What made Penguin so determined to fly? Have you ever felt determined to do something difficult?

This is a discussion prompt for Flight of the Dodo by Peter Brown. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How did Penguin and his friends work together to build their flying machine? What are some good ways to work as a team?

This is a discussion prompt for Flight of the Dodo by Peter Brown. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What did the birds learn when they flew into the thunderstorm? How did they show bravery?

This is a discussion prompt for Flight of the Dodo by Peter Brown. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Flight of the Dodo

Name: Flight of the Dodo
ISBN: 9780316088718

by Peter Brown

Join Penguin and his flightless bird friends as they build a flying machine and embark on a humorous, stormy adventure in the sky.

About This Book

Penguin and his other flightless bird friends invent a flying machine, but they fly right into a thunderstorm.

Concepts

Resilience & Perseverance Creativity & Imagination Teamwork & Collaboration Self-Confidence & Identity Friendship & Loyalty Fear & Bravery Curiosity & Wonder Anger & Frustration Freedom & Independence Being Different Animals Birds Friendship & Social

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Wonderlit Review

Peter Brown's 'Flight of the Dodo' is a delightful early chapter book that champions ingenuity, teamwork, and resilience. The story centers on Penguin, a flightless bird who, after a rather undignified encounter with a flying goose, decides that he and his kind deserve to experience the world from above. He rallies his fellow flightless bird friends, including the titular dodo (implied to be one of the 'flightless bird friends'), to construct a magnificent flying machine. The narrative follows their creative process, the excitement of their first flight, and the unexpected challenge of a thunderstorm. The book handles the initial frustration and anger Penguin feels in a lighthearted, relatable way, quickly transitioning to a positive, problem-solving arc. The emotional journey starts with a spark of determination, moves through collaborative effort, and culminates in a triumphant, albeit slightly perilous, adventure that reinforces courage and friendship. This book is ideal for children aged 4-8 as a read-aloud, and for 7-11 year olds as an independent read, especially those who enjoy animal stories, humor, and tales of invention. Parents might reach for this book when their child is feeling limited by a challenge, or when they want to encourage creative thinking and the value of working together. There are no sensitive topics beyond the mild peril of a thunderstorm, which is resolved safely. The illustrations are crucial to the storytelling, making it accessible and engaging for younger readers. What sets this book apart is its charming blend of humor and heart, presenting a familiar theme of overcoming obstacles with a fresh, bird's-eye perspective and a focus on collective effort rather than individual heroism.