Bertie Wings It!

PreS-Gr 2—Bertie is a bird who knows he's ready to leave his too tiny treetop digs and leap out into the wide, waiting world. He spreads his wings and makes a break for it, but the obstructionist Admiral Bird interrupts his progress and convinces him that he lacks the necessary skills to take to the skies. Outfitted with apps, gear, and a badge from flight school, Bertie tries a second time, only to be deterred by the rule-mongering Prunella Flapdoodle of the "Department of Migrating Varmints." Despite being armed with the appropriate certifications, a beleaguered Bertie is sidelined a third time, by a convincing kiwi named Monique, who assures him that he needs "hipster pants and furs from France." When Bertie does actually flap into flight, the weight of his unsolicited accessories causes him to drop like a stone. It isn't until he lets go of the unnecessary accoutrements that he can fly freely because "deep down inside, he knew that he knew—he had always known—how to fly." Kearney's saturated, bustling illustrations populate Gorin's story with wild characters, silly situations, and the suspicion that Bertie just needs a little space.