Bart Davis

Synopsis: This book is interactive as it asks the reader to control the airplane that carries us along. It tells an inspiring, lyrical story, rooted in Lennon's life and work, and is filled with beautiful illustrations that will please young children. Ages 4-8, Grades Pre-K-1.

Response: This book, though sweet, could go further with its interactive elements, and make them a bit more playful and fun. The wistful, slightly mopey delivery of the message of environmental awareness and the plights of people around the world doesn’t jibe well with the attempt at interactive play. However, the illustrations are pretty and, for young children, can be a simple introduction to some difficult concepts like people living without clean water. It is rather cloying, but would fit into a learning unit on environmentalism.… (mehr)

An interactive picture book for young readers, ages three through six. The White Feather turns into a magical airplane, taking children around the world to save the planet.

This delightful tale, which young readers are sure to enjoy, encourages them to “press” a printed button and, by changing the tilt of the book, “fly” to different places where they will learn about diverse environmental problems. As the story unfolds, the reader travels north, south, east, and west and, using the magical powers of the flyer, fixes what needs fixing. Throughout the telling of the tale, it’s clear that the author believes that helping young children learn to love Planet Earth will translate into them growing up to care for the planet.

If only it were that simple.

This enchanting tale, with its charming illustrations, is certainly entertaining for entertain young readers. But it would be a great disservice if they were to believe they’d actually helped the environment simply by “pressing” the buttons on the pages of a book. The reading of this book begs a follow-up activity that will facilitate a child’s understanding of the importance of caring for the environment and had the author included such a list, it surely would have sparked the imagination of every young reader.

Perhaps young readers could join their parents in recycling, picking up trash, planting something in the garden, taking a nature walk, or some other positive activity to support environmental sustainability. This would help the young reader develop a greater understanding of the need for involvement and action in caring for the environment and the planet itself.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book support environmental and humanitarian efforts.

Recommended.… (mehr)