Starred Review ALA Booklist (Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2020)

Starred Review "Jacob could fly. That might sound crazy, but it's true." So begins the story of one boy's surprising adventure in this delightful German import. When Jacob's parents make plans to take a plane to their late-summer vacation destination, Jacob figures he can fly on his own and meet them there. Along the way, the youngster observes a herd of 15 cows, a scurry of 31 squirrels, and a flock of 83 birds. Jacob decides to join the latter group on their journey south, has an exciting time, and sees parts of the country he's never seen before least, not with a bird's-eye view. But then a man who enjoys listening to caged birds chirp captures one of the birds, Hubert, and adds him to his collection. Donning a disguise that humorously does the trick, Jacob is able to fool the captor and assist his feathered friends in freeing Hubert as well as the other captive birds. Colorful illustrations created with Japanese ink, colored pencils, and ink pen are filled with intricate and charming details. Children will have fun counting the cows, squirrels, and birds Jacob encounters on his journey, while reading this most unexpected and unusual "what I did on my summer vacation" tale.

Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

Young Jacob, uniquely able to fly, has a big adventure with birds on his way to join his parents on a Mediterranean vacation.Jacob's peculiarity is introduced with humor and warmth: His parents hoped their baby would start crawling, but "he just flew off instead." The text then assures readers that the parents quickly overcame anxiety over Jacob's difference, loving him because that is what parents do. The lightheartedness continues as the mother and father easily agree to let their child fly alone for their upcoming vacation while the parents fly by airplane. Jacob bonds with various animals during his solo flight, eventually joining a flock of 83 birds. When Hubert-one of those birds-is nabbed by "a notorious birdcatcher," Jacob and the birds become partners in avian heroics. Extra fun: Children will enjoy counting 15 "cranky cows," 31 "snacky squirrels," and, of course, those 83 "birds on their way to Africa." The translated text is full of understated humor and funny words, such as shenanigans and bamboozled. The comical cartoon art matches the high quality and whimsy of the text. There is a magical double-page spread that shows Jacob mostly submerged in a woodland pond and surrounded by many varieties of happy, celebrating birds. The story comes full circle as Jacob and a new companion reunite with Jacob's parents. Jacob and his parents are White, probably middle-class Germans.Highflying humor and heart. (Picture book. 4-8)

Horn Book

Jacob could fly before he could crawl -- an abnormal feat for a human child. Once his parents got over the initial shock, they began to enjoy the many benefits of having a son who could fly. When the family decides to take a Mediterranean vacation, they're able to save on airfare, as Jacob insists on flying there himself. Along the way, he encounters fifteen cows, has a bite to eat with thirty-one squirrels, and joins a flock of eighty-three birds. When one of the birds is caught by a bird-catcher, Jacob comes up with a plan to rescue his new friend. Disguising himself with feathers and a tied-on beak, Jacob is able to fool the bird-catcher into believing he is the rarest of birds. The man quickly grabs his net and runs outside just as the remaining eighty-two birds swoop into the house to set free each and every feathered friend in the man's collection. After a small celebration, Jacob finally arrives at his destination, where his parents have been patiently awaiting him. The book's illustrations, rendered in Japanese ink, crayon, and inkpen, are charmingly old-fashioned and playful. Jacob's adventure is exciting, and the story is filled with child-pleasing details (for instance, the contents of Jacob's backpack: "cheese sandwiches, water, and a compass -- just in case"). Hill Saxton

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Young Jacob, uniquely able to fly, has a big adventure with birds on his way to join his parents on a Mediterranean vacation.Jacob's peculiarity is introduced with humor and warmth: His parents hoped their baby would start crawling, but "he just flew off instead." The text then assures readers that the parents quickly overcame anxiety over Jacob's difference, loving him because that is what parents do. The lightheartedness continues as the mother and father easily agree to let their child fly alone for their upcoming vacation while the parents fly by airplane. Jacob bonds with various animals during his solo flight, eventually joining a flock of 83 birds. When Hubert-one of those birds-is nabbed by "a notorious birdcatcher," Jacob and the birds become partners in avian heroics. Extra fun: Children will enjoy counting 15 "cranky cows," 31 "snacky squirrels," and, of course, those 83 "birds on their way to Africa." The translated text is full of understated humor and funny words, such as shenanigans and bamboozled. The comical cartoon art matches the high quality and whimsy of the text. There is a magical double-page spread that shows Jacob mostly submerged in a woodland pond and surrounded by many varieties of happy, celebrating birds. The story comes full circle as Jacob and a new companion reunite with Jacob's parents. Jacob and his parents are White, probably middle-class Germans.Highflying humor and heart. (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Ever since babyhood, Jacob has been able to fly: he zooms into the sky in an orange onesie as his parents watch in anxious wonder. But they adjust, and a few years later they agree to let Jacob fly on his own to the family-s vacation destination. This journey, depicted in fine-lined, softly washed ink and crayon drawings reminiscent of R.O. Blechman, is every kid-s dream of independence and community. Jacob meets up with a flock of 83 birds (numeric specificity is one of the book-s sweet running jokes). -They traveled great distances, took leisurely breaks, and had lots of pleasant conversations. They chatted and chirped, fed and frolicked,- and at one point form a giant fish in the sky to salute a fisherman below. When one member of the flock is captured by a -notorious bird-catcher,- Jacob leads the rescue and is feted as a hero in a marvelously imagined pond party that -birds came from far and wide- to attend. German creator Waechter-s assured, Roald Dahl-leaning storytelling, rendered in a delightful to read translation, offers a whimsical flight of fancy to readers feeling wanderlust. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)

School Library Journal (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2020)

K-Gr 2 This German import is sure to delight and tickle the imagination. Jacob is a young boy who just happens to be able to fly. His parents are at first astounded but soon get quite used to it. When they decide to take a vacation to a warmer climate, Jacob insists on meeting them there. Why should he get on an airplane? While flying over the countryside, he notices a large group of birds en route to Africa and decides to join them; they have an amazing time seeing all the sights and getting to know one another. Unfortunately, an intrepid bird-catcher snags Hubert, one of Jacob's bird companions, and takes him home to keep as a pet. Jacob and the rest of the birds outwit this horrible person and free Hubert, along with all the other birds he captured over the years. A lovely illustration follows this triumph with a two-page spread of various birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors frolicking with Jacob. After the celebration, Jacob realizes it is time to join his parents and Hubert decides to come too. Soon they are playing on the beach, regaling the family with their many adventures. VERDICT Lessons are delivered with a light hand in this thoroughly charming read for young children, combining the wonders of the world with just a touch of magic. Amy Nolan, St. Joseph P.L., MI