
A parent should reach for this book when their child is facing a big, intimidating goal and feels like giving up. This humorous chapter book tells the story of Thunder Nelson, a determined opossum with a dream that everyone says is impossible: he wants to fly. Through trial, error, and a lot of heart, Thunder's journey is a gentle and funny exploration of resilience, self-belief, and creative problem-solving. Perfect for early independent readers, it models how to break down huge challenges into smaller steps and encourages kids to believe in their own unique abilities, even when others have doubts.
The primary theme is overcoming self-doubt and the discouragement of others. This is handled metaphorically through the physical challenge of an opossum trying to fly. The approach is entirely secular and the resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on the character's internal growth and achievement.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThis book is for a 7- to 9-year-old who is easily discouraged by new or difficult tasks. They might be learning an instrument, trying a new sport, or facing a tough school subject and have started saying things like, "I can't do it" or "This is too hard." It's especially suited for a child who responds well to humor and loves animal stories.
No preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. The themes are straightforward and presented in an accessible, positive manner. A parent might want to be ready to discuss Thunder's specific methods for problem-solving after the story is finished. A parent has just seen their child get frustrated and give up on a challenging project or hobby. The child expressed feelings of inadequacy or said that their goal was "impossible." The parent is looking for a way to talk about perseverance without it feeling like a lecture.
A younger reader (age 7) will primarily enjoy the funny premise, the animal characters, and the slapstick humor of Thunder's attempts. An older reader (ages 8-9) will more deeply connect with the emotional core of the story, understanding the metaphor for their own challenges and appreciating the message about resilience and creative thinking.
While many books teach perseverance, this one uses a central, clever pun ("impossumble") and a humorous, high-concept premise to make the theme feel fresh and engaging. It focuses less on grim determination and more on the joy of invention and the creative process, framing failure as a natural part of finding a solution. Its tone is encouraging and light, not preachy.
Thunder Nelson, an opossum, is determined to achieve a goal that seems impossible for his species: flying. Despite skepticism and being told it's "impossumble," Thunder embarks on a series of inventive and humorous attempts. The story follows his journey of trial and error, highlighting his perseverance, creativity, and the process of tackling a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Through his efforts, he learns valuable lessons about self-confidence and the true meaning of success.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.