Ann Can Fly

by Fred Phleger, Robert Lopshire (Illustrator)

This is the classic edition of "Ann Can Fly," a well-loved children's book about Ann flying an airplane with her father.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Picture Books

63 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 1959

Reviews

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six years ago I took possession of a retired elementary school teacher's classroom library. Most of the books I've since read and donated to various local schools but one gem I've kept is Ann Can Fly by Fred Phleger.

Ann's father has taught her how to fly and now they are flying together to her summer camp in Colorado. The flight starts at Montgomery Field in San Diego. As a native San Diegan I felt an unexpected thrill at recognizing their take-off point. In fact much of their flight path covers familiar territory for me and gave me many things to talk about with my children during the book.

I read this book to Harriet at a time when she was going through a period of "girls do this" and "boys do that." It was nice to show her a positive portrayal of a girl doing something outside of her rubric. It helped her to rethink her strict cataloging of gender roles.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book from Miss Katje's first grade classroom. Now in my personal library, to be cherished forever.

[Bookfairy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this recently gave it a whirl. I enjoyed the 1950s-style art, and it's a cute story, but it seemed a little overly wordy and stilted for a young readers book.

Not bad, but I don't think it's a classic.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Times have changed. This book was how children's books used to be. While I do not recall reading this in my youth, it has the look and feel of that kind of book. It's similar to Dick and Jane for older readers.

But, oh how stilted it is! Father declares the indians will look after the plane. Yeah, that wouldn't fly (no pun intended) today. Ann and her father fly the family plane. It's simple language. There is little interest, as far as I can make out, in reading this.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the first books I ever read. My dad was a pilot for a long time, so as a kid I was interested in anything aviation. I read this book many time in elementary school. My parents got it for me for my birthday a few years ago and I cannot wait to share it with my kids.

[Carolyn Givens · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books as a child, which mi madre found utterly boring. For some reason, Ann at the airplane controls was my favorite thing.

[Ellen Evanoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was a little girl. I loved the daddy-daughter trip. I also thought the artwork was special.

[Seung Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. It is a bit dated, but the general idea that girls can fly planes too rings true today.