From School Library Journal
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
The story also tells quite a bit of how we learn to fly, and reminds us just how much fun we had on the "bunny" hill. (Hey, this book's fun for adults to read too!) The basics of how a glider flies and how a pilot controls it are there too, with pictures that make it both dynamic and easy-to-understand. There are lots of fun little asides (like the little mice that learn to fly a paper airplane while Harry goes through ground school) that may not be noticed the first time through. And while the book has a lot to offer the child old enough to read alone, it really shines as something an adult and younger child can read and talk about together.
Harry also teaches us a few lessons about honesty, friendship, and working hard to reach a goal. None of us became pilots by sitting around the house, and if Harry inspires a few kids to go out and have fun exploring the real world instead of watching Power Rangers or Ninja Turtles do it for them, it's hit its mark.
Small production runs like this are more often labors of love than commercial money makers, and this one is no exception. The author is a long time hang glider pilot, and his affection for the sport shows through. But one look at the cover art, or a quick flip through the inside pages, shows that this is a professional production all the way.
If you've been searching for a special gift for a young person, something that shares one of the best part of your life while adding a little fun to theirs, this may be what you've been looking for.
Mark Saywer is the current president of the Southern Arizona Hang Gliding Association, Chapter #1 of the United States Hang Gliding Association. He has been an active proponent of ideas and services to both organizations over the last 20 years. -- HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE - OCTOBER 1998, Mark Saywer
Meet Harry, a cottontail rabbit who lives in a burrow among yucca, cacti and sage brush in the southern Arizona desert. Harry is not just any cottontail, he's a modern-day rabbit who has always dreamed of flying. So, when he finds a hang glider lost by pilots on their way back from a long retrieve, Harry makes his dream come true. Harry's story is told by Randy Kerchill of Tucson, Arizona. Randy is an avid hang glider pilot who has shaped his life around flying. He wrote this children's book to help explain his personal dream of flight to the younger generation. He also sketched the original illustrations and collaborated with D.D. Mullins to improve them. Although not a pilot, D.D. Mullins is a professional artist with a great appreciation for aviation. Working together, the pair created a series of full-page, full-color illustrations of the southwestern United States that is very appealing to the eye.
Harry is a happy rabbit who wears a permanent grin on his face. In fact, the only time he frowns in the whole book is when the other desert critters tease him that rabbits can't fly. But, never mind that Harry doesn't have wings like his best friend, Ollie the owl, he just found a hang glider, and his mind is set on learning how to use it. Assisted by Ollie and an instructor, Harry enters the realm of flight. His adventure is a lesson in perseverance. In addition to giving simple and precise information on the workings of a hang glider and how we learn to fly, the book demonstrates to children the results of keeping a positive attitude. This message is as valuable as any of the book's other parts. As a side note, Harry's instructor doesn't have a name, but, any southwestern or competition pilot will recognize him from his very accurate portrait. Harry and the Hang Glider also tells a story of friendship. Ollie's encouragements inspire Harry's learning and success. The outcome is beneficial to both as they become best flying buddies as well.
Anyone who knows children knows that they are very observant of details. What often appears as a small item to an adult, jumps to the eye of a youngster. Harry and the Hang Glider is full of such details. Harry's "bunny hill" and the paper plane mice are only examples of how Randy has refined the story line. These details will certainly delight children who will love to return to this book often. A good children's story is one that can be interpreted on many levels. Randy has definitely succeeded in this respect. His message is informative as well as ethical and behavioral, and let's not forget the fun factor. Harry shows a lot of enthusiasm for flying, like any of us (some non-flying partners may in fact say that we all act like children ourselves when around hang gliding). I definitely recommend this book as a gift to any child age five or older. Claire Pagen has been a nursery and elementary schoolteacher, and has run a children's library. She has been flying hang gliders since 1984. Claire also does editing, layout and distribution for Sport Aviation Publications, which has published a number of excellent books on personal aviation and flying related topics -- HANG GLIDING Digest - September 1998
