Funny Ride

by Margaret Hillert, Jozef Sumichrast

"When his kite lifts him above the ground, a child takes a 'funny ride' as he views what is on the ground and in the air"--Provided by publisher.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Margaret Hillert has written over 80 books for children who are just learning to read. Her books have been translated into many languages and have helped children throughout the world learn to read. She first started writing poetry as a child and has continued to write for children and adults throughout her life. As a first grade teacher, Margaret realized that the books available for students just learning to read were beyond their comprehension. She then began to write her easy readers and poetry for children. Her first collection of poetry Farther Than Far was published in 1969. Her many awards include the Chicago Children's Reading Round Table Annual Award for outstanding contributions to the field of children's literature. Other honors include the David W. Longe Prize and the Michigan Bookwoman of the Year Award. A teacher for 34 years, she is now retired and lives in Michigan where she continues to write stories and poetry.

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtesy of his kite, one very lucky little boy is flying. Amazingly, he describes his journey just above the rooftops... describes it in very simple words, common words, exactly the words which are most helpful to the very earliest readers.

Here's a sample of the fun, Goodreaders.

Mother looks up at her boy and scolds him:

"No, no.
You can not do that.
Come down here to me.
I want you."

Cleverly, the facing page shows just the boy's orange sneakers. Readers can tell that he's looking down, in the direction of Mom. And what does he have to tell her in response?

"This is fun.
It is fun up here.
Look at me go.
Away, away, away."

LOVE IT!

FIVE MORE STARS to author Margaret Hillert and (for this particular book) illustrator Elena Selivanova. Elena's drawings are even better, to my taste, than the very serviceable pictures by Hillert's usual illustrator, the one I've encountered before so many times, Jack Pullan.

Why even better? Just look at the cover. Meaning to disrespect to talented Jack, but Elena's pictures are absolutely gorgeous. Just look at the cover!