The word "parent" is not just a noun. It's also a verb.
In this impeccable Spanish Language translation of Engle’s The Flying Girl, we learn the story of Aida de Acosta Breckenridge, an American socialite and the first woman to fly a powered aircraft, solo. De Acosta, of Cuban and Spanish descent, was taught to fly by Alberto Santos-Dumont, known in Brazil, his native country, as the father of aviation.
I’ve got to admit, I don’t think I’ve ever gasped at the end of a picturebook–that is to say, until I got to the end of this one. When I turned the page, an audible gasp actually left my mouth. And then I shook my head. I struggled for a while as to whether this was a kid’s book, an adult’s book, or one that’s fit for both. After much thought, [and trying the book out on some kids], I’ve come to the tentative conclusion that this excellent story needs to be read by all parents and caregivers and that children will also enjoy it.
Guided by the gentle hand of her grandmother Bella comes to realize that accomplishment takes work and perseverance; even Bella’s siblings get in on the lessons!
From her vantage point on the roof, Anita watches the airplanes high overhead, and imagines they are dragons, that she, the princesa, will finally have to face. Anita and her family are leaving the Dominican Republic for a distant land where there will be baths with hot water, regular electricity, and a real dryer. But Anita’s abuela won’t be coming, and Anita will miss her beautiful island terribly. However, Anita is a valiant princesa, who conquers her fears, and meets the fearsome dragons who will fly her to her new life with courage and grace.
The book is delightfully quaint, a beautiful story about being brave, showing kindness, the joys of friendship, and the idea that if you are truly kind, you need not buy friendship.
A riot of color and movement, this is a catchy read-aloud, much like the original, and it’s easy to see its appeal to kids and fans of all ages.
The text is simple, but the subtext vast. This book is a warm optimistic conversation between two little girls about challenging one’s perspective.
This book is a delight from start to finish. If you don’t read Spanish, you had better download Duolingo so you can start learning it in order to read this darling, funny, smart, cool book.
This book is a celebration of all families in that it illustrates (pun intended) the commonality inherent in and shared by parents that actively parent and care for their children.