading books about animals, too, and this book would pair nicely with a mini lesson about parrots. If you liked The One and Only Ivan, add this one to your list.
This is a great book for an elementary classroom library. It has strong themes of independence, loyalty, friendship, kindness, and grief. Kids love reading books about animals, too, and this book would pair nicely with a mini lesson about parrots. If you liked The One and Only Ivan, add this one to your list.
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March 2, 2019DNF @ page 101
This was a DNF for me, as I personally couldn't connect to the writing style. However, I can definitely see lots of younger readers reading and enjoying the adventures of Alastair and Aggie, the brother and sister parrots. Also, the cover is very pretty!
This was a DNF for me, as I personally couldn't connect to the writing style. However, I can definitely see lots of younger readers reading and enjoying the adventures of Alastair and Aggie, the brother and sister parrots. Also, the cover is very pretty!
January 30, 2019
Three African parrot eggs are about to hatch. Two survive and they are named Alastair and Aggie. In this book we see the world through the cranky worldview of Alastair whose ultimate dream is to fly to Key West and live there with his sister. Twelve-year-old Fritz helps take care of the parrots at the pet store and saves up all his extra money to buy Aggie. Alastair is devastated and believes his live is over when Bertie Plopky adopts him. Fritz lends his part of the narrative by taking stock of his medical status regularly as he aspires to be a doctor someday. Octogenarian Bertie writes regularly to her deceased husband and that is the lens used to show us her story. Combined this makes for a heartwarming and humorous book that reminds us to be grateful for what we have and love those around us.
A big thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2019
A grumpy African grey parrot who plucks his feathers. A twelve-year-old boy who longs to become a doctor and who has recently lost both his grandfather and his father. An elderly woman who loves to dance and bake pies and who writes letters to her dead husband.
Are there any three characters in fiction less likely than these to appear together in a children's story? Are there any three characters less likely to develop a relationship with each other? Are there any three characters less likely to have a happily-ever-after ending?
It took me a while to warm up to Alastair (the African grey), Fritz (the boy), and Aggie (the elderly woman), but but, as soon as I did, I fell in love with them all. Each has strong drives: Alastair wants to free himself and his sister from their dismal life in a gloomy pet store and fly away to live in a palm tree. Fritz wants to become a medical doctor and he is working at the pet store to save up enough money to buy a parrot. Aggie is deeply lonely after her husband dies and her only son moves away, and she longs for a pet that will be good company for her.
The story is told from all three points of view (Aggie, Fritz, and Alastair), and it's told through three different genres (Aggie writes letters to her dead husband, Fritz writes journal entries, and Alastair writes poetry). It's a rich story, with deeply flawed characters who (yes, even the parrot) are decidedly human. You won't find a fresher approach to a children's book this year.
Are there any three characters in fiction less likely than these to appear together in a children's story? Are there any three characters less likely to develop a relationship with each other? Are there any three characters less likely to have a happily-ever-after ending?
It took me a while to warm up to Alastair (the African grey), Fritz (the boy), and Aggie (the elderly woman), but but, as soon as I did, I fell in love with them all. Each has strong drives: Alastair wants to free himself and his sister from their dismal life in a gloomy pet store and fly away to live in a palm tree. Fritz wants to become a medical doctor and he is working at the pet store to save up enough money to buy a parrot. Aggie is deeply lonely after her husband dies and her only son moves away, and she longs for a pet that will be good company for her.
The story is told from all three points of view (Aggie, Fritz, and Alastair), and it's told through three different genres (Aggie writes letters to her dead husband, Fritz writes journal entries, and Alastair writes poetry). It's a rich story, with deeply flawed characters who (yes, even the parrot) are decidedly human. You won't find a fresher approach to a children's book this year.
April 8, 2019
A fantastic debut middle grade about love, family, loss, and discovery- this is a beautiful story revolving around a grumpy, suspicious African grey parrot named Alastair. I fell in love with him and sister Aggie from the start! The premise and execution of the story was so unique and engaging- I flew through this one. It deals with some pretty heavy topics, particularly grief, and I think it was handled with delicacy and in a way that isn’t too overwhelming or complex for younger readers to cope with. There is also some good laughs to be had! Highly recommend!
February 16, 2019
3.5 STARS
Three words to describe this book, quirky, whimsical, and playful. What an awesome debut novel with a refreshing and unique narrative. The story is told from several view points, mainly Alastair (the parrot), letters Bertie is writing to here deceased husband, and Fritz's medical journal. Now it took me a bit to get used to seeing things from a parrots perspective but once I got into the story, it flew by (pun intended)!
Alastair goes a crazy journey over the course of the book. From endlessly searching for his sister to plotting numerous escapes, he was constantly struggling. But over the course of all these adventures, he realizes that maybe the grass isn't greener on the other side. And maybe, just maybe he ended up where he should have been all along. Also, to truly love someone, you have to realize what's best for them...even if its letting them go.
I think this will resonate with the middle grade genre. You hear about bullying, friendships, the healing powers of pets, divorced parents and the mark they leave; the book is so much more than a crazy African grey parrot on a journey of self discovery. The ending took me by surprise but I will say, it left a big cheesy grin on my face.
I think my only grievance is I wish the selected poetry was targeted towards that age genre as well. There are a lot of old, deceased, classic poetry rewrites from Alastair's perspective and it made me sad that this didn't carry the light, whimsical feel that the rest of the book did. I would have loved to see Alastair's take on Shel Silverstein and others who children and young teens are more likely to be familiar with and understand. Otherwise I am looking forward to see what Cory Leonardo comes out with next!
Three words to describe this book, quirky, whimsical, and playful. What an awesome debut novel with a refreshing and unique narrative. The story is told from several view points, mainly Alastair (the parrot), letters Bertie is writing to here deceased husband, and Fritz's medical journal. Now it took me a bit to get used to seeing things from a parrots perspective but once I got into the story, it flew by (pun intended)!
Alastair goes a crazy journey over the course of the book. From endlessly searching for his sister to plotting numerous escapes, he was constantly struggling. But over the course of all these adventures, he realizes that maybe the grass isn't greener on the other side. And maybe, just maybe he ended up where he should have been all along. Also, to truly love someone, you have to realize what's best for them...even if its letting them go.
I think this will resonate with the middle grade genre. You hear about bullying, friendships, the healing powers of pets, divorced parents and the mark they leave; the book is so much more than a crazy African grey parrot on a journey of self discovery. The ending took me by surprise but I will say, it left a big cheesy grin on my face.
I think my only grievance is I wish the selected poetry was targeted towards that age genre as well. There are a lot of old, deceased, classic poetry rewrites from Alastair's perspective and it made me sad that this didn't carry the light, whimsical feel that the rest of the book did. I would have loved to see Alastair's take on Shel Silverstein and others who children and young teens are more likely to be familiar with and understand. Otherwise I am looking forward to see what Cory Leonardo comes out with next!
August 14, 2019
I really think if I had read this before reading The One and Only Ivan, I would have liked this more. Alastair and Aggie are sibling African grey parrots. They’re born in a neglectful (sometimes abusive) pet store, and Alastair promises to take his sister far away to freedom. Instead, Aggie is sold to a medically minded Fritz, and Alastair to a very old, lonely woman named Albertina.
Strengths:
I loved how Alastair sustained himself off written poetry (by literally eating the words), and the verses he composes in the style of famous poets. I also loved his relationship to Albertina, who writes cheerfully heartbroken letters to her deceased husband. Albertina and Fritz also become friends, which was delightful.
Weaknesses:
Honestly, I didn't enjoy the animal parts of this story. I liked the concept, but I felt that the writing really leapt during the vignettes with Albertina and Fritz.
Strengths:
I loved how Alastair sustained himself off written poetry (by literally eating the words), and the verses he composes in the style of famous poets. I also loved his relationship to Albertina, who writes cheerfully heartbroken letters to her deceased husband. Albertina and Fritz also become friends, which was delightful.
Weaknesses:
Honestly, I didn't enjoy the animal parts of this story. I liked the concept, but I felt that the writing really leapt during the vignettes with Albertina and Fritz.
August 23, 2018
Thanks to Edelweiss Plus for an ARC of this book!
I really, really loved this one. Every single character, whether human or animal is so lovable each with a distinct personality. I found myself laughing, smiling and slightly tearing up during this book. Very cleverly written to be enjoyed by people of all ages. I can see both kids and adults liking this one. It's going to be hard to wait for the hardcopy because I want to talk this one up so badly. This one went on my favorites shelf.
I really, really loved this one. Every single character, whether human or animal is so lovable each with a distinct personality. I found myself laughing, smiling and slightly tearing up during this book. Very cleverly written to be enjoyed by people of all ages. I can see both kids and adults liking this one. It's going to be hard to wait for the hardcopy because I want to talk this one up so badly. This one went on my favorites shelf.
July 12, 2017
I'm not exaggerating when I say this is one of my favorite middle grade books of all time. Cory Leonardo has an incredible gift with prose and poetry; I read this several times before it got its book deal, and without fail, I cried each time. Incredibly uplifting, soul-swelling, transformative.
April 30, 2020
I absolutely loved this one. It's funny and heart warming and the tongue-in-cheek homages to famous poetry and book titles were brilliant. I highly recommend this to anyone, but especially middle graders. If you don't "get" the titles of each part, start looking up famous book titles and you will. And if you don't know the famous poems that Alastair rewrites, look them up.... He's brilliant! The story and characters are well developed and easily came to life in my head...I could imagine this as an animated movie someday, complete with hilarious humans and pets alike. I had tears at the end and loved the message. So good.
September 15, 2019
Sublime, pits and all. I don't know if younger readers will have the knowledge base to get all the references, but I believe they will recognize the heart of it all.
February 8, 2023
A beautiful and cozy story. This story reminds us that love is the best gift we can give to others.
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This is the story of a grumpy parrot who wants nothing more than to escape captivity with his sister and bring her out into the wild world where he's sure they'll both be better off. Alastair is endearing, even though he's a cantankerous curmudgeon--mostly because his heart is in the right place. He's spent his whole life trying to protect his sister, and you can't help but empathize with him, even when you think he's going about things all wrong. The story features some delightfully zany characters (both human and animal)--my absolute favorite by far is Bertie, the elderly woman who ends up adopting Alastair. And I enjoyed Alastair's poetry, which is mostly based off of reimagined classic poems. The pacing in the middle felt a tiny bit slow, but the fabulous ending was worth it, and I appreciated the central messages of finding happiness in your current circumstances (even when they aren't what you planned) and finding people who care about you in unexpected places. Overall, a wonderful middle grade read!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This is the story of a grumpy parrot who wants nothing more than to escape captivity with his sister and bring her out into the wild world where he's sure they'll both be better off. Alastair is endearing, even though he's a cantankerous curmudgeon--mostly because his heart is in the right place. He's spent his whole life trying to protect his sister, and you can't help but empathize with him, even when you think he's going about things all wrong. The story features some delightfully zany characters (both human and animal)--my absolute favorite by far is Bertie, the elderly woman who ends up adopting Alastair. And I enjoyed Alastair's poetry, which is mostly based off of reimagined classic poems. The pacing in the middle felt a tiny bit slow, but the fabulous ending was worth it, and I appreciated the central messages of finding happiness in your current circumstances (even when they aren't what you planned) and finding people who care about you in unexpected places. Overall, a wonderful middle grade read!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
January 10, 2019
When I saw this book at The Strand, I knew I couldn't pass it up. First off, there are parrots on the cover, and second off, doesn't it just sound so sweet? But even though I may have been drawn in by the sweetness, there's still a lot of grit in The Simple Art of Flying. At the heart of this book is the relationship between Alastair and his sister Aggie and this relationship is full of a lot of tough topics like the fact that they're not regularly fed in the pet store. So while it's Alastair's POV, it's also Fritz's perspective, the little boy who ends up adopting Aggie, and Albertina, the one who takes in Alastair. Through their perspectives we are able to see snippets of their lives.
The way Fritz can never seem to connect with his dad. Or the mystery of who Everett is to Albertina. While the animal perspective definitely hooked me into this story, there's so much more than meets the eyes through these other people in the story. It's almost looking at Alastair as a focal point and all the people he encounters. The Simple Art of Flying is full of mistakes, flawed people (and parrots), friendship, and needing to see beyond what's in front of us.
The way Fritz can never seem to connect with his dad. Or the mystery of who Everett is to Albertina. While the animal perspective definitely hooked me into this story, there's so much more than meets the eyes through these other people in the story. It's almost looking at Alastair as a focal point and all the people he encounters. The Simple Art of Flying is full of mistakes, flawed people (and parrots), friendship, and needing to see beyond what's in front of us.
September 22, 2019
Many thanks for Laurie Hnatiuk and #mgbookchat for this awesome recommendation; can't wait for the twitter chat Tues 6/25 at 9PM EST! I loved Cory Leonardo's way with words, so humorous, yet exploring Alastair and Fritz and Bertie's personalities, hopes and dreams. I ached as the parrots lost their feathers; cheered as they found forever homes (even if it did take stubborn, morose Alastair longer!!!). Bertie's letters to her dead husband were so sweet- she was ever the positive force (both for Alastair and Fritz) so definitely needed! Middle school readers will love these three voices- the poetry, the musings, the food, the pet support groups/clubs will keep readers turning the pages!
May 12, 2019
When I reflect on this book and consider the comparables that leap to mind: Ivan, Edward Tulane, Holling Hoodhood... okay okay maybe that’s pushing it a bit; maybe this book loses just a little near the end and thus falls a gerbil’s whisker short of immortality, but dang I can’t believe this is a debut novel, or maybe it’s the best debut since Wolf Hollow.
August 19, 2019
I bought this book for my kids a few months ago and it’s been calling my name ever since. I do enjoy children’s fiction now and again so I finally decided to read it. It’s a charming little story that’s sure to warm your heart.
February 7, 2019
In the description of The Simple Art of Flying it said perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan! Hmmm, I wasnt sure I believed it, since that was an amazing story, but it’s true. This is an adorable tale of family, friendship, gratitude and growing up.
Alastair and Aggie are sibling parrots born in a pet store. Alastair is always thinking up plans for their escape, since he’s always looking toward a bigger and better life. Aggie just seems to go along with whatever her brother says is best.
But Alastair’s plans don’t turn out exactly as he hoped for him or his sister, and it’s at his lowest point that Allistair is able to see things much clearer. I love Alastair! ❤️
This is a wonderful middle grade book that children will love! I’m guessing kids everywhere will be begging for a pet bird after reading this story! It’s almost enough to make me want one, and we already have dogs, a cat and two rats!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for this wonderful advanced copy, in exchange for my honest review.
This will appear on my blog Friday, February 8, 2019.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@Yahoo.com
Alastair and Aggie are sibling parrots born in a pet store. Alastair is always thinking up plans for their escape, since he’s always looking toward a bigger and better life. Aggie just seems to go along with whatever her brother says is best.
But Alastair’s plans don’t turn out exactly as he hoped for him or his sister, and it’s at his lowest point that Allistair is able to see things much clearer. I love Alastair! ❤️
This is a wonderful middle grade book that children will love! I’m guessing kids everywhere will be begging for a pet bird after reading this story! It’s almost enough to make me want one, and we already have dogs, a cat and two rats!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for this wonderful advanced copy, in exchange for my honest review.
This will appear on my blog Friday, February 8, 2019.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@Yahoo.com
February 15, 2019
The Simple Art of Flying has got to be the cutest and funniest books I’ve read in a very long time. That’s not an exaggeration either—the main characters are birds who are just so misunderstood. Especially Alastair. He deeply cares for his sister, Aggie. She’s sweet and grounds her grumpy brother.
Then there’s Fritz and Bertie who I equally loved. Both really brought the story to life. Fritz is the twelve year old boy that ends up buying Aggie. While Bertie is the one who gets Alastair. All our broody bird wants is to get back to his sister. The shenanigans and adventure we’re taken on is both endearing and amazing.
I adored this story like no other. It’s a melt your heart and dance like no one is watching type of book. You know the kind—quirky and makes you feel so good! The characters make this reading experience so much better than I could have ever imagined. I look forward to reading more from Leonardo.
*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy for an honest an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Then there’s Fritz and Bertie who I equally loved. Both really brought the story to life. Fritz is the twelve year old boy that ends up buying Aggie. While Bertie is the one who gets Alastair. All our broody bird wants is to get back to his sister. The shenanigans and adventure we’re taken on is both endearing and amazing.
I adored this story like no other. It’s a melt your heart and dance like no one is watching type of book. You know the kind—quirky and makes you feel so good! The characters make this reading experience so much better than I could have ever imagined. I look forward to reading more from Leonardo.
*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy for an honest an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 13, 2021
I picked this book up on a whim, solely based on the cover and I'm so glad that I did. It was so heartwarming. I really enjoyed the characters, particularly Alastair. He was so relatable and had a big heart. I loved how much he cared about his sister and how he cared about Bertie. He was so sassy and so adorable. I thought it was really clever how he ate books in order to read them and how he was a poet. The book really was just too cute.
I will admit, I thought it was a bit slow at certain points, especially in the beginning when they were stuck in the pet store, I kept on waiting for the story to take off. It was just a bit slow. The pacing was definitely off.
I could definitely see myself reading this again, especially when I need something happy because this really was happy at its core.
🍒🌴🦜
I will admit, I thought it was a bit slow at certain points, especially in the beginning when they were stuck in the pet store, I kept on waiting for the story to take off. It was just a bit slow. The pacing was definitely off.
I could definitely see myself reading this again, especially when I need something happy because this really was happy at its core.
🍒🌴🦜
February 1, 2020
Replace the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade with Pete's Pet Shop and replace Ivan and Ruby with Alastair and Aggie and you get the feel of this book. If only Alastair was as endearing as Ivan...
The poetry was pretty clever and great and I appreciated the perspectives of Fritz and Bertie being shared from time to time because a book of just Alastair would have been too dreary. (Although I did begin to love him a great deal when he stopped being so selfish.)
Probably more of a 3.5 for me, but I'm rounding up because the writing really is great.
The poetry was pretty clever and great and I appreciated the perspectives of Fritz and Bertie being shared from time to time because a book of just Alastair would have been too dreary. (Although I did begin to love him a great deal when he stopped being so selfish.)
Probably more of a 3.5 for me, but I'm rounding up because the writing really is great.
October 25, 2021
I didn't think this story would affect me as much as it did. Dang, if I wasn't a weepy, emotional mess at the end.
October 12, 2022
A lovely little book about perspective, longing, and gratitude.
The language and writing style were delicious.
What a lovely sweet ending with just a hint of salty sadness.
I love the beautiful cover and the irony of the title.
Appropriate for all ages.
Some violence. Themes of loneliness, grief, depression, bullying, injuries and death of animals
The language and writing style were delicious.
What a lovely sweet ending with just a hint of salty sadness.
I love the beautiful cover and the irony of the title.
Appropriate for all ages.
Some violence. Themes of loneliness, grief, depression, bullying, injuries and death of animals
January 12, 2019
This charming middle grade story, told in three voices, is overflowing with fun and quirky characters. We first meet Alastair, an African Grey Parrot, as he is fights to break out of his shell. His strength and determination are apparent from his very first moment of life. His ultimate goal in life is to escape the pet shop, find freedom for his sister and himself and to live in Key West. Next, almost 12 year old Fritz shares his story. We learn he will fiercely fight to care for, and to protect, any animal or human being. He’s obsessed with all things medical, dreams of becoming a doctor and keeps a “Official Medical Log”, where he records his personal health statistics. He constantly searches for the courage to be himself, as he works toward his goals. And finally there is Albertina Plorky, perhaps my favorite of all. This 80 year old woman strives to happily dance through life, even though she is grieving her husband who passed away and for her son who has moved halfway across the country. I loved her positive outlook, her kindness, her gentleness and the support and understanding she has for both Alastair and Fritz. Even the minor characters of Fritz’s sister, Fiona, and his mom were delightful. Fiona gave Fritz lots of love and understanding, and Mom, even though she was working multiple jobs, gave both Fritz and Fiona much support and acceptance despite their quirkiness.
So many of you will love this book. The animal lovers will love seeing the world through Alastair’s eyes. Middle grade kids, who may be feeling they are a little quirky, will find assurance they can succeed in the world, despite being a bit different than their peers. And finally, anyone simply looking for a good story with lots of smiles and lots of heart, this is a book for you. It will be released 2.12.19. Be sure it’s on your list to arrive on publication day. It’s a winner!
So many of you will love this book. The animal lovers will love seeing the world through Alastair’s eyes. Middle grade kids, who may be feeling they are a little quirky, will find assurance they can succeed in the world, despite being a bit different than their peers. And finally, anyone simply looking for a good story with lots of smiles and lots of heart, this is a book for you. It will be released 2.12.19. Be sure it’s on your list to arrive on publication day. It’s a winner!
May 6, 2019
You know how sometimes you read a book that taps in to your own personal struggles so deeply, it's like the author had a window into your soul? This is one of those.
Two years ago, Amanda Rawson Hill and I had the immense privilege of mentoring Cory Leonardo during our first stint as #PitchWars mentors. Cory's poetry-laced book about a curmudgeonly African Grey named Alastair who is so fixated on his own vision of what happiness looks like that he can't see the wonderful life that has fallen into his lap immediately spoke to both Amanda and I. The central message—that happiness, and home, and family, can be found in the most unexpected of places, but that you can cheat yourself out of all of them if you can't stop clutching at the way you thought things were supposed to be—feels, in many ways, like the theme of my whole life. Each time I've read this story, I've cried at the end, when Alastair finally wakes up to the beauty that's all around him, which he nearly missed for his focus on the things he wanted but couldn't have.
I'm so thrilled that everyone will have a chance to discover Alastair's wonderful story now that it's out in the world! If you like quirky old ladies, anxious preteens, grumpy parrots, or THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, you absolutely must put THE SIMPLE ART OF FLYING on your TBR list.
5/5/19: I've read this book four or five times now and I still shed a lot of tears for that gorgeous, gorgeous ending. 😭
Two years ago, Amanda Rawson Hill and I had the immense privilege of mentoring Cory Leonardo during our first stint as #PitchWars mentors. Cory's poetry-laced book about a curmudgeonly African Grey named Alastair who is so fixated on his own vision of what happiness looks like that he can't see the wonderful life that has fallen into his lap immediately spoke to both Amanda and I. The central message—that happiness, and home, and family, can be found in the most unexpected of places, but that you can cheat yourself out of all of them if you can't stop clutching at the way you thought things were supposed to be—feels, in many ways, like the theme of my whole life. Each time I've read this story, I've cried at the end, when Alastair finally wakes up to the beauty that's all around him, which he nearly missed for his focus on the things he wanted but couldn't have.
I'm so thrilled that everyone will have a chance to discover Alastair's wonderful story now that it's out in the world! If you like quirky old ladies, anxious preteens, grumpy parrots, or THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, you absolutely must put THE SIMPLE ART OF FLYING on your TBR list.
5/5/19: I've read this book four or five times now and I still shed a lot of tears for that gorgeous, gorgeous ending. 😭
October 16, 2018
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book. It is a beautifully written, lyrical, poignant book that offers the best of middle grade: humor and heart. I fell in love with cranky Alastair, sweet Aggie, nerdy Fritz, and irrepressible Bertie. This book is about pursuing your dreams, and knowing when to let them go because what you've always wanted is what you already have. Read it for the story, and prepare to be floored by the poetry. Can't wait until my hardcover copy arrives!
December 28, 2018
Thanks to the Kid Lit Exchange for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
This sweet middle grade book is about a pair of African Grey parrot siblings who get sold to two different homes and are searching for their way back to one another--and ultimately, to freedom. Told in three different voices, the story offers MG readers unique perspectives: part personified animal, part grieving adult, part 12-year-old boy.
For lovers of animals and lovable misfits.
This sweet middle grade book is about a pair of African Grey parrot siblings who get sold to two different homes and are searching for their way back to one another--and ultimately, to freedom. Told in three different voices, the story offers MG readers unique perspectives: part personified animal, part grieving adult, part 12-year-old boy.
For lovers of animals and lovable misfits.
February 22, 2019
This is one of the cleverest, most beautiful books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I used to think it was a mix of THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN and FLORA AND ULYSSES. But I've changed my mind. It's THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN meets BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE and THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE. I love it so much. Fouryh time reading it, still cried.
April 16, 2019
This book was cute and really funny. It has some really good humor in it that I think is thrown in for parents. It was a bit slow for me, but like I said, it was cute.
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