The Flyers

by Allan Drummond

Just in time for the 2003 centennial of the Wright brothers' historic flight

The arrival of Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, with their “crazy kite” of an airplane inspires five local kids to envision their own flying machines, from sky buses that could carry hundreds of people around the world to an unbelievable machine that could go to the moon! Following each step leading up to Orville Wright’s first history-making, twelve-second flight on December 17, 1903, the children take flights of their own, letting the ocean breeze catch their coattails as they dash across the dunes.

This whimsical tale comes to life with charming prose and airy watercolors, accompanied by a pictorial time line. The author’s tribute to the most wonderful flights of all – those of the imagination – lets us soar like the Wright brothers.

Genres: Picture Books, History

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the time of this story, in December 1903, the Wright Brothers' arrival at Kitty Hawk is thrilling nearby children. This adventure is all about how very much these kids want to fly.

For example:

If I could fly I'd swoop up above the treetops
and look down on my house and the world below
and wave to my mom.

By the end of this picture book, the children go flying. And so do aviators and astronauts in years to come. No spoilers from me, no no. I'll just say, this book made my heart sing. Could yours use a little extra music today?

FIVE STARS for the gorgeous watercolors and evocative story by Allan Drummond.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being an aviation buff, this book appealed not only to the kids, but to myself as well. The illustrations well supported the text and the sequence of events leading up to their ultimate goal established a journey that shows how accomplishing big goals can take several patient steps.

The kids enjoyed looking at the pictures of each aircraft and they pointed out the reactions on the characters' faces when dreaming and accomplishing each milestone.

[Lorna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the Wight brothers and their historic twelve second flight in what was called the Flyer. Illustrations go well with the book and are very nice.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the Wright Brothers and how flight developed over the course of the 20th century. Not wordy at all, it is very child-friendly.

[Stephanie Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and whimsical. Shows kids ruminating on what they would do with a flying machine, while getting ready to watch the Wright brothers' historic flight. My favorite part is how the back endpage shows the real dates and names for people who accomplished what the kids dreamed of. A neat way to talk about the history of aviation for young children.