by Danny Parker (Author) Matt Ottley (Illustrator)
A heartwarming story about facing your fears
Toby doesn't like heights. That's why he always carries a parachute with him. His parachute makes him feel safe when he has to climb down from his bunk bed or when he's playing on the swings. But one day, Toby's cat gets stuck in a tree, and it's up to Toby to rescue him. With the help of his parachute, Toby reaches his cat and lowers him safely to the ground. But now Toby is stuck in the tree, unless he can conquer his fears. . . .
This compelling book, perfectly complemented by Matt Ottley's expressive artwork, lends a sympathetic ear to children's fears while simultaneously assuring readers that they can overcome them.
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PreS-Gr 2—Toby has a parachute. It's useful for many things, such as getting out of bed or stepping down from his breakfast chair or from his stool after brushing his teeth. Just having his parachute backpack on makes Toby feel safe and secure. When his cat Henry is caught in a tree, Toby cleverly uses his parachute to rescue him. But now he needs a way to get down on his own. Anyone who has been or known a child with a security blanket can relate to Toby's experience of fear and the comfort such an item can bring. The simplicity and sincerity of the story is well known and oft told. Yet this is also a story of perspective. Parker's remarkable digital images portray Toby's fear in exaggerated depth, height, and sense of danger with an added air of whimsy that amplifies his circumstances as only a child's imagination can. This is an extraordinary picture book that will delight yet inspire discussion by young children and slightly older ones as well. VERDICT An excellent addition to any library. Highly recommended.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.This sweet story about facing childhood fears is perfectly paired with whimsical and captivating illustrations. - Catholic News Service
Emotionally insightful. . . . We see Toby confronting his fears and, step by step, overcoming them in this resonant and visually striking tale. - Wall Street Journal