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45th out of 132 books
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A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story
Opus the penguin wants nothing more than to be able to fly--one thing that penguins cannot do--until one Christmas Eve, Opus realizes his greatest dream. Reprint. PW.
Paperback, 32 pages
Published
October 1st 1995
by Little, Brown Young Readers
(first published 1991)
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I've read and loved this book for as long as I can remember. It's probably one of the finest Christmas stories ever written, with the whole unlikely hero angle being worked to a frenzy. It's not something I can say I expect when I read Mr. Breathed's work, though I'm coming to realize that maybe I should. Of the books that I've read by him lately, each one has cleverly fused a story with some moral theme. A lot of his work seems to be focused on the loneliness of modern life, and his characters ...more
Genre: Picture book
Reading Level: transitional, ages 6-10
Topics and Themes: This book is about Christmas. Opus, the main character, wishes that he had wings that work like other birds. The book is about accepting what you are given because everyone is special in their own ways.
Curricular Use: Good for a read aloud
Social: This book deals with accepting the things we cannot change. Opus is envious of other birds who can fly. He tries to fly seve...more
Reading Level: transitional, ages 6-10
Topics and Themes: This book is about Christmas. Opus, the main character, wishes that he had wings that work like other birds. The book is about accepting what you are given because everyone is special in their own ways.
Curricular Use: Good for a read aloud
Social: This book deals with accepting the things we cannot change. Opus is envious of other birds who can fly. He tries to fly seve...more
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Although I am a self-professed mega-fan of Berke Breathed and Bloom County I think I can briefly step outside this persona to write objectively about this book -- IT'S BRILLIANT! Not only is the book humorous and superbly drawn and colored but it also has in it the very heart-warming, kid-friendly message that you should like yourself for who you are.
Opus the penguin is down at Christmas so he makes a wish to Santa for a pair of "wings that work" so he can soar through t...more
Opus the penguin is down at Christmas so he makes a wish to Santa for a pair of "wings that work" so he can soar through t...more
Cute story about a penguin who wishes to fly. He soon finds out that him not being able to fly has saved Christmas for everyone. This would be a fun read for December as Christmas gets near. It's more of a Christmas/winter book as opposed to a book about penguins. Meaning, I would use this book for a lesson on holidays, not penguins. Great for the elementary grade levels.
A sweet story about Opus, the penguin, whom wishes for wings that work. He tries and tries to find a way to fly, and finally asks Santa to bring him wings that work. But on Christmas Eve, when Santa's harness breaks and his reindeer fly off without him and leave him unknowingly in a lake, only Opus can get Santa out. The next morning, all the ducks in the area come to his door and carry him into the sky so he can fly on Christmas morning.
A fantastic melding of pictures and prose--humor and substance. That's the magic that can happen when you are both author and illustrator; I would expect no less from Berkeley Breathed. A magically fun and charming addition to our Christmas Story advent.
This is, by far, one of my favorite holiday books EVER. I've long been a fan of Breathed and dear Opus. This book is funny, sweet, and wonderful for all ages. MUST READ.
Great message written and illustrated by one of my favorites, Berkeley Breathed (who used to write the comic strip "Bloom County".)
Poor Opus....all he wants to do is what other birds do naturally--fly.
And yet it's the one thing he can't do despite his wings.
He tries and tries. Only to fail.
But when the snow ducks lead him to Santa's sinking sleigh...well we find out what his wings are truly meant for.
In the words of Santa, "I see no penguins here...whose wings only sputter. Tongiht it was courage that flew yours beyond others."
Maybe this is why I'm draw...more
And yet it's the one thing he can't do despite his wings.
He tries and tries. Only to fail.
But when the snow ducks lead him to Santa's sinking sleigh...well we find out what his wings are truly meant for.
In the words of Santa, "I see no penguins here...whose wings only sputter. Tongiht it was courage that flew yours beyond others."
Maybe this is why I'm draw...more
Opus is a penguin who can't fly, so what does he do...write a letter to Santa for wings that work.
This is really short but it's a nice story about using your talents and helping people out.
Another great Christmas story with the message that you are great the way you are.
Randy
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This book has become a Christmas tradition in my home. It is a fantastic lesson of purpose and calling wrapped in a story about a penguin longing to have wings that "work". From Bloom County creator, Berke Breathed, this story takes Opus the penguin out of the Sunday comics and into a new world of snow ducks and Santa. The illustrations for this book are outstanding and the story is funny, well-paced, and terrifically moving. If I could give it six stars out of five, I would.
A delightful Christmas story reminding us to be careful what we wish for....
I love this beautiful, touching story!!!
Another wonderful Breathed book!
Love love love this book. 'Nuff said.
Not as beautiful as "Pete and Pickles," which is the standard by which I judge all of Berkeley Breathed's books. But I still had tears in my eyes at the end. Great story!
a very sweet tale.
unique story
Cora said this one was boring, but I thought it was delightful. Maybe she'll like it better next year.
Oh Goodness! I stumbled upon this book looking for My Wings by Charles Lindbergh and I nearly hada bit of a heart attack. I used to read this book ALL OF THE TIME! I believe it had a role in my wanting so desperately to become a pilot. Opus is me: Determined, yet seemingly hopeless, until his wish is finally granted (keep your fingers crossed for me!)
This will probably always be one of my favourite children's stories. My mom gave it to me one year for Christmas, along with our traditional Opus. It is a sweet story about Opus, a penguin, wanting to fly, and asking for wings that work for Christmas.
Heart warming and somethng to curl up with kids with, sit down and enjoy it with a cup of cocoa.
Heart warming and somethng to curl up with kids with, sit down and enjoy it with a cup of cocoa.
Initially a christmas story, but so much more. About finding what you are good at and not sitting around comparing yourself to others. I loved his pictures and the story written in prose. My children like it, but I am always the one to suggest it. I love Berkeley Breathed books.
A wonderful discovery this past Christmas that will now become an annual holiday tradition. Hilarious writing and illustration by the famous comic strip artist Berkeley Breathed combine for a tale that both adults and children will enjoy.
I just read this book for the first time and loved it! A cute Christmas story that shows how sometimes you might wish for things to be different when in reality there is a reason why things are the way they are.
I love this enchanting Christmas story, and I was surprised by how often my not quite four-year-old daughter wanted it read to her, given how long it is. (I did have to condense it a little.)
A favorite Christmas book (and movie).
OMG!!!!! this book is amazing for children, again amazing illustrations and such an uplifting tale
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Guy Berkeley "Berke" Breathed is an American cartoonist, children's book author/illustrator, director, and screenwriter, best known for Bloom County, a 1980s cartoon-comic strip which dealt with socio-political issues as seen through the eyes of highly exaggerated characters (e.g. Bill the Cat and Opus the Penguin) and humorous analogies.
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