The Simple Art of Flying

November 1, 2018
Alistair is an African grey parrot who is tortured by his life in captivity.He narrates his tale in prose and poetry, alternating with Fritz Feldman, an almost-12-year-old boy who works in a pet shop, and Bertie Plopky, an elderly woman. The birds and animals all communicate with one another, displaying unique perspectives. Bertie speaks mainly through letters to her deceased husband, and Fritz keeps a journal. Although they were hatched in the pet shop, Alistair dreams of escaping with his sister, Aggie, to a world of trees and blue sky. His elaborate plans and attempts are always foiled, due in great part to his inability to fly because of a damaged wing. His frustration and anger lead him to pluck his own feathers and bite the hands that feed him. He refuses to see that Aggie is thoroughly content with her life as Fritz's pet, and when Bertie purchases him, he is resentful and uncooperative in spite of her kindness. As their interactions increase, however, the humans and birds grow a loving friendship, finding insights into themselves and one another. Leonardo carefully balances fantasy with a grounded reality. The three narratives flow nicely at a measured pace over the course of a year, allowing readers to see a complete, complex picture of the intertwining lives. The punny headings and poetry references ("One Flew Over the Parrot's Cage--or--Parrot-ise Lost") will likely fly right over the heads of young readers. The book adheres to the white default.Warmhearted, delightfully quirky, and believable. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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Gr 4-8-Alastair and his sister Aggie-both African grey parrots-start their lives in Pete's Pet (and Parrot!) Shack, where Alastair is grumpy and ready to escape and Aggie is innocent, gentle, and loving. Twelve-year-old human Fritz, an aspiring doctor, works at the pet shop a few days a week and takes the pair under his wing to bring them both to good health, all while developing a strong relationship with Aggie. Earning money little by little, Fritz finally has enough to take Aggie home for good, leaving Alastair wondering where his sister went. And then along comes eccentric 80-year-old Albertina Plopky-Bertie for short-who believes that Alastair is the solution to her loneliness. With no idea about Aggie's whereabouts, his growing fondness of Bertie, and a bum wing-not to mention all of his feather-plucking!-his attempts at escape keep getting thwarted. Leonardo's debut novel is told in three voices and combines storytelling with free verse poetry and letters. Reminiscent of The One and Only Ivan's storytelling, Leonardo has crafted a tale that will have readers rooting for each character. VERDICT A witty animal-centered story that will remind readers that families come in many shapes and sizes.-Kristin Unruh, Siersma Elementary School, Warren, MI