just in case you want to fly

Just in case you want to fly follows a child's imaginative solo play session with a pair of cardboard wings. The text captures the internal monologue and physical movements of the main character through simple, rhythmic verse. The story takes place entirely in the protagonist's backyard, where everyday objects transform into launch pads and landing zones. The illustrations by Christian Robinson use a limited color palette and geometric shapes to depict both real and imagined elements of the scene. The book's subtle exploration of play, possibility, and persistence speaks to universal childhood experiences of testing limits and dreaming big. Through its spare text and open-ended conclusion, it invites readers to consider the relationship between imagination and reality.

Readers describe this children's book as a soothing, imaginative exploration of daydreaming. Parents and teachers report that children connect with the main character's longing to fly. What Readers Liked: - Brief, poetic text that flows well when read aloud - Illustrations that capture the feeling of wanting to float away - Appeals to both quiet, contemplative kids and active dreamers - Works well for bedtime reading What Readers Disliked: - Some found the story too simple or abstract - A few noted the ending feels abrupt - Price point high for length Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (90+ ratings) "The illustrations perfectly match the dreamy quality of the words" - Elementary school librarian on Goodreads "My 4-year-old asks for this nightly. She relates to wishing she could fly." - Parent reviewer on Amazon "Beautiful but maybe too subtle for some younger readers" - Teacher on Goodreads

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon A poetic journey through a family's day traces connections between small moments and vast experiences in nature.

And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano A child plants seeds and waits through the brown days until green emerges from the earth.

Time for Bed, Old House by Janet Costa Bates A boy's first sleepover at his grandfather's house transforms routine bedtime preparations into an adventure of putting the house to bed.

Before Morning by Joyce Sidman Night unfolds as a child's wish for snow changes the world into a white wonderland.

The Night World by Mordicai Gerstein A child and cat venture through their darkened house and yard to witness the transformation from night to dawn.

🌟 The dreamy, watercolor illustrations in this book were created by Christian Robinson, who won a Caldecott Honor for his work in "Last Stop on Market Street" 🌟 Author Julie Fogliano wrote this book to capture the universal childhood desire to fly, inspired by watching children pretend to soar and float during playground visits 🌟 The book's gentle, rhythmic text mirrors the pattern of breathing exercises often used in mindfulness practices for children 🌟 Each spread in the book features a different child attempting to fly in their own unique way, celebrating diversity in both appearance and imagination 🌟 The book's message about imagination and perseverance connects to the scientific concept of biomimicry, where humans study birds and other flying creatures to understand flight mechanics