Against the striking backdrop of the night sky the baby Grey-headed flying fox clings to its mother's belly as they soar under the stars, over the seas, past the clouds, and through the trees until they find the sweet, juicy treats they seek and it's time to "eat, Mama. eat!"
Throughout the night they fly, not only satisfying their appetite but also playing a vital role in pollinating plants and spreading seeds throughout the native forests of south-eastern Australia.
As well as being a charming bedtime story that introduces this threatened species to our youngest readers - one that they can read for themselves because of the simple rhyming text that perfectly matches the illustrations - but it also shows them that just because they are going to sleep, not everything does. There is a whole different world that comes alive at night, the flying fox is just one species, and there is the opportunity to explore what else might be awake at that time. Imagine a mural of a night sky with moon and stars and silhouetted trees, that is gradually populated by pictures of those creatures that are awake while the child sleeps.
Anna McGregor says her driving purpose is "to delight and entertain children through timeless storytelling" by "turning the mundane on its head" and she has certainly done this not only in this book that celebrates the bond between mother and child through choosing a new species not usually seen in stories, but also through books like Spiro which features a spider, and the CBCA shortlisted Anemone is not the Enemy.
I am going to have fun sharing this with the three-year-olds at the local preschool and then leaving it there for them to explore further. They will love it!!
And 5% of profits from each copy sold will be donated to the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA
See more of her recommendations:
500 Hats http://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
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Soar Through the Night Sky with a Flying Fox Mom and Her Baby!
Fly, Mama, Fly invites young readers on a magical nocturnal journey with a mother flying fox and her adorable pup. As the sun sets and the stars twinkle, mama fox spreads her wings, carrying her little one on an adventure through the moonlit sky.
This enchanting tale celebrates the unbreakable bond between mother and child while gently introducing important themes of wildlife conservation. Through lyrical rhymes and stunning visuals, children discover the vital role flying foxes play in maintaining healthy ecosystems as they pollinate flowers and spread seeds across vast distances.
Anna McGregor, an award-winning author and illustrator, brings her signature style to both the lilting text and vibrant artwork. Her use of fluorescent colors against deep night hues creates a visually striking world that captures the wonder of nighttime exploration.
Perfect for:
- Parents and Caregivers: An ideal bedtime story that fosters a sense of security and love.
- Educators: A valuable resource for teaching about nocturnal animals, ecosystems, and conservation.
- Libraries: A visually stunning addition to story time collections that encourages discussions about wildlife and parenting across species.
- Young Nature Enthusiasts: Kids fascinated by animals will be enthralled by the flying foxes’ nighttime world.
The book’s unique sideways orientation offers an innovative reading experience, encouraging interaction and making it easy for little hands to explore. Fly, Mama, Fly is more than just a bedtime story―it’s a journey of love, an exploration of nature, and a gentle reminder of our role in protecting the world around us.---from the publisher
26 pages 978-1964992143 Ages 3-5
Keywords: night, sleeping, flying fox, mothers/babies, adventure, rhyme, pollination, how things work, ecology, conservation, nature, fun, 3 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old
Editor's note: Flying foxes are found in Australia, Asia and Africa
