Fire Flight - by Cedar Pruitt

About the Book

This debut picture book takes readers inside the journey of a screech owl that fled the flames to ride along with a firefighting helicopter during the 2020 California Creek wildfire.

Book Synopsis

Flames consume a forest, and an owl seeks refuge. Helicopter wings chop, and water drops to drench the branches below. Using spare, lyrical language, this debut picture book takes readers inside the journey of a screech owl that fled the flames to ride along with a firefighting helicopter during the 2020 California Creek wildfire. Vivid imagery highlights the fear and danger of the experience--as well as an astonishing moment of connection.

Review Quotes

Pruitt's rhythmic lines narrate the unlikely but true story of an owl who escaped a California wildfire by hitching a ride in a helicopter. As "smoke bloomed, / and orange ribbons wove into...// ...owl territory," a small gray owl must leave its forest perch, remaining airborne until spying a "fellow flyer" dropping water on the blaze. When the fowl heads straight into the copter's open window, the pale-skinned pilot fears an attack, but the avian hitchhiker instead rides quietly, perched on a seat, until it's safe to return home. Skillful, onomatopoeic verse aptly summons the "beat, beat, beat" of wings, "chop, chop, chop" of helicopter blades, and "drip, drip, drop" of water. Fedele's smudgy fire and smoke-filled artwork, meanwhile, has a frenzied quality that communicates the urgency of the situation. It's a kid-friendly account that simultaneously underscores the dangers of wildfire and the capacity of nature to surprise. An author's note concludes. Ages 5-9. (Jan.)-- "Publishers Weekly"