A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story [Library Binding]

Berke Breathed (Author)

Book Description

Opus, the penguin hero of "Bloom County," makes his children's book debut in this holiday adventure about dreams taking wing. "The deliciously satisfying conclusion perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas."--Publishers Weekly. Full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Opus, penguin star of Breathed's "Bloom County" comic strip, possesses a simple, childlike soul--no wonder, then, that young readers find him appealing. What does prove surprising is that, in his first book for children, Breathed achieves just the right balance of sweetness and levity. This is definitely not an adult book thinly disguised as a children's book, but a work that little ones will love for its own magic and logic, and for Opus's final, well-deserved triumph. It's Christmastime, and Opus, wearing his customary red bow tie and his seasonal red cap, bemoans the fact that he is a bird that can't fly: "I might as well have been born a snail. Or a slice of melba toast." He sends a heartfelt letter to Santa, and on Christmas Eve, Opus gets a chance to earn his wings. The deliciously satisfying conclusion perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas, and Breathed's art is an entrancing mix of comic-book sketchiness and full-color, full-blown scenes that rival the very best of Disney. Not many books fit the bill as treats for "children of all ages," but this one could top the list. All ages.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

The creator of the popular Bloom County comic strip takes up the well-worn theme of an animal who helps Santa. Opus is a penguin who longs to fly, but it's his swimming strength that makes him a hero after Santa's sleigh falls in a lake after the harness breaks. Reward: Santa's praise plus a ride aloft, borne by his friends the snow ducks. Nothing new here, but the story is told with competence and energy; the lavish mixed-media illustrations (airbrush smooth, cartoon style) have plenty of witty details. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little Brown & Co (Juv); 1st edition (September 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316107581
• ISBN-13: 978-0316107587
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,088,177 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Berkeley Breathed lives and works in Santa Barbara, California and is the proud owner of a gentle pit bull named Ridley, a deaf dachshund named Milly, and a refugee mutt from the Puerto Rican streets named Pilar--splendidly flawed dogs, every one.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forgotten Treasure Rediscovered, December 22, 2004

By 

Wendy Somerlot Bittel (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story (Paperback)

My husband and I bought this book long ago- when it was just the two of us- before diapers, midnight wailings, etc. This Christmas our 4 and 5 year old found it sitting dustily on a shelf while making a secret and somewhat sneaky foray into mommy and daddy's bookcase. Imagine their surprise at finding a "kids book" among all those with just words. Opus has been read every night since. And the message of this wonderful story has not been lost. Although we've had to discuss why Opus is okay with not getting his own set of wings that work, I think the message of being happy with and making the most of the gifts you already have has been recorded somewhere in their little brains.

Anyway- Opus stands the test of time. If you grown ups have it tucked away somewhere gathering dust get this book out and share Opus with someone newer to this world. And have a Merry Christmas!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Opus is the best, December 10, 2000

By 

Eric Johnson - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story (Paperback)

Berkeley Breathed has some of the most richly animated stories I've ever seen. I owned this book for a couple of years before I realized how great the illustrations in this book were. After working in a primary school library and reading various stories to the little kids, I realized that Breathed's books were far superior to most of the others. The detail and color present in this story takes a back seat to only the story itself. This is, perhaps, the best Christmas story I've read, and it's one that children really respond to. Who can't relate to feeling inferior to others and wanting to be different? Opus has this problem. He's a penguin who wants to fly. It's not until his unique talents are needed that his dreams of flying can come true.

The story has a great compliment of characters including: Bill the Cat, some snow ducks, and Ronald Ann. They all (in some way) try to help Opus, but the help comes from the least likely source. This is a great story that children will love to hear every year, and one that the parents will look forward to hearing every year. It's not trite and it's not purile. It's a good story with great pictures that should be in everyone's library.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tale about Christmas, wishes and reality, July 16, 2004

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story (Library Binding)

This is a delightful tale about Christmas, wishes and reality. Opus the penguin laments the fact that he cannot fly like the snow ducks. Therefore, he writes a letter to Santa Claus asking for wings that work. Before going to bed on the night before Christmas, he tells a snow duck that he will be flying on Christmas morning. However, as Santa is making his rounds, there is a malfunction of the sleigh connections and the sleigh is disconnected from the pulling reindeer. Santa's sleigh begins to sink in a cold, icy lake and Opus is awakened.
He dives into the lake and swims like he never swam before. Clutching a towrope in his beak, he pulls the sleigh to land. Santa then tells him "I see no penguins here, whose wings only sputter. Tonight it was courage that flew yours beyond others." The next morning a group of snow ducks arrives and carries Opus into the air.
The moral of the story is that when we are wishing for new skills or possessions, we should never lose sight of the value of that we already have. It is done very well and fits well into the general spirit of the Christmas season.