PIcturebook Magic: Come Fly with Me

     The story of a toy that comes to life when people aren't watching is not new, but it is the unique imaginings of each author that brings each story to life in a different way.  Such is the case for Come Fly with Me by Satomi Ichikawa.  Cosmos, a toy airplane, and Woggle, a fluffy dog in a posh scarf (he is French, after all), decide to take a trip to Somewhere.  For them, Somewhere is Sacre-Coeur, a huge white dome that sits on a hill overlooking Paris.  On their adventure, they learn to fly together, even when the going gets rough.  Will they make it to Somewhere on their own?

     Ichikawa's inspiration for the beautiful artistry is her own apartment window.  The view is of the white dome, and she comments that she often looks at it herself.  The plane and the dog are not figments of her imagination, but real toys that she owns and brings to life in the pages of this book.  

     This book is a terrific book for young airplane enthusiasts, who can watch the journey as well as take in the scenery, which includes other airliners streaking through the warm, watercolored sky.  Each page is quaint and beautiful, suffused with warmth from Ichikawa's color palette. The panoramic full spreads of Parisian rooftops are an homage to the city of Paris that draws the reader in and invites them to stay.  The grey skies signal trouble for the two friends, and the transition to a monochromatic palette of greys and browns contribute to a sense of gloom.  However, when the sun bursts out again, Paris is again awash with cool color and even a rainbow.  The Eiffel Tower is seen in the distance.  

     Though I found myself more captivated by the illustrations than the storyline, this is a story about friends, sticking together, and a quest.  Though this book would be suitable for children of both genders, I imagine that boys may gravitate more toward this book because of its main characters being a dog and an airplane, an adventure, and calamity.  Because of the beautiful illustrations, I would possibly group this book with others of similar watercolor style.  Miss Nelson Is Missing springs to mind.  I would definitely create a display of picturebooks  and Easy Readers all having to do with flight as well.  It would also be fun to create a display of other beautifully-illustrated books and shine the spotlight on the illustrators, who sometimes get lost in the shuffle.  Some read-alikes in this category include: Cromwell Dixon's Sky Cycle by John Abbott Nez; Captain Arsenio: Inventions and (Mis) Adventures in Flight by Pablo Bernasconi; Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane by Cynthia Rylant.

Come Fly with Me

Satomi Ichikawa
Copyright 2008

New York: Philomel Books

ISBN: 978-0-399-24679-1