What a fantastic heartwarming story! I love Catherine Ryan Hydes books and this one is no different. Her characters are so real and so easy to relate to. This story about a young boy and an older woman will tug at your heartstrings!

I read a Catherine Ryan Hyde book last year for book club and absolutely fell in love with her writing style. With "Dreaming of Flight", she kicked it out of the park again! This book immediately captured my heart. This was such a heart warming, beautiful book that every one should read! I seriously could not put it down.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!

Every time I read a new Catherine Ryan Hyde book, I'm convinced yet again that the new story is my favorite. How can each one be my favorite? Because each story simply is just that good! Dreaming of Flight is no exception. A heartwarming story of young Stewart Little (like the mouse) and his innocent yet profound journey from sadness to joy, loss to love, and loneliness to friendship and family like he's never known before. Truly another 5-star read from Catherine Ryan Hyde that I cannot recommend enough. Brava!

What a wonderful story about a young boy, his hard life and memories of his Grandmother. The grandmother raised hens and sold eggs. Stewie carried on after she passed away, going door to door carrying the eggs in his wagon selling the high quality eggs. The most precious, caring relationship Stewie develops with an elderly neighbor first then with the residents of the nursing home is absolutely precious! A lovely story one that leaves you with a bigger heart and a smile on your face!
I still think about sweet Stewie and wish he were my grandson ~
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a "feel good story"

I read this novel while in a cozy little loft in a rental near Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio where there was such a deep quiet that I was able to full immerse myself into this heart warming story. So much wisdom and strength from a young boy. Each character was well developed and there was nothing superficial to the story. Just a delight to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sadly, I decided to DNF this at 45%. I typically give a book to the 30% mark, but truly wanted to connect with this one. Alas, I don’t think I’m a target reader for Catherine Ryan Hyde (a prolific author). She tends to “tell,” rather than “show,” and usually with dialog. (e.g., Stewie learns his sister is concerned about him by overhearing a very wordy phone call.) I loved the concept, but the telling of the story left me unfulfilled. Thanks for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Dreaming of Flight, by Catherine Ryan Hyde
emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25 stars

A couple of years ago, I read "Have You Seen Luis Velez?" by Catherine Ryan Hyde. It was refreshing to read a book with sweet intergenerational relationships and the impact of kindness. "Dreaming of Flight" has a similar theme. Stewey Little (like the book that he's never read) is an "odd yet charming" pre-teen who has experienced multiple loss in his life. He maintains a posture of kindness even as he learns how to navigate and make sense of a world that is not always kind to odd yet charming kids. It's not clear what time or place the book takes place (he is concerned about the cost of a toll call but there is also internet shopping).

The primary story is about Stewey and his relationship with a grandmotherly figure who most people consider less than kind. Stewey befriends her during one of his egg selling walks. His grandmother is recently deceased and he is raising her chickens and selling the eggs.

One of the ways Stewey tries to navigate the world is by trying to "fix" people and situations. He befriends Marilyn when he realizes that her dementia could cause her to harm herself or others. But through various relationships including one with a therapist, he begins to recognize that feelings are not bad or good and that relationships are not about "fixing" what is hard but mutuality of concern and kindness for one another. It's a sweet read with some tearful moments. It's a good book for a plane ride or day at the beach.

#DreamingofFlight #NetGalley

Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the one and only Catherine Ryan Hyde for an ARC to review.
Catherine became one of my all time favorite authors with her emotional warm unique human tales. She writes from her heart, speaking to the reader's heart.
An unusual relationship between a young boy and an old woman takes us in an enchanting journey dealing with deep issues like grief, dementia, disability, mental illness, loss, aging and so much more
I loved it and can never get enough of her valuable writing

It was an absolute honor (and many happy dances) that I received this book as an ARC from #Netgalley and #Lake Union. I thank them and the author.

Wow. I will likely update this review but I literally just closed the Kindle and felt the need to tell everyone how much I enjoyed this book.

No spoilers and read the details.

Stewie and Marilyn will live in my heart forever. They are in good company of other characters from Ms. Hyde's books. The simplest way to put it is each one touched my heart.

What is not to love about a 12 year old boy. They are curious, excitable, loveable etc etc etc. Stewie Little (yes spelled differently from another adorable literary character Stuart Little) is still open hearted enough to embrace a friendship with Marilyn, a snarky type of grandmother who has her own secrets she is hiding.

This is a book you WANT to make sure you read every word. It is expected out mid-2022 and I will definitely be recommending it to my book club!!

Eleven-year-old Stewie Little prides himself on the freshness of the eggs that he sells to his neighbors. Never knowing his parents, Stewie and his brother are being raised by their older sister, Stacey, who was forced into her role when their grandmother died. Stewie is a sensitive little boy who tends to his grandmother’s chickens with loving care and gathers their eggs each morning. While selling his last dozen of the day, Stewie meets a cranky, old woman who reminds him of Gram. "Four dollars? That's a bit steep, don't you think? They're only two dollars a dozen at the market" Stewie convinces Marilyn to try a dozen and while making a sale, Stewie makes a friend. Marilyn and Stewie bond over the book Stuart Little and the secrets they keep. He knows that she isn't his grandmother, however, Stewie cares about Marilyn as if she were and he doesn't know how to stop caring.

When I start a Catherine Ryan Hyde book, I know I am in for a heart-warming story that usually includes an animal. In Dreaming of Flight, I learned about chickens and their eggs. Stewie is grieving in this story even if he doesn't know what the big words mean and his common sense, literal outlook on life is one to be emulated and admired. The characters in this story come to life through Ryan's pen and I mourned alongside of Stewie. Ryan shows us people at their best and worst, however, always giving the reader hope for a better way to be. Do not pass this one by, we all need Stewie in our lives.

Such a sensitive book about love and loss. Told in such a simple, easy to read way this book is actually quite deep. I loved Stewie as everyone does, but Stacey and Theo also come across as kind and caring siblings.
Another excellent story from Catherine Ryan Howard.

I picked this ARC because I've been a fan of Ms. Hyde's feel-good books for years. Although the premise was good, the story read like it was written for a fourth or fifth-grade audience, which I didn't expect. Maybe it was a youth book and I didn't see that information? Reading level issue aside, the main character (a loveable 12 year old, highly sensitive boy) is struggling to get over the death of his grandmother who copes by trying to 'fix' everything that may be wrong in his world or prevent problems from before they occur (which is ultimately unsustainable and an unhealthy thing after a while). His pet chickens balance bring him happiness (and eggs to sell) and also bring new friends into his world. I think many of us can relate to the characters and most adults will not be surprised at the last four or five chapters, which is definitely smile-making.

I want to begin with how much I love the book cover and how appropriately it fits the story. The boy on the cover is exactly how I picture the main character, Stewie.

I have read several of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books and all have hit me deeply in my heart. She brings to life characters and their world through her excellent writing. This book is a perfect example of what I am stating. I care so much for Stewie, as most people that meet him do. I am missing him now that the story has ended. A sign of a great book, is that the story does not end when you finish the book. It is still with me in my mind, and I am thinking about Stewie and how he is doing.

Even though I read this early in 2022, I know this will be in my top five favorite books of this year, quite possibly my number one favorite.

I highly recommend this wonderful book to everyone!

I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Loved this beautifully written story of a lonely boy who desperately misses his grandmother. and is determined to look after her chickens for her. Selling fresh eggs, he finds connections,. His eggs lead to rest home resident, Marilyn, who reminds him of his grandmother. His grief softens and his life is enriched as he enriches the lives of not only Marilyn, but all the residents of the rest home. A beautiful, uplifting story that I think would appeal to all ages, but perhaps especially grandmothers! Thankyou to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance digital review copy.

This author writes about ordinary people who do extraordinary things. They have this nugget of compassion that not everyone has, and it allows them to attend to the needs of others, to take care of others in the natural progression of their lives.

She writes about people who might be at a disadvantage in life, but who realize that they might make a little bit of a difference in the lives of others who are also at a disadvantage.

Stewart Little is eleven years old. He cares deeply about many things, especially his Gam's chickens and the eggs they provide. But most especially, the chickens. Stewie sells the eggs for four dollars a dozen. They're very fresh and worth the money, he believes.

Stewie's parents have died, as has his grandmother who took Stewie and his brother and sister in. The weight of caring for the family now rests on Stewie's sister, Stacey. There is also Theo, Stewie's brother, who has the symptoms of being developmentally disabled. A lot of responsibility for Stacey.

Marilyn, an elderly woman, has a need for Stewie's compassion and care. In the course of this book, Stewie becomes more than just a boy in Marilyn's neighborhood. Marilyn has her own problems, but Stewie is there to lend a hand the way only a young, resourceful boy can.

How many times can a person say that each book is the best book Catherine Ryan Hyde has ever written? I guess about as many times as she writes a book.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a sweet story about compassion and kindness. The characters are well developed and you can’t help but become invested. I loved Stewie stay true to himself throughout the story. I am a sucker for a grumpy old person so I enjoyed Marilyn’s character. I knew her flaws would eventually reveal great things!

If you are looking for a beautifully written story that is uplifting and has strong characters then this book is for you!

I would like to thank @netgalley for providing a copy of this audiobook for an honest review.

Another amazing Catherine Ryan Hyde story! I love little Stewie. Highly recommend this book. Thank you for allowing me to review this advance copy.

What an amazing book!
The story follows little Stewie who lives with his siblings after the death of their grandmother whom they affectionately call Gam. Their parents had died when Stewie was tiny, so he never knew them.
Stewie takes it upon himself to look after Gam's chickens, and starts to sell eggs to the locals. He soon meets Marilyn who starts to buy eggs from him. He prides himself on the eggs freshness.
After a rocky start, the two become friends of a sort, and so begins a tale of loss, love, friendship & chickens!
I can't quite work out what audience this book is aimed at, but all I know is, that as a 54 year old, chicken keeping woman, I loved it!
Well recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Dreaming of Flight" and all opinions expressed are my own. I definitely like the main character Stewie. The overall story was good but I felt like something was missing.

Dreaming of Flight is yet another beautifully written and heart warming story from Catherine Ryan Hyde. I enjoyed it thoroughly in spite of the fact that it seemed to have been written for the 10-15 year old crowd.

Regardless of her target audience, her books have wide appeal to all ages.

Like most of her novels, this one focuses on kind, gentle people and how they impact the lives of others. Her characters are realistic and have real, everyday problems. Her characters look outside themselves to see how they can help others.

I’m indebted to NetGalley and the publisher, Lake Union, for an early release of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I recommend Dreaming of Flight as well as all her other books, most enthusiastically.