
Reach for this book when your child expresses a dream that feels out of reach or when they are discouraged by others who say their goals are impossible. This rhyming story follows Clorinda, a cow who is determined to fly despite the physical and social hurdles in her way. With the help of her loyal friend, Hop the pig, she engineers multiple contraptions to take to the skies. Through humorous trial and error, the story highlights the importance of creativity and the value of a supportive friend. It is an excellent tool for discussing resilience and the engineering process in a way that feels playful rather than instructional. Parents will appreciate the clever mixed media illustrations and the rhythmic text that makes it a delightful read aloud for children ages 4 to 8.
The book is entirely secular and metaphorical. It deals with failure and physical limitations in a lighthearted, humorous way. The resolution is triumphant and hopeful.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn elementary student who is an aspiring tinkerer or builder, particularly one who gets frustrated when their projects do not work on the first try. It is also perfect for the child who feels like an outsider because of their unique interests.
This is a safe read-cold book. The rhyming meter is generally consistent, but a quick scan helps the reader nail the comedic timing of the crashes. A parent might see their child give up on a drawing or a building set after one mistake, or hear their child say, I can't do this because I am too small.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the slapstick humor of a cow trying to fly and the colorful collage art. Older children (6-8) will appreciate the engineering attempts and the message about ignoring those who say you cannot do something.
The mixed media illustrations by Steven Kellogg add a layer of chaotic energy and detail that elevates the simple rhyme. Unlike many books about dreams, it emphasizes the technical collaboration between friends.
Clorinda the cow decides she belongs in the sky. She enlists her friend Hop the pig to help her build various flying machines, from wings to a hot air balloon and eventually a plane. Despite several failed attempts and crashes, Clorinda never loses her enthusiasm, eventually finding a way to soar.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.