Charlie Sparrow and the Secret of Flight

by D F Anderson, Daniel McCloskey (Illustrator)

Overview

Charlie Sparrow has no idea he can fly. It's no wonder--in Tree City, none of the birds do. When Charlie seeks out the secret behind his feathers, Doctor Nightingale claims he has a dangerous childhood disease, the cure for which is feather plucking. Charlie will do anything to find out the truth, even disobey the adults who think they know what's best for him.

This new edition of the entertaining and inspiring chapter book for kids ages 6-9 has over thirty illustrations by Daniel McCloskey.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780991800353
Publisher:	Underdog Books
Publication date:	01/15/2018
Series:	Tales of Tree City , #1
Edition description:	2nd New Illustrations. ed.
Pages:	86
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x 0.18(d)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

D. F. Anderson grew up in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and holds a master's degree in English literature from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and daughter.

Daniel McCloskey grew up in Northern Ireland, where he studied fine art before moving to England to complete a degree in animation and design at Sunderland University. He lives in Newcastle Upon Tyne, where he works as a freelance illustrator and designer, specializing in character design and book illustration.

Editorial Reviews

06/18/2018
Anderson’s buoyant, if slight, chapter book is set in Tree City, where sparrows are flightless and rely on a system of elaborate staircases to ascend into trees. When the titular young sparrow, Charlie, discovers that he can fly after an accidental fall, his concerned parents take him to see Dr. Nightingale, who declares that Charlie suffers from “Leaping Syndrome,” or “the Leap,” which causes him to exhibit “an extreme and dangerous urge to leap off things.” The only cure, Dr. Nightingale suggests, is to remove Charlie’s feathers. Charlie escapes and discovers a community of other birds with similar abilities who consider the love of leaping to be something fun and entirely organic. Anderson offers a fast-moving story with an allegorical feel that touches on themes of fitting in, embracing differences, and finding like-minded friends. McCloskey illustrates in pared-down line art that captures the personalities of the bird characters, who return in a sequel, Charlie Sparrow and the Book of Flight. Ages 6–9. (BookLife)

Publishers Weekly

“[C]harming black and white illustrations…An intriguing, imaginative tale...plenty of fun, eccentric reality, and pluck. Charlie is an inspiring underdog hero...Children will love [it].” – Midwest Book Review: Children’s Bookwatch

“[A] book that inspires to thoughtfulness…entertaining and compassionate…fun illustrations…not only interesting to children but also…FUN for the adult reader…[A] treasure.” – Ulrika Nilsson for Readers’ Favorite

“[A] clever, fun story…Anderson has created an ingenious little community…[the] characters are a delight. The Geese Police are especially funny.” – Foreword Clarion Reviews

“[T]he pace never falters…fun, original and quirky characters…An intriguing children’s story about a tiny bird earning his wings.” – Kirkus Reviews

“[B]eautiful. I couldn’t help but smile...as I became immersed in the ingenious tale of how little Charlie discovers the secret of his wings…While a self-published work...[it] is comparable to books released by established publishers… I would recommend parents and children alike to pick it up.” – Apt613.ca

From the Publisher