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Flora's Very Windy Day
When Flora and her pesky little brother, Crispin, are whisked away by a swirling and swooping wind, she gets the opportunity of a the chance to give her brother away. With tempting offers from a dragonfly, the man in the moon, and even the wind itself, she will find it difficult to choose. But Flora would do anything to get rid of Crispin, wouldn’t she?
Jeanne Birdsall’s utterly charming picture book debut takes flight in Matt Phelan’s twisting, twirling watercolors, brimming with wit and whimsy.
Jeanne Birdsall’s utterly charming picture book debut takes flight in Matt Phelan’s twisting, twirling watercolors, brimming with wit and whimsy.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2010
8 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Birdsall
20 books1,248 followersJeanne Birdsall grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she attended wonderful public schools. Jeanne had lots of great teachers, but her favorites were: Mrs. Corkhill, sixth grade, who encouraged her intellectual curiosity; Mr. Tremonte, eighth grade algebra, who taught Jeanne to love and respect math; and Miss Basehore, second and fourth year Latin, to whom Jeanne (and Mr. Penderwick) will be forever grateful.
Although she first decided to become a writer when she was ten years old, it took Jeanne until she was forty-one to get started. In the years in between, Jeanne had many strange jobs to support herself, and also worked hard as a photographer, the kind that makes art. Some of Jeanne's photographs are included in the permanent collections of museums, including the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Art Museum. Her work can be seen in several galleries, including the R. Michelson Galleries in western Massachusetts.
Jeanne's home now is with her husband in Northampton, Massachusetts. Their house is old and comfortable, full of unruly animals, and surrounded by gardens.
Although she first decided to become a writer when she was ten years old, it took Jeanne until she was forty-one to get started. In the years in between, Jeanne had many strange jobs to support herself, and also worked hard as a photographer, the kind that makes art. Some of Jeanne's photographs are included in the permanent collections of museums, including the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Art Museum. Her work can be seen in several galleries, including the R. Michelson Galleries in western Massachusetts.
Jeanne's home now is with her husband in Northampton, Massachusetts. Their house is old and comfortable, full of unruly animals, and surrounded by gardens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
February 17, 2011
Pure joy! So much fun!
This whimsical story is so terrific and so relatable. It’s very funny too, and many kids will react with glee. Flora thinks she wants to get rid of her little brother Crispin. But, when they go out together and many chances to lose him arise, she discovers her true feelings. Older siblings, in particular, are likely to enjoy this story. All kids will like the repetition; two lines frequently repeat: “He’s my brother and I’m taking him home.” and “If the wind lets you.”
The illustrations are marvelous. All the illustrations that show the wind at work are terrific, and I especially enjoyed the shred of rainbow that needs to be brushed off Crispin’s coat. I am a huge fan of all the pictures.
A special book about sibling love, imagination in play, but now I’m hungry for chocolate chip cookies.
This whimsical story is so terrific and so relatable. It’s very funny too, and many kids will react with glee. Flora thinks she wants to get rid of her little brother Crispin. But, when they go out together and many chances to lose him arise, she discovers her true feelings. Older siblings, in particular, are likely to enjoy this story. All kids will like the repetition; two lines frequently repeat: “He’s my brother and I’m taking him home.” and “If the wind lets you.”
The illustrations are marvelous. All the illustrations that show the wind at work are terrific, and I especially enjoyed the shred of rainbow that needs to be brushed off Crispin’s coat. I am a huge fan of all the pictures.
A special book about sibling love, imagination in play, but now I’m hungry for chocolate chip cookies.
October 17, 2021
Still a five-star read. The theme has been done before, notably in Outside Over There and the David Bowie movie "Labyrinth." But I love this take on it. I love silent watchful Crispin. I love passionately imaginative Flora. I love the bits shown in the art that are not in the text, especially the prologue and epilogue. I love the complexity of the natural characters who are truly themselves, neither good nor evil. The wind itself, for example, is revealed to... well, I won't tell you, as you must read this yourself.
Time to look for more by both author and artist.
Time to look for more by both author and artist.
February 11, 2011
Every once in awhile, a picture book comes along that I find "practically perfect in every way." Flora's Very Windy Day is one of them!
Flora is tired of her little brother messing up her artwork, but when she whines to Mom, Mom gives the typical older sibling speech about being nice and understanding of one who is littler and to stop complaining! And, oh, why don't Flora and Crispin go outside to play? Flora is frustrated at having to look after Crispin *again* and, besides, it is a very windy day! Fortunately, Flora has on her very special red boots to keep from being caught up in the wind. But, Crispin has only some very ordinary purple boots. Feeling a little smug and a little vengeful, Flora decides it won't be her fault if he is swept away. However, as soon as the wind takes Crispin, Flora jumps out of her boots and hastens to catch her brother. Throughout their airborne adventure, they encounter various creatures/things (from birds to clouds) that appreciate Crispin and want to keep him. Flora has lots of opportunities to finally get rid of her troublesome little brother. But, will she?
I had high hopes for Jeanne Birdsall's debut picture book since I'm a huge fan of her Penderwick novels (The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy and sequel) and I found the story here to be full of the same warmth, charm and the sibling squabbles that resolve with love and understanding. But it was Phelan's artwork that was the pleasant surprise and really moved this book from a five star to a glowing five star for me! I love the warmth and whimsy in his artwork and felt the illustrations really enhanced the story (gotta love Mom's bedraggled expression as she tries to work at the computer while Flora squawks about Crispin; and don't miss the final illustration (on the back of the last page of text) as it really finishes out the story in such a subtle and touching way). I hope Birdsall will write more picture books and I'm off to see what else Phelan has done already. I'm also going to add "Flora's Very Windy Day" to my permanent bookshelf as soon as possible; and share it with my own "little" sister :-)
Flora is tired of her little brother messing up her artwork, but when she whines to Mom, Mom gives the typical older sibling speech about being nice and understanding of one who is littler and to stop complaining! And, oh, why don't Flora and Crispin go outside to play? Flora is frustrated at having to look after Crispin *again* and, besides, it is a very windy day! Fortunately, Flora has on her very special red boots to keep from being caught up in the wind. But, Crispin has only some very ordinary purple boots. Feeling a little smug and a little vengeful, Flora decides it won't be her fault if he is swept away. However, as soon as the wind takes Crispin, Flora jumps out of her boots and hastens to catch her brother. Throughout their airborne adventure, they encounter various creatures/things (from birds to clouds) that appreciate Crispin and want to keep him. Flora has lots of opportunities to finally get rid of her troublesome little brother. But, will she?
I had high hopes for Jeanne Birdsall's debut picture book since I'm a huge fan of her Penderwick novels (The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy and sequel) and I found the story here to be full of the same warmth, charm and the sibling squabbles that resolve with love and understanding. But it was Phelan's artwork that was the pleasant surprise and really moved this book from a five star to a glowing five star for me! I love the warmth and whimsy in his artwork and felt the illustrations really enhanced the story (gotta love Mom's bedraggled expression as she tries to work at the computer while Flora squawks about Crispin; and don't miss the final illustration (on the back of the last page of text) as it really finishes out the story in such a subtle and touching way). I hope Birdsall will write more picture books and I'm off to see what else Phelan has done already. I'm also going to add "Flora's Very Windy Day" to my permanent bookshelf as soon as possible; and share it with my own "little" sister :-)
November 8, 2018
Flora, much put out by her younger brother Crispin, who spills her paints, gets her in trouble with her mother, and is forced upon her, when she is sent outside to play, wishes that the strong autumn wind would just blow him away! When the wind does just that, however, she sheds her heavy red boots, which had been anchoring her to the ground, and is borne aloft herself, grabbing hold of Crispin in mid-air, and refusing to trade him to any of the creatures - a dragonfly, a sparrow, an eagle, the man in the moon - that ask for him. Can she get him back home, though...?
This debut picture-book from Jeanne Birdsall, whose middle-grade novels devoted to the Penderwick sisters have taken the children's book world by storm, is a delightful examination of the tensions between siblings, and the frustrations and joys of being an elder sister. The text has a loose rhyming structure that works very well, and the artwork, done by the immensely talented Matt Phelan, is simply charming! There is an energy, a sense of motion, in these illustrations, and a lovely sense of color as well. I loved the scenes involving the bright autumn leaves, which is no accident, as the fall is my favorite season! Recommended to young readers who have annoying siblings, and to fans of Phelan's work.
This debut picture-book from Jeanne Birdsall, whose middle-grade novels devoted to the Penderwick sisters have taken the children's book world by storm, is a delightful examination of the tensions between siblings, and the frustrations and joys of being an elder sister. The text has a loose rhyming structure that works very well, and the artwork, done by the immensely talented Matt Phelan, is simply charming! There is an energy, a sense of motion, in these illustrations, and a lovely sense of color as well. I loved the scenes involving the bright autumn leaves, which is no accident, as the fall is my favorite season! Recommended to young readers who have annoying siblings, and to fans of Phelan's work.
February 28, 2018
It's kind of a clever story where the older sister learns that she really does want her little brother around, despite his messes.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: the word "dumb" is used. Flora throws a fit and gets mad because her brother messed up her paints. Her and her mom yell back and forth a few times. Flora doesn't want her brother around so lets the wind take it - later she realizes that she does want him and repents.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: the word "dumb" is used. Flora throws a fit and gets mad because her brother messed up her paints. Her and her mom yell back and forth a few times. Flora doesn't want her brother around so lets the wind take it - later she realizes that she does want him and repents.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
February 16, 2011
I always love good older-sibling-younger-sibling stories, and this was no exception!
Here Flora is stuck watching her little brother, and regretting it, too.
But when trouble strikes, and Flora and her brother are caught up in the wind, perhaps Flora's brother means more to her than she realized.
I almost felt like there were one too many things going on in this book, and I would have like a little more concrete ending, but overall I loved the style and feel and creativity here, both in the story and the illustrations.
Here Flora is stuck watching her little brother, and regretting it, too.
But when trouble strikes, and Flora and her brother are caught up in the wind, perhaps Flora's brother means more to her than she realized.
I almost felt like there were one too many things going on in this book, and I would have like a little more concrete ending, but overall I loved the style and feel and creativity here, both in the story and the illustrations.
September 11, 2018
Seems everyone wants Flora's little brother Crispin . . . except for Flora.
When a strong wind blows the little tyke away, will Flora rescue him, or let him float to the moon?
Sweet story, with adorable pictures by Matt Phelan.
When a strong wind blows the little tyke away, will Flora rescue him, or let him float to the moon?
Sweet story, with adorable pictures by Matt Phelan.
January 8, 2019
One of our favourite authors collaborating with one our favourite authors/illustrators to create this beautiful telling of sibling love and care when it really matters most.
Sweet and simple, a perfect story to read with little ones and their siblings.
Sweet and simple, a perfect story to read with little ones and their siblings.
January 26, 2021
The story is delightful - and so relatable! And the artwork is simply marvelous. My littles loved this and ask to read it over and over again.
December 4, 2021
Super cute! Good for siblings to read together!
September 2, 2010
Flora has had enough of her little brother Crispin messing up her stuff. But now her mother has asked her to take Crispin outside even though the wind is very strong. Flora will be fine because of her “super-special heavy-duty red boots” but Crispin just might blow away. If he does, it wouldn’t be Flora’s fault. Outside Flora laughs at the wind and knows it won’t be able to lift her, but she does tell the wind that her brother is wearing regular boots. Soon the wind blows harder still and Crispin is lifted into the air. Now Flora has to decide whether to just let him go, but she kicks off her super boots and flies off with him. As they fly through the air, Flora is approached by several creatures to take her brother from her. A sparrow wants him to sit on her nest, the rainbow wants him to guards its pot of gold, the man in the moon wants the company. But each is turned down as Flora replies that she is taking her brother home. But that’s if the wind will let her do that.
Birdsall has created a book that sings. Her prose is filled with bounce and lovely small details. Each encounter ends with a similar response from Flora and from the creature making the request, creating a book that has just enough repetition to feel complete and whole. Her words read aloud with grace, the refrains tying a bow on each situation.
Phelan’s art has a wonderful breezy style that matches the subject perfectly. The children and their mother are real people with frizzy hair, apple-red cheeks, and quirks of their own. The illustrations nicely capture the motion of the wind and the blowing leaves with a welcome feeling of freedom.
A perfect autumn read, this book is sure to blow fresh air into any story time. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Birdsall has created a book that sings. Her prose is filled with bounce and lovely small details. Each encounter ends with a similar response from Flora and from the creature making the request, creating a book that has just enough repetition to feel complete and whole. Her words read aloud with grace, the refrains tying a bow on each situation.
Phelan’s art has a wonderful breezy style that matches the subject perfectly. The children and their mother are real people with frizzy hair, apple-red cheeks, and quirks of their own. The illustrations nicely capture the motion of the wind and the blowing leaves with a welcome feeling of freedom.
A perfect autumn read, this book is sure to blow fresh air into any story time. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
October 6, 2010
When Flora & her pesky little brother, Crispin, are whisked away by a swirling & swooping wind, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to give her brother away. With tempting offers from a dragonfly, the man in the moon, & even the wind itself, she will find it difficult to choose. But Flora would do anything to get rid of Crispin, wouldn’t she? Jeanne Birdsall’s charming picture book debut takes flight in Matt Phelan’s twisting, twirling watercolors, brimming with wit & whimsy.
(Goodread's Summary)
Flora could just let her troublesone brother get blown away by the wind, since she is wearing her super-special, heavy-duty red boots, & her brother isn't! At the last moment, she kicks off her boots & follows Crispin as he's blown away. When asked by a dragonfly, a sparrow, a rainbow, a cloud, a hungry eagle, the moon, & the wind to give them "that boy", she refuses, deciding she really does want to keep Crispin.
Nice look at sibling rivalry. The repetition is fun & should make this a great read-aloud. The illustrations by Matt Phelan in ink, watercolors, & pastels really carry the book along, and contain lots of charming details. The hungry eagle could bother a few children or parents. For ages 4 - 7.
(Goodread's Summary)
Flora could just let her troublesone brother get blown away by the wind, since she is wearing her super-special, heavy-duty red boots, & her brother isn't! At the last moment, she kicks off her boots & follows Crispin as he's blown away. When asked by a dragonfly, a sparrow, a rainbow, a cloud, a hungry eagle, the moon, & the wind to give them "that boy", she refuses, deciding she really does want to keep Crispin.
Nice look at sibling rivalry. The repetition is fun & should make this a great read-aloud. The illustrations by Matt Phelan in ink, watercolors, & pastels really carry the book along, and contain lots of charming details. The hungry eagle could bother a few children or parents. For ages 4 - 7.
September 15, 2010
When Flora's pesky baby brother Crispin is carried away by the wind, Flora follows him . . . and gets to decide whether she wants to bring him back home.
My four-year-old son and I loved this book. Being carried away by the wind is a favorite topic of conversation for him, and he has a baby sister who he's not too sure about, so this was right on target for him. It was a bit on the long side for a picture book, but it was so perfectly executed and kept moving so smoothly that it didn't drag at all.
My four-year-old son and I loved this book. Being carried away by the wind is a favorite topic of conversation for him, and he has a baby sister who he's not too sure about, so this was right on target for him. It was a bit on the long side for a picture book, but it was so perfectly executed and kept moving so smoothly that it didn't drag at all.
December 13, 2018
Picture Book
I love the illustrations and the sweet story of this book. The illustrations are full of fall colors and cause the reader to feel like they are blowing away with the wind. The story is about a sibling relationship that isn’t so great at the beginning. Through a series of events, the older sister recognizes her love that she does have for her younger brother. This would be a great book to use in a discussion about types of illustrations or about sibling relationships.
I love the illustrations and the sweet story of this book. The illustrations are full of fall colors and cause the reader to feel like they are blowing away with the wind. The story is about a sibling relationship that isn’t so great at the beginning. Through a series of events, the older sister recognizes her love that she does have for her younger brother. This would be a great book to use in a discussion about types of illustrations or about sibling relationships.
October 22, 2010
Flora thinks her brother, Crispin, is annoying. When she takes him outside to play, she's not sorry when the wind blows him away. Fearing Crispin will be lost forever, Flora goes after him. Her desire to protect and take care of Crispin wins out when several beings the two children encounter in the sky offer to take Crispin off Flora's hands.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2010
I usually don't like "sweet" or "cute" books very much, because "sweet" and "cute" is often so bland and trite and uninteresting. But in this book, there's so much expression and movement in every line of every image, and Flora's exasperation of Crispin is balanced genuinely with her care of and care for him, that the round faces and soft outlines made me smile instead of roll my eyes.
December 24, 2023
The illustrations in this book were really quite special. Crispin was especially cute. The story was sweet and imaginative. It was well written and beautifully presented. Jeanne Birdsall and Matt Phelan made a good pairing for this story!
October 19, 2018
Flora does not get along with her annoying little brother. But when she has a chance to get rid of him, she has a change of heart. An engaging story with an underlying message that many older siblings will relate to.
November 2, 2017
Such a magical book! I switched the names to my kids and my 3 year old was so upset the wind blew her brother away. Dad teased the wind will blow him away. She says "No daddy, we need to go home". Haha
May 4, 2011
Sweet, fun book with great illustrations. Received three "again, again!"s from my daughter.
October 25, 2021
4,5. What a pleasure to revisit this gorgeous book.
June 10, 2018
Little brothers are apparently highly valued items, except by big sisters, of course. Funny and lovely: Phelan does a beautiful job capturing a windy fall day.
Library copy
Library copy
June 1, 2018
Flora's mom sends her outside with her brother Crispin. She is frustrated with her brother and is sort of wishing he gets carried away with the wind! Well that very thing happens because of course he doesn't have the super special heavy duty boots like Flora does. Flora decides to go after him and they meet many characters in the air. Insects, birds, clouds, rainbows, even the moon all ask if they can have the little boy and make him useful. Flora denies all of them and finally confronts the wind to take them home. It seems she wants to keep her brother after all. The sentiment reminds me of a much sweeter version of Labyrinth. Family is everything, even when they are being annoying, they are still yours.
November 12, 2018
Flora is tired of her pesky brother, but when their mother sends them outside the wind is far too strong. So strong that it carries Flora's brother away. She takes of her heavy stable boots so that the wind will carry her to her brother. They pass through many places of nature in the sky. Clouds, the moon and even the wind offer to take Flora's brother off her hands. As much as she would like to get rid of her brother she loves him a decides to take him home. Another great book to keep in a classroom library. A good read for children with younger or old siblings. To take care and love one another. (portfolio 2)
February 1, 2022
Like many siblings, Flora gets very annoyed with her younger brother, Crispin. One day, after Crispin spills Flora's paints, mom sends Flora and Crispin outside and Flora is ready to get rid of her brother once and for all. A mighty wind whips up and Crispin begins to take off. Rather than let him fly off by himself, Flora goes on an adventure where she gets many opportunities to say goodbye to Crispin for good. Surprisingly, Flora chooses to keep Crispin and bring him back home each time. Sweet little book about the complications of siblings but the power of love surpasses all.
October 2, 2019
I really love the illustrations in this book! It's because of Matt Phelan, duh! lol
Really cute story of a young girl trying to get rid of her little brother, I can totally relate. Unfortunately, the wind carries him away and has other plans for him. Then Flora realizes she doesn't want to let him go. Really cute story for siblings, again not sure its good for a group setting, but totally worth a read!!
Really cute story of a young girl trying to get rid of her little brother, I can totally relate. Unfortunately, the wind carries him away and has other plans for him. Then Flora realizes she doesn't want to let him go. Really cute story for siblings, again not sure its good for a group setting, but totally worth a read!!
October 10, 2019
3.75 stars. This is a modern, nature-based fantasy story about a girl and her younger brother. It’s hard to find good brother/sister books, and I’m not sure I would have liked this one before my daughter developed some mixed feelings about her brother (in the beginning, there was no conflict). But, for our current phase, we found it sweet and quite relatable. My daughter asked to read it many times.
November 14, 2022
A pesky little brother, a pair of super-special heavy-duty red boots, and a very windy day.
This little windswept wonder had a lot going for it: cute names, "wellies" as we say in our home, a big sister looking out for little brother, imagination.
I don't love some of the "Ugh, my brother..." attitude, but I also get where the characters are coming from (read: I identify with the mother who when presented with a mess and squabbles simply says, "go outside...now." I feel that.)
This little windswept wonder had a lot going for it: cute names, "wellies" as we say in our home, a big sister looking out for little brother, imagination.
I don't love some of the "Ugh, my brother..." attitude, but I also get where the characters are coming from (read: I identify with the mother who when presented with a mess and squabbles simply says, "go outside...now." I feel that.)
June 18, 2025
Flora is completely fed up with her younger brother, Crispin. He gets in all her stuff and he just spilled her paint. Mother is fed up, too, and sends them both outside to play. It's super windy but Flora's not worried because her extra strong red boots will keep her safe from the wind. However, Crispin only has wimpy purple boots. When the wind carries him away, Flora has to decide what's really important to her.
A fun group read aloud!
A fun group read aloud!
September 10, 2018
This is such a sweet book. I love Flora's reasoning for keeping her brother, not admitting that she does indeed want to keep him because she really does love him. The illustrations are so whimsical and dreamy especially on dreary windy days. And this book just proved even further that I have to read "The Pinderwicks"!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews