Member Reviews

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This is a short story about an owl who is trying to escape from a forest fire. Obviously the owl has a harrowing journey to make it to safety, which includes hitching a ride in one of the helicopters that was fighting the fire. The story is particularly cool because it's based on a true event.

The story rhymes and uses pretty simple words, so even pretty young children should be able to understand what is being talked about. And if they don't fully understand the message from the words, the painting like illustrations did a fabulous job of showing the events of the story.

Overall I give Fire Flight 4.1846 out of 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

This amazing true story of a screech owl that flies through the open helicopter window of a fire fighting helicopter is amazing. The illustrations bring the smoky skies to life and the owl is so life-like. A beautiful picture book reminds readers about the consequences of climate change.

Was this review helpful?

A different read for those who experienced the fires. A good way to connect with young children about what happened during wildfires.

Was this review helpful?

A book made distinctive by the real-life incident it focuses on, and the strong visuals. As for the text, I found it too much of a poetic mish-mash – rhyming when it could and not worried about the rest of the time – for my tastes. But others will be more on board with it. We are watching an owl, stuck in the middle of a Californian forest fire, who has to leave its beloved trees, but at least temporarily finds somewhere safe to land – an empty co-pilot's seatback on a fire-fighting helicopter. The chopper pilot was able to snatch a photo of it sat there, which we get to close, but apparently it hung round for a few passes over the water the 'copter was fetching.

We're invited – and at least not forced – to imagine the mental message of thanks and cooperation from bird to aviator, but this is a way to mark a real beat in time, and just to marvel at the flukiness of it, and not dwell on any lesson from bird to human. We do get the suitable anti-fire, ecological message to wrap things up, but the juxtaposition between wild animal and evidently calm pilot remains the chief take-out. As such I have to be wary of marking the book and not the happenstance, so – on the evidence of the script used here – this is three and a half stars.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley and Capstone for the ARC of this!

What a cute story, I loved the illustrations. The text was lovely for a read aloud, not too long or difficult. I liked the tips at the end.

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautiful nonfiction story about an owls journey to safety in an unlikely place. It will entrance young ones and the added photo will add to the charm. The illustrations are gorgeous and I am so glad it included things we could do to help prevent forest fires as well.

Was this review helpful?

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. As fire consumes the home of a spotted owl, the owl along with many other animals seek refuge from the flames. A good picture book for a little older readers. The book explains that not just people lose their homes when forest fires break out.

Was this review helpful?

This is a children’s story which is based on true events. It follows a friendly Owl and his response and feelings to forest fires. It explains what a forest fire is and the consequences of them. It also introduces what a helicopters roll can be during a forest fire and gives ample information on how to prevent forest fires from occurring.

An excellent educational book

Was this review helpful?

Elaborating on an incredible but true story this fantastic book finishes with things that those of us in the Northwoods are all too familiar with. A MUST READ!
The illustrations by Chiara Fedele are incredibly lifelike, detailed, and absolutely moving.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Star Bright Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
@CBCBook #Wildfires #ScreechOwl #FireFighters

Was this review helpful?

Students will love this true story of an owl that flew to safety through the window of a fire fighting plane when his home was on fire. End pages also discuss global warming and how to help prevent forest fires.

Was this review helpful?

Fire Flight tells the true story of an owl caught in a forest fire and takes refuge in a helicopter fighting the fire. This beautifully illustrated story features a singular experience of one animal and integrates so many beautiful word choices and repetition. It is a joy to read this heartwarming story of an owl and the humans who were able to witness it's story.

Was this review helpful?

After learning that this story is based on a real-life event and experience makes it more impactful. Wildfires are devastating and heartbreaking, but they happen. This is a story about an owl trying to escape a forest fire and finding refuge in a firefighting helicopter. The illustrations are beautiful and make the story more emotional.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Was this review helpful?