I Wish I Could Fly

by Ron Maris

Turtle tries to fly like a bird, dive like a frog, climb like a squirrel, and imitate other animals, but it is not until it rains, and all the other animals run for cover, that Turtle realizes his specialness

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Diana]

So many books feature characters who are unhappy with who they are. This is different. Here you have a turtle who is thrilled with who it is, yet still is aware that there are things it would like to do and can't. Good lesson for life. The kiddos liked it, too.

[C J]

A delightful little story. The illustrations are wonderful.

[Danette]

1/20/20 Read with Naomi and Julia

[Francine]

Wel aardig, niet erg spetterend. Goede boodschap.

[Pingping Xiao]

I like this story very much because of its implied meaning. It is a great picture book for kids around age 3 to 6 to read. Children will learn a lot of synonym words in this book, such as flop and plop, splutter and splash...
We always want to be someone else, to pursue un-realistic dream, just like this turtle who wants to fly like a bird, dive like a frog, climb like squirrel, and run like a rabbit. But forgot one truth is how beautiful to be ourselves. Turtle has its one "house" and can carry it whenever rain or sunny. When others get wet, he can hide in his shell.

[Tristan Doane]

This book teaches us that even though we can do certain things, we are who we are and we have our own skills and gifts. And with that, we should try to become someone else because we are perfect with who we are.

[Kim]

A basic, first book on learning to accept your abilities and not wanting to be like someone else.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S.]

Turtle wants to fly like bird, run like rabbit...etc. In the end he learns that being himself is more than enough.

Nice book to discuss acceptance/self-esteem.

[Sarah]

Text to text: I don't want to be a frog

Turtle learns the value of his unique design.

[Briony Bastin]

Useful adjective and onomatopoeia.
One activity could be encouraging children to right down what they wish.
Learns about other animals.
Can teach children about 'silver linings' and taking things for granted.