Steven P. Wickstrom Reviews

Added September 26, 2005

The Seagull Who Was Afraid to Fly

Author: Steven P. Wickstrom
Publisher: Publish America
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: April 2004
Genre: Fiction: Middle Reader
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 1413718906
Reviewer: Safiya Tremayne
Rating: 7.8 Gargoyles

Dusty is a young seagull with a unique problem. Unique, for a seagull, that is. He is afraid of heights. While his problem worried his parents, they knew the best way to help Dusty was to send him out on his own with his brothers and sister and dismantle the nest. His brothers and sister were able to fly with no problem and they left the nest quite willingly. Following his parents' advice, Dusty started walking down the ledge where the nest was built towards the beach.

On his journey down the ledge, he finds a pile of rocks and even a large branch in his way. With a bit of determination, he manages to push them out of his way and soon finds himself on the beach. It is here at the beach, that Dusty's true adventures begin.

From meeting two hermit crab brothers, Flim and Flam, who believe the sky is falling and even have proof that it is to meeting Jill, the most beautiful seagull he's ever seen, Dusty experiences a side of life most seagulls never even think about. Guided by his friends, Dusty is slowly conquering his fear of heights, but will it ever be enough so he can fly? A chance encounter with a cat will decide his fate one way or another.

The Seagull Who Was Afraid to Fly is a great story for families to read together. Children will love the unique cast of characters, as will the parents. The appearance of Elvis the Seal singing "You Ain't Nothing but a Sea Lion" and François, the French poodle maitre'd, not to mention Flim and Flam will keep everyone laughing. Wickstrom gently teaches a lesson about opening yourself up to new experiences, accepting help from friends and conquering your fears. A wonderful story from beginning to end.

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