Teaching Eddie to Fly

Selected for The Children’s Book Council’s April 2024 “Hot Off The Press” Reading List

"Real friends help pals fly in more ways than one. Arthur, a small bear, is friends with Eddie, an ostrich. After Arthur asks Eddie why he doesn’t fly, Eddie explains that he wasn’t taught. Solicitous Arthur decides to play teacher. He enjoys giving lectures and illustrates aeronautical principles on a chalkboard. Next, Arthur instructs Eddie to flap his wings, but nothing doing. More lessons ensue. Eddie is lifted in a hot-air balloon, jumps off a diving board, tries stilts, and dangles from a parachute. Arthur decides to ask some birds how they learned to fly. It’s a good idea, except Arthur ends up questioning a series of flightless birds, and a parrot who talks nonstop—but not about flying. Discouraged, the pair walk home; the tired Arthur rides atop Eddie’s back. Eddie’s legs move faster; Arthur marvels at Eddie’s lightning pace. Perhaps Eddie already has a great skill. Originally published in the Czech Republic, this winning story about friendly, supportive encouragement soars, even if Eddie doesn’t. Sweet Eddie never questions where Arthur, who obviously can’t fly, gets his expertise from; readers may want to ponder and discuss this. The charming illustrations are lively and comical. The protagonists are adorable, their size differential making their friendship especially endearing. An uplifting, high-flying tale about friendship and being the wind beneath someone’s wings. (Picture book. 4-7)" —Kirkus Reviews

"Eddie wants to fly, but he is not able to. His friend, Arthur is determined to help Eddie learn. They try everything, but get nowhere. So, they decide to visit other birds, to get some ideas, but come up empty. But as they head home, something wonderful happens! Eddie and Arthur make a great team, and this cute read is one that kids are going to truly enjoy." —Rebecca Hill, Blogger

"It’s an engaging, quickly-read and fun little drama, and is certainly one to consider strongly.  Four and a half stars." —John Lloyd, Reviewer

"The story is one of perseverance, desire, and kindness as the two friends work together to try to accomplish a task. Young readers will enjoy the give and take between Arthur and Eddie." —Beth Rodgers, YA Books Central

"Teaching Eddie To Fly is a very funny story about finding what you are good at and what makes you unique. I liked the quirky and silly illustrations." —Kiss the Book Jr

"An adorable pair of friends heads out to achieve the impossible, and it's hard not to cheer for them the entire way. [...] The text is kept simple and short, giving just enough to keep the story rolling along. It makes a great read aloud for even the younger end of the reading audience. The illustrations are gentle and still let the humor sit very well. It's sure to become one of those reads which ends with the words 'again'." —Tonja Drecker, Blogger

"Eddie may not be able to fly, but maybe he can do other cool things? A fun little book that I enjoyed very much. Highly recommended." —Shonatiger, Blogger

"As we have found with other books by Katarína Macurová, there is a little twist at the end that will leave readers giggling ad rolling their eyes." —Kids Read the World, IG