The Second Sky

by Patrick Guest, Jonathan Bentley (Illustrator)

Overview

An inspiring story about finding your true element

Ever since he first hatched, Gilbert has wanted to fly. But with his big, clumsy feet and small, fluffy wings, learning to fly is a bigger challenge than Gilbert anticipated. His fellow penguins tell him to give up, but Gilbert is sure that if he keeps trying, he’ll be able to soar…

Young readers will fall in love with this sweet, motivating story about overcoming obstacles and discovering your hidden talents.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802855206
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	03/05/2019
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	550L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jonathan Bentley has been an editorial illustrator forAustralia's Courier Mail for over ten years. He hasillustrated twenty books for children, but Little Big ishis debut as a children's book author. He lives in Brisbane,Australia.

Editorial Reviews

— Kirkus (STARRED review)
"With masterful composition and scale changes, Bentley creates a white and gently patterned icy world where flying birds wing in elegance both near and far. . . . Like Gilbert, this soars." 

Booklist
“A good addition to penguin-themed classroom units and storytimes.”

Catholic Library World
“This is a joyous and well-designed book.

From the Publisher

01/24/2020

PreS-Gr 2—Gilbert, a newborn penguin, knows exactly where he wants to be after hatching from his egg: up, up, and further up. His big, clumsy feet and small wings do not deter him, and he knows that if he keeps trying, he will ultimately find a way. Inspired by a gliding albatross, he realizes that he has been flapping too hard and simply needs to spread his wings, as the bigger bird does, and soar. Instead of up, however, Gilbert stumbles down, where he discovers that he has the unique ability to launch himself along the water instead of air. The underlying message about overcoming obstacles and achieving one's dreams is clearly represented in simple, poetic prose. Bentley's splashy watercolors vividly capture Gilbert's launch within an underwater paradise. While Helen Lester's Tacky the Penguin features far sillier penguin antics, Guest's work presents more factual content. VERDICT This top-notch picture book features a lovable main character and demonstrates that penguins can indeed fly. Recommended for wide purchase.—Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY

School Library Journal