Calvin Can't Fly - by Jennifer Berne (Paperback)

About the Book

While his siblings and cousins all learn to fly, Calvin lets his imagination soar by burying his beak in a book instead. Unfortunately, when it's time to migrate, the land-bound "geeky beaky" realizes his family will have to carry him. Then, on their way south, they run into a hurricane--and only Calvin, with his book learning, can save the day! A true celebration of the joy of reading.

Book Synopsis

Calvin is one unusual starling! While his siblings and cousins learn to fly, this rare bird lets his imagination soar while reading about pirates, dinosaurs, and other fascinating things. The other birds call him "geeky beaky," but Calvin just ruffles his feathers and buries his beak in a book. Yet, when it comes time to migrate, poor Calvin suddenly realizes he cant fly! His sisters, brothers, and cousins carry him into the air. But on their way south, the winds blow hard, the trees bend, and the air starts to smell strange. Its a hurricane, and only Calvin can save the day--because he has read all about it! Witty illustrations, an endearing hero, and a delightful story--now new in paperback--make this a true celebration of the pleasures (and importance) of reading!

Review Quotes

*"The irresistible story of a proud bookworm will put smiles on the faces of readers of all ages . . . The illustrations are wildly original and full of funny details . . . Between its heartwarming (but never treacly) story and quirky illustrations, this tale should be a staple among book-loving families as well as in libraries and elementary classrooms for years to come." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review ". . . a lively childrens book debut . . . Regular doses of humor in the text and art happily keep the story from migrating into sentimentality." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Jennifer Berne has been a long-time contributor to Nick Jr. Magazine, and a writer for both print and TV. She has published numerous award-winning books for kids, including On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein (Chronicle), Calvin Look Out! (Sterling), and Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Chronicle). Jennifer lives in the rolling hills of Columbia County, NY. In summer she migrates up to Maine to live aboard her sailboat. Keith Bendiss work has appeared in the New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Fortune, and Time. Keith was the illustrator for William Safires "On Language" column in the New York Times Magazine, and for 10 books including Calvin Look Out! (Sterling). He lives on an old farm in Columbia County, NY.