Little Wing is determined to make this the day he learns to fly. His mother cautions him not to work too hard at it, but he informs her that he won't give up. When he finally takes flight, his mother calls up to him the following three rules: Don't fly too high, too far, or without her. Unfortunately, he is already too far and too high up, and when the wind catches his wings he is carried away from home. Will he ever see his mother again?
The illustrations are adorable, and the heartwarming ending makes it a sweet choice for before-bed lap-reading. However, I have some serious logistical problems with this one. Why did his mother discourage him from trying when he failed? Isn't persistence in the face of failure something to be admired and encouraged? Why didn't his mother tell him the rules before he learned to fly, instead of while he was already in the air and flying further and further from her? After all, she knew he was determined to make it work. A little preparation would have been a safe choice. Why did she not drop everything and follow him into the air the moment she saw that he actually had managed to fly? Why stay on the ground, calling up to him not to fly without her, instead of following him? The poor little dragon is brand new to flying; he can't possibly steer and control his height and speed well yet. And, finally, how can a little dragon who is fighting against the wind still outrun a full-grown, experienced dragon mother whose child is in danger? A mother's adrenaline is an amazing thing, after all.
I know these issues likely won't bother a young child -- the intended audience -- but as a parent and teacher, I can't read this one without being swamped by inconvenient questions.
Pre-K -- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
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