Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind

Gr 3–5—In a lengthy poem made up of rhymed quatrains, Ross relates the fantastical adventures of 10-year-old Bartholomew Biddle, who, drawn to the storm raging outside his bedroom window, grabs the corners of his bedsheet and jumps into the wind, learning how to steer as he flies. He awakes in a banana palm above a beach full of grumpy pirates who mellow after he throws them all the bananas and his cashmere sweater. Weeks later, the pirate captain sends him on his way ("…fun isn't fun/when it's all that you know./It may look like fun,/but it's just a big show"). In an abrupt change of scene, Bart finds himself in a town of bored working men and uniformed schoolboys who line up at the sound of a bell. He camps in his bedsheet tent and meets a boy named Densy, who learns to steer an old rowboat, but cannot bring himself to join the adventure. In segment three, Bart lands (for want of wind) in a deep canyon cove populated by a diverse group, all stranded with their myriad flying machines. Joined by Densy and his flying banner, Bart climbs the canyon wall and they catch the wind home. Myers's considerable creativity and talents with oils vivify both characters and scenery. However, a beaming Bartholomew floating high above the city; mean-faced pirates in tattered dress; the odd assortment of flying machines/dwellings-windmill, biplane, circus tent, et al-are not enough to bring this poem to life. The rambling, overly detailed text is the focus here, rather than the storytelling vehicle that it should be. The abrupt scene changes, plot, and wonderful characters suggest a movie script. This story would make a great one!—Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker Heights Public Library, OH