Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're celebrating the BOOK BIRTHDAY of a new title out via Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. It's a story that takes us on a journey through a life of highs, lows, and in-betweens, mostly told from the viewpoint of...a parrot. Yep, you read that right, a parrot...but before you go getting any bird-brained ideas about what's inside (see what I did there? *HA*), it's definitely a case of "there's more than meets the eye"...although the eye is overwhelmingly pleased from the word GO! So, if you're ready, let your heart take flight as we discover the world between the pages of...
by
Cory Leonardo
9781534420991
Aladdin
About the book...
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.
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I admit it...at first GLANCE I was in love...I mean really, how can you not be? That cover is absolutely stunning! Between the books, the color scheme, and the magical nature of the art, I was enamored. Thing is at first read, I wasn't quite sold. It's only now, weeks after I've finished the book and am revisiting my experience to put it into words for all of you, that I can fully appreciate the journey our young feathered friend (and others) truly takes us on.
When it all began, I couldn't quite fathom a story told by a parrot heck-bent on escaping his supposed captivity to wing it into the wilds of his homeland while at the same time rescuing his sister from the same caged fate be believes awaits himself. Okay, so it sounds incredible in a way, but really, first reading, I was having a hard time getting behind it. As the story progresses, we get to know Alastair...his hopes and dreams, successes and failures, neurosis's and ultimately...his true heart. You see, we AND he figure out that it isn't the place that makes "home" home, but rather how we feel, the people/creatures that surround us, and the love that fills our souls that points us in that home-ly direction. Though he goes through many trials and tribulations, some self created and others by circumstance, Alastair is a better bird for it in the end.
All in all, a surprising read that really got under my feathers...I mean, skin...in the end. The hardships Alastair (and friends) go through, along with the unexpected connections they make, truly build a unique heartfelt story you won't soon forget. Lit lovers...watch for the samples of famous works as tasted by our feathered friend, and animal lovers...you're gonna love his neighbors at the pet store!
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About the author...
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| Photograph © Stephanie DeMott |
Cory Leonardo grew up believing she’d replace Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune, but when that didn’t work out, she decided she’d turn letters and phrases in a different way (but minus the glittery dresses, sadly). A born and bred upstate New Yorker, she currently lives in the Syracuse area with her husband and three plucky children. Cory was selected and mentored in Brenda Drake’s Pitch Wars 2016 and has been an active SCBWI member for the past five years. The Simple Art of Flying is her first novel.
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Special thanks to Cassie at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is IN STORES NOW, so drop by your favorite brick and mortar, or click on over to your online retailer of choice.
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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