Dewey Doo-it Helps Owlie Fly Again: A Musical Storybook inspired by Christopher Reeve to benefit the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (Dewey Doo-It Musical Storybooks) [Hardcover]

Brahm Wenger (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Dewey Doo-It Musical Storybooks

This book is dedicated to Christopher Reeve, whose courageous steps in battling paralysis have inspired us all.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–This first book in a series that aims to teach children the values of compassion and helping others was inspired by Christopher Reeve's struggle with paralysis. When Dewey Doo-it's kite becomes lodged in a tree, the protagonist and his siblings ask renowned flyer Owlie for assistance, but they find the owl in a wheelchair after an accident. He shows the Doo-its how he can paint with his beak and use a special computer despite his disability. Wanting to help Owlie fly again, the Doo-its construct and launch him in a contraption that resembles a hang glider, and he successfully frees the kite. Mandy Patinkin reads the story on the accompanying CD, and the narrative also includes performances by Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, and Dana Reeve. While the goals of this endeavor are laudable, the text is too pat and preachy. The Doo-its come across as patronizing, since they step in to help Owlie without asking for his input or acknowledging his effort. While Gillmore's full-color, full-page cartoons are lively and animated, the Doo-its, an unspecified species of mammal, are overly cutesy. The CD is a mixed bag. Some of the tunes are catchy with clever lyrics while others are strained and unmemorable. While it is difficult to object to the goodwill behind this project (proceeds from the sales support the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation), few children will connect with its pedantic tone.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
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Review

A heartwarming story of compassion, forming positive connections, and the importance of a bright outlook. -- Midwest Book Review

Buy or borrow? Buy! Your purchase helps others (profit goes to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.) It's a wonderful book! -- The Reading Tub

The Just for Moms Foundation named "Dewey Doo-it Helps Owlie Fly Again" a winner of the 2005 Mom's Choice Award. -- Mom's Choice Award Winner

Truly adorable, yet very meaningful. It’s obvious that the author knows how to appeal to young readers. -- Writer’s Digest

Truly adorable, yet very meaningful. It’s obvious that the author knows how to appeal to young readers. -- Writer’s Digest

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Randall Fraser Publishing (April 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974514314
• ISBN-13: 978-0974514314
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,460,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my son's favorites!, June 12, 2005

By 

JSL "Starr Linn" (Cougar Country, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dewey Doo-it Helps Owlie Fly Again: A Musical Storybook inspired by Christopher Reeve to benefit the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (Dewey Doo-It Musical Storybooks) (Hardcover)

We received this book as a gift. I was concerned that it would be too advanced for my 2 year old son, however, from the first time we read it he was engrossed. It teaches him wonderful values using lovable characters that he can relate to - a superb teaching tool!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun story, happy listeners!, May 7, 2005

By 

Dianna Swenson (Chesapeake, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dewey Doo-it Helps Owlie Fly Again: A Musical Storybook inspired by Christopher Reeve to benefit the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (Dewey Doo-It Musical Storybooks) (Hardcover)

I am a music teacher, as well as a mother of a child with cerebral palsy. I love this book, my son and all of my kids at my elementary school k-5th grade do too. It allows plenty of opportunities for discussions about individuals with challenges and how we can help them. A true winner! The music is top-notch as well.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mom of 3 loves this book!, June 4, 2005

By 

Tara "Mom of 3" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dewey Doo-it Helps Owlie Fly Again: A Musical Storybook inspired by Christopher Reeve to benefit the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (Dewey Doo-It Musical Storybooks) (Hardcover)

I am constantly looking for good books for my three young boys. It isn't too difficult to find children's books that are entertaining, but if you're looking for anything beyond that to educate or even inspire your kids, most books fall flat. However, I was totally blown away by "Dewey Doo-it Helps Owlie Fly Again". This book has it all: entertaining characters, beautiful illustrations, an inspirational story, and even a *Bonus Music CD* with some great music. Oh, and to top it all off, a portion of the book's profits go to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. I highly recommend that you get this book for your kids! My boys love it!