The Simple Art of Flying - by Cory Leonardo (Hardcover)

About the Book

Alastair the African grey parrot is separated from his beloved sister, Aggie, after she's purchased from the pet store. Alastair is adopted afterward, but must choose between the life he's always dreamed of and admitting the truth: that sometimes, the bravest adventure is in letting go..

Book Synopsis

"Delightfully quirky." --Kirkus Reviews

Perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan, this irresistible debut novel combines plucky humor and a whole lot of heart in a story about the true meaning of family.

Sometimes flying means keeping your feet on the ground...

Born in a dismal room in a pet store, Alastair the African grey parrot dreams of escape to bluer skies. He'd like nothing more than to fly away to a palm tree with his beloved sister, Aggie. But when Aggie is purchased by twelve-year-old Fritz, and Alastair is adopted by elderly dance-enthusiast and pie-baker Albertina Plopky, the future looks ready to crash-land.

In-between anxiously plucking his feathers, eating a few books, and finding his own poetic voice, Alastair plots his way to a family reunion. But soon he's forced to choose between the life he's always dreamed of and admitting the truth: that sometimes, the bravest adventure is in letting go.

Review Quotes

A Parents' Choice Silver Award Winner

"Warmhearted, delightfully quirky, and believable." --Kirkus Reviews

"Reminiscent of The One and Only Ivan's storytelling, Leonardo has crafted a tale that will have readers rooting for each character . . . A witty animal-centered story that will remind readers that families come in many shapes and sizes." --School Library Journal

"This is a book about animals, friendship, and love, but mostly about how everyone needs to be loved and needed, whether they are an animal or a human." --School Library Connection