The Only Way I Can

by Bonnie Grubman, Wicked Vibes (Illustrator)

Overview

When he sees Bird flying through the sky, Rabbit knows for sure: he wants to fly too! But no matter what Rabbit tries, his feet won’t leave the ground. Or is there another way?

A funny and inspiring book about discovering your strengths. For go-getters ages 4 and up.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781605373393
Publisher:	Clavis
Publication date:	05/16/2017
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.80(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD540L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 5 Years

About the Author

Bonnie Grubman went to Nursing School, became a Mom and traded her Nurse's hat for a classroom full of picture books and inspiring young children who found joy and curiosity in everything they saw. Because of the kids and for the kids she has been writing ever since. She lives in Syosset, NY.

Editorial Reviews

03/06/2017
It’s a familiar setup: a land animal sees a bird flying and becomes determined to do the same. Bird agrees to help Rabbit attempt to fly, though Grubman (Oy Vey! Life in a Shoe) doesn’t mince words about his skepticism: “ ‘What do you think?’ asked Rabbit eagerly. I think it’s crazy, Bird thought to himself.” Working in paint, pencil, and other media, debut illustrator Westermann captures Rabbit’s efforts to fly with tender humor, though never at Rabbit’s expense; the book’s funniest moments are the training sequences in which Rabbit dons a feather suit, pumps iron (a twig with two apples), and races around the meadow, all to no avail. During the climax, Bird worries that Rabbit is planning to toss himself from a cliff in order to fly, but Rabbit has something else in mind, enjoying the resplendent setting from higher ground—“Flying into the sunset, in my own way,” as he puts it. Grubman’s story may not stand out from the crowd, but it makes an effective case for recognizing one’s talents and approaching goals and challenges from a different perspective. Ages 4–up. (May)

Publishers Weekly

"A new treasure, certainly worth adding to your collection. This is a beautifully illustrated story about embracing what makes you, you!” — Sarah Muller, educator

"A funny and inspiring book about discovering your strengths. For go-getters ages 4 and up….a great little story about trying everything you can to achieve a goal - and then admitting your limitations. Combined with some gorgeous illustrations and excellent text, this book would make a lovely gift for children with a sense of adventure!” — Paul Phillips, bookseller

"a new kids story about being envious, working together, being let down, and how to rise back up again. It was a breath of fresh air, reading this book. There was no malice or backstabbing. It was genuine desire to do something and having a friend help you through all the options. And when that didn't work out, dealing with it in a positive manner and working on developing personal strengths!” — Denise Wheelock, Goodreads

"The Only Way I Can is a story of self-acceptance and imagination, with beautiful backgrounds and warm colors. The illustrated endpaper spreads bring readers into the story setting and gently let them leave when the book ends. A good storytime book about accepting oneself and one’s limits while celebrating the bravery of taking chances.” — Mom Read It blog

"Makes an effective case for recognizing one’s talents and approaching goals and challenges from a different perspective.” -- Publishers Weekly

"This beautifully-illustrated book shows the wonders of finding out what you were born to do, and then doing it well. In its own special way it would work for a lesson on Growth Mindset, specifically on deciding when it might be time to try for a more realistic goal.... especially love the positive ending with its bits of gratitude and humor." -- Kiss the Book librarian reviews

"This would make an excellent storytime read as its subtle message about how we're all good at different things will shine through.” — Leanne Millman, Crooked Tree Library

“A cute story about appreciating our individual strengths.” — Magy Vaughan, elementary reading specialist

From the Publisher

Rabbit is a dreamer. When he sees Bird flying easily through the sky, he decides he wants to fly, too, so that he can “fly into the sunset.” He solicits Bird’s help. Bird knows that rabbits are not meant to fly but agrees to help his new friend. Throughout his “training,” Rabbit flaps his arms like a chicken, trains to build upper body strength, and even dons a set of patchwork wings Bird makes for him. Try as he may, though, Rabbit remains grounded. All is not lost, however. Undaunted, Rabbit realizes there is one way for him to a bird’s-eye-view of the setting sun; and so he sets off lickety-split for the nearest cliff, where eagles fly. In this version of the familiar storyline, Grubman gently adds a humorous touch readers will enjoy. Westermann’s sweet pencil, paint, and cut-out illustrations further highlight the amusement factor of Rabbit’s endeavor to achieve “lift,” especially during his calisthenics when a few field mice show up to help out. A sweet book for young readers and dreamers who want to test fly their own spirit. Reviewer: Linda Sweitzer; Ages 4 to 7.

Children's Literature - Linda Sweitzer