George Flies South

George Flies South

3.55 of 5 stars 3.55  ·  rating details  ·  122 ratings  ·  35 reviews
A little bird waiting in his nest for his mother to bring back food is blown into the sky, nest and all, by a great wind. Will he be able to fly?

Autumn is coming, and George sits in his little nest, not quite ready to learn to fly even though his mom says it is time to head south for the winter. But when a gust of wind swoops George and his nest out of the tree and onto th...more
Hardcover, 40 pages
Published September 13th 2011 by Candlewick Press (first published September 1st 2011)

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Liz
Ready or not George must learn to fly and migrate south for the winter. George narrowly escapes a strong gust of wind, a speeding car, a boat ride, a night in a construction site, and a hungry cat all while attempting to fly. When there is nothing left of George's little nest he conjures up all his strength and flaps his wings as hard as he can. Now that George is ready, he and his mother can fly south.

"George Flies South" is appropriate for ages 3+ (Grades PreK+).

I feel like this book gives m...more
Dustin Roberts
As winter nears all the birds are heading South. All the birds except George. George's mother is trying to teach him to fly, but he just can't seem to do it, especially since he loves his nest too much. When his mother leaves to catch some worms trouble begins as a strong gust of wind carries George, along with his nest, off into the city. George begins the adventure of his life. Followed by his mother the entire way, George stays tucked in his nest as he rides it from a car, a boat, a crane, an...more
Nathan
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Barbara
As fall comes to an end, George's mother urges her young bird to leave the nest and fly South. But George isn't quite ready to do so. While his mother looks for worms, he stays put--until a fierce wind blows him and the nest from the tree and sends him on quite a perilous adventure. George traverses the city on a car, a boat, a construction crane, and an encounter with a cat forces him to make a speedy descent from his high perch. As his nest disintegrates, George has no choice but to flap his w...more
Kathy Ellen Davis
A very simple story about George having to fly south...only...
George doesn't want to leave his nest.

But what happens when his nest leaves the tree?
I think the best part of this story is the journey of the nest. In an almost magical way, it floats along and gets transported to different parts of the city.

Poor George's mother is trying to keep him safe the whole time too!

The illustrations are great, as always. I LOVE Simon James.
His drawings seem so simple but always convey so much.
Parts of this...more
Shawna
It is time for George to learn to fly but he is anything but ready. His mom continues to encourage him, and he remains a happy bird, very comfortable in his nest. One day a gust of wind blows his nest off the limb while his mother is away and George happily goes along. His mother finds him and tells him he must now learn to fly on his own. A sweet story for young readers, as well as one possibly appropriate to give to the adult child struggling to "fly" away from the nest. ;)
Dolly
May 25, 2012 Dolly rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: parents reading with their children
Shelves: 2012, childrens, pets
This is an entertaining story about a little bird who is becoming big enough to leave the nest and migrate south for the winter with his mama. He doesn't exactly feel ready at first, and has an exciting adventure while he stays in his nest. The illustrations are pastel watercolors and the different frames on alternating pages gives the book a graphic novel feel. We enjoyed reading this book together.
Lyndsey Hurm
This is a cute book to teach children that you need to have confidence in yourself. It is about a little bird who is not yet ready to fly but eventually has to and with his mom's encouragement he succeeds. I could also use a lot of the ideas that we learned from the alliance theater to teach students about the different story elements like setting, characters, plot, etc.
Karen
Really had be holding my breath as little George, a bird who doesn't want to fly yet, sets sail within his nest to more and more dangerous spots (top of a car, construction site lorded over by a cat). Mom is always near though, encouraging him. Love James sweet drawings that take in what's happening, human wise, around the bird mother and son. Sweet and satisfying.
Rani
Spirit of the little bird for the adventure under the direction of mother is well suited for K-2 readers. This is a British book and the stories are far different from the American. The gentleness of handling, simplicity of themes and words are comforting for a child.

Yet, as adults who think critically, the opportunity to teach kids to keep trying, is evident.
Jessica
Appeal Characteristics: Stylistic Art, Story

I loved this book simply for the fact that each time the nest fell...George wasn't worried a bit. He was still "flying" I'm pretty sure the mamma bird was having a panic attack (I would have). Anyway, this was a really cute, sorta funny book as that one little kid that views every situation optimistically!
Carey Hanson
copyright 2011 grades k - 2

George, a little bird, needs to fly south but he won't fly because he's worried that he'll fall. The wind takes him and his nest on a ride through town and George thinks he's flying south. His mother follows him on his adventure. In the end, George figures out how to fly.

I love the illustrations and the story.
Paul  Hankins
Some peril to be noted for younger readers, but a nice "leaving the nest" story that should not be missed by those covering the initial parts/pieces of Campbell's Hero's Journey. George is called to leave the nest with the approach of winter, but he is not ready to go just yet. . .when the wind sets him on his way, George's journey begins. . .
Katie
George is hesitant to learn to fly, but still gets caught up in an adventure.

Not sure what it was... (maybe the illustrations?), but this book made me sad. Right from the start. Probably just a weird "mom thing". You know, little birdie leaving the nest, the danger of the wide open world, etc. :-)
Tasha
Winter was coming, but George was not quite ready to try to fly yet. George waited for his mother to return with some worms, when a gust of wind picked up his nest and carried the nest and George into the air! The nest landed softly on the top of a car, which promptly started driving with George’s mother chasing behind. The nest flew off the car and then landed on a boat. From there, George and the nest were lifted high up into a tall building that was being constructed. George slept safely up i...more
Molly
I am always impressed when picture book authors are able to develop a clear character voice in only a few words. George is such a character, and real hoot to read out loud. My 7 year old really enjoyed this and I am going to use it in a migration storytime.
Deb
I think it's interesting that as long as George is in his nest he feels safe, despite how precarious the situation is. A little eye opener that going forward with spreading wings to fly is the better option. The mom bird is a saint, and always encouraging.
Holly Thompson
This might be a great book to help teach people that you can only get support for so long, someday you are going to have to learn to try on your own - even if you don't think you can.
Donalyn
George is reluctant about learning to fly. When a wind gust carries off his comfy nest with him in it, George unwillingly ventures out into the world. A nice message about taking risks.
Jodie
A bird needs to head south for the winter, but does not want to go. He is forced to learn how to fly in an interesting way. Illustrations are a fit for the story.
Alicia
I liked the story, and loved the illustrations. Sensitive children may be afraid for this little bird, but those who hang in there will be satisfied.
Melissa
James has that loosey-goosey Quentin Blake vibe, and the thought of George having all sorts of adventures tucked tidily into his nest makes me smile.
Louise
I am a long time fan of Simon James. Have a piece of his original art from DAYS LIKE THIS hanging in my house. I think the art for this book is fantastic.
Anastasia Tuckness
Scared George does not want to fly south for the winter, but when a fall wind blows his nest out of the tree, he may no longer have a choice!
Anne Beier
Not great for a read-a-loud because of the illustration. It goes on a bit too long.
Edward Sullivan
Delightful story about finding the confidence to face a challenge.
Brandielle
Cute art and story about a little bird who's just a little scared.
Julie Esanu
Lovely watercolor illustrations....
A. Somers
A good story for an autmun day.
Mary Lee
Leo the Late errr... Flyer.
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George Flies South (Hardcover)
George Flies South. Simon James (Paperback)
George Flies South (Hardcover)
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Simon James is the award-winning author-illustrator of many children’s books, including such favorites as DEAR GREENPEACE, LEON AND BOB, and the Baby Brains series. His stories often concern a child’s relationship with the natural world. Simon James lives in England.
More about Simon James...
Dear Mr. Blueberry Baby Brains: The Smartest Baby in the Whole World Ancient Rome Baby Brains and RoboMom Little One Step

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