by Sujean Rim
Illustrations by the author
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division
2023
40 pages
ISBN: 9781534492554
Once Bob learns to fly, he goes everywhere and sees all his friends but never stops long enough to take a chance. He passes up splashing at the beach and hanging out with the crows. He passes up eating delicious "people food" like pizza because he's afraid it might not agree with his system. Bob makes excuses to all his friends that he has to go. He has an appointment or needs to be somewhere else.
It's not until Bob flies west and meets Eagle, that he is willing to try to take a chance. The top of the mountain is up in the clouds and Bob is afraid. He realizes he can take small flights and rest. After several short flights, Bob finally makes it to the top of the mountain and the view is fantastic. Bob has an A-HA moment and realizes he needs to take a chance. He'll never know if he likes pizza or if he likes swimming at the beach unless he tries. Bob retraces his flight path and meets all his old friends and takes chances.
What a cute story! Bob will entertain young readers who will empathize with his struggles to try something new. In the end, "sometimes you don't know what you're missing...until you take a chance."
Highly, highly recommended for every picture book collection and every kid's bookshelf.
