OLLIE, THE OWL WHO WAS AFRAID TO FLY

In this picture book, a phobic owl sails around the world looking for insights from birds that can’t fly.

Ollie the owl likes to walk and talk but is afraid to fly, making him the object of worry and criticism. Knowing of flightless birds, Ollie decides to seek them out and maybe get some validation. Capt. Pearl, a puffin, takes him onboard the Seebirdalong with Ross the albatross. On the voyage, Ollie meets birds such as a rockhopper penguin, an ostrich, a cassowary, a kakapo, and many more. Like Ollie, they enjoy walking and talking as well as other favorite activities—but they all imagine the fun they might have with the power of flight. Ollie decides it’s time to come back home and this time, really try to fly. In his debut picture book, Charles Boday offers engaging characters, well-crafted rhyming verse, and a fun adventure. Kids can also learn some natural history and geography, and there’s a beneficial message about giving your all so you don’t miss out. Mia Boday, illustrating her debut book, provides wonderfully exuberant and expressive watercolor/pen-and-ink pictures.

A delightfully told, beautifully illustrated tale that subtly teaches the value of testing your limits.