Calvin Can't Fly by Jennifer Berne

[katekintailbc]

Calvin Can't Fly: the Story of a Bookworm Birdie
by Jennifer Berne

While other birds are off learning stupid things, Calvin visits the library and dreams of castles and knights and bigger concepts. All the other birds laugh at him and call him names--sound like a familiar theme for a children's story?

Well, the interesting thing is that though reading is shown as something important and something awesome that Calvin cherishes, it's also a weakness. The other birds are off learning how to FLY. Poor Calvin can't, because he's had his beak stuck in books. The other birds help him out by tying him up (what?) and carrying him through the air as part of their formation (kind of weird, but, hey, he's technically flying at that point). Then Calvin spots a familiar-looking weather pattern and realizes it's a tornado. He saves the whole flock from almost certain death. AND he learns to fly in the process. It's a win-win for all!

I really liked that it wasn't just that Calvin saves the day with his book smarts. It got the message across that it's important to be knowledgeable about a lot of things, to not dive completely into one thing and neglect other things that might be important. It's great to learn how to fly, just don't fly into bad weather. And it's great to read, just don't let it keep you from living your life. Clever book. Great message. Adorable little characters that were easy to relate to.