Ready to soar

"Everybody's a critic" the saying goes, and young Riley, this book's pale-skinned child protagonist, discovers that it's all too true. Decked out in a jaunty aviator's hat and scarf, and having assiduously followed instructions for creating a paper airplane, Riley is just about to send it soaring ("3... 2... 1...") when a bald eagle zooms in. "STOP!" it shouts, "I rule the sky because I'm large and in change. Trust me, it needs to be bigger!" Riley dutifully follows the advice, only to have other imposing avian species, all rendered in digital chalk on mostly white backgrounds, insist that the plane be "fancier," "faster," and so forth. Riley is left thoroughly discombobulated and ready to head in a new direction when yet another bird appears. But this one offers encouragement instead of critique: "I think there's nothing cooler than celebrating when someone else takes off!" This time, the countdown results in not only a successful flight but a lovely new friendship. Employing narrative and visual rhythms similar to The Rabbit Listened, Doerrfeld once again considers the process of finding one's way, only this time, explores heeding voices--inner and otherwise--that say, "WOO! You got this." Ages 3--5. Agent: Rachel Orr, Prospect Agency. (Mar.)

A tot tries to fly a paper airplane but is hampered by unsolicited advice. After carefully studying the book Flying 101, Riley is ready. Wearing aviator goggles and a scarf, light-skinned Riley prepares to fold a paper airplane and watch it soar. The countdown begins: "3 … 2 … 1…" Suddenly a large eagle appears, shouting, "STOP!" The eagle boastfully explains that Riley's airplane won't fly: "I rule the sky because I'm large and in charge. Trust me, it needs to be bigger!" So Riley folds a bigger plane. The countdown begins again. This time, a colorful parrot dives in, interrupting the process once more. "Only the best and brightest can rise above the rest. Don't you see? It needs to be fancier!" So Riley adds vibrant colors. However, more and more birds squawk their suggestions ("faster!" "taller!" "longer!" "smarter!"). Fed up, Riley marches to a quiet spot, meeting one more avian visitor. But this one just might have what is needed for the airplane--and friendship--to soar. Set against large swaths of white space, the realistically depicted but expressive birds swoop in through the frames with their opinions. The repeating countdown refrain and consistent interruptions are surefire crowd pleasers for a read-aloud delight. A feathered cast of flight experts can't lift one up as high as a friend. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.