Synopsis
Apollo the Swallow and Chack the Blackbird meet in the garden as fledglings when they are both learning to fly. Apollo explains that he is practicing flying to Africa—but Chack doesn’t believe him. Chack tells Apollo that the blossom on his favorite tree will eventually turn into orange berries—but Apollo doesn’t believe him. With the inevitable turning of the seasons, however, both birds learn to believe the other—and cement their friendship forever.
Children's Literature
A blackbird named Chack and a swallow bird named Apollo meet each other and become friends. Chack lives in a shed and Apollo lives in an orange blossom tree, which will eventually turn orange, however Chack doesn't believe Apollo. Soon Chack flies off to Africa with other swallows and Apollo tries to tell Chack about the orange blossoms except he has already left for his trip. Apollo decides to send a message to his friend through different animals en route to Africa, and of course it becomes all changed around in a humorous manner before it eventually reaches Chack. When Chack rejoins his friend Apollo, he discovers a delightful surprise. This is an ideal book for a reader just starting out because it is funny, exciting and filled with bright illustrations. This book is part of the "Blue Bananas" series for beginning readers. 2002, Crabtree Publishing, $14.97 and $4.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Christy Oestreich AGES: 6 7 8 9