You Shall Mount Up with Wings

Picture Book: Flight School

Author & Illustrator: Lita Judge

Summary: When Little Penguin shows up at flight school, he claims he has the “soul of an eagle” and was “hatched to fly.” 

He is allowed to stay and practice with the other birds. When students attempt their first flight, Penguin’s flight is a disaster. 

He becomes discouraged. This troubles his flight teachers who suddenly have a creative idea. More feathers are attached to Penguin with string and soon he is in flight, soaring with joy, at least for a little while. 

But how did this happen? With help from a friend. 

This time Penguin’s eventual fall did not bother him for he had “soared on the wind.” He went home and soon returned with another friend who offers an even bigger challenge for the flight school teachers.

Hanna’s Comments:  This is a great book for parents and teachers to read for it is a tribute to those who encourage the young and find creative ways to help them be successful. 

How does this inspiring book fit with theology? How about reading this book to children and attaching it to Isaiah 40:31, a verse often heard by children but rarely explained. You could also focus on the benefits of community and friendship for encouragement and helping us soar into our dreams and vocations. 

Also, connect with the Body of Christ imagery that Paul gives and you’ve got many potential scripture connections.

Original Publisher & Date: Atheneum, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections:  Those who wait on the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31); Body of Christ imagery (in Paul’s letters); look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16) 
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of private school or homeschool teachers who you want to encourage to be creative in helping their children succeed. Connect to a scripture choice from above to give it a godly vocational dimension.  

Update: This book now has a sequel that is delightful!

In the new book, Penguin, with the help of his friends, flies home to Antarctica to teach them the magic of flight. However, they're more interested in swimming. Penguin must accept that his penguin friends don't share his desire to fly. They do tell him they are quite proud of him and will be looking up at the sky and thinking of him, their much-loved Penguin with the soul of an eagle.