 |
|
|
Title: The Seagull Who Was Afraid to Fly
Author: Steven P. Wickstrom
Publisher: Publish America
Genre: Children
ISBN: 1413718906
Published 2004
Pages: 80 pages
Format: Paperback
Reviewer: Amy Michelle Wiley
Available From:
Signed Copy from Author
Publish America
Amazon.com
Stephen Wickstom's children's book, The Seagull Who Was Afraid To Fly, opens with excitement as the last egg in the seagull nest finally hatches. Little Dusty begins a very normal life, complete with arguing siblings, a bossy older sister, and the usual kid questions that come as he learns about his world - "Mama, have you ever walked on top of a cloud?"
Yet it isn't long before the seagulls begin to realize that Dusty is anything but normal. In fact, Dusty is afraid of heights, and a seagull who is afraid of heights is most surely afraid to fly. As his siblings begin to test their wings, the littlest bird is left behind to wonder if his sister is right: "A seagull that can't fly will never be good for anything."
The day comes when each member of the seagull family leaves the nest to venture into adulthood. Dusty is told gently that he must learn to survive by himself. He'll have to face the world on his own two legs - literally. He has a long, steep walk ahead of him as he makes his way from the nest on the cliff down to the seashore.
Once the seagull finally reaches the beach, he finds that life on two legs isn't so bad. He is blessed to gain the friendship of two old hermit crabs, Flim and Flam. The crabs, who are convinced that the sky is falling, are a bit…well, odd. But they prove to be loyal friends, offering Dusty dinner, and even standing up for him when he's confronted by a bully.
Thus begins Dusty's new life, full of charming characters like the Mexican sea lion, Paco, the famous banjo-playing harp seal, Elvis, and best of all, the lovely seagull, Jill. All of these friends work together with much fun and laughter to help Dusty reach his goal - facing his fear of flying.
Parents will be able to use this book as a springboard to illustrate how we sometimes have to face our fears and fly out in faith in order to realize the potential God has for us. We might get a few bangs and bruises along the way, but flying is amazing.
Parents should also be aware, however, that though it isn't condoned, the young birds call each other names such as stupid and brat. Also, the book was written in an omnipotent point of view, which made it difficult to connect with Dusty as well as one might have. More often than not the reader was told what was happening, rather than being allowed to feel it for themselves, or letting the dialog speak for itself.
However, if you can get past these minor issues, The Seagull Who Was Afraid To Fly is a solid story with charming characters and great dialog.
|
|
|
|
|
