| Harry and The Hang Glider By Randall Kerchill |
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| To order send $24.95 plus $3 shipping, (ID residents add 6%) to King Mountain Gliders, 3264 North 3350 West, Moore Idaho 83255. Call 208-390-0205 |
| Have you ever tried to explain hang gliding to a young child, only to find your words can't draw an accurate mental picture of why you fly? Or have you tried to spark their interest about spending a day at the local flying site, but your own enthusiasm can't compete with the flashy cartoon images of Saturday morning television? Or have you ever just wanted to share your dreams and realities of flight with a special young person?
There's a new book on hang gliding just out that will help you open young eyes to hang gliding, and help inquisitive young minds understand a little bit about why we do this strange adventurous thing we do. It's called "Harry and the Hang Glider," and it's the first book from SkyHigh Publishing. "Harry and the Hang Glider" follows the life of a rabbit named Harry, beginning just about the time a little twist of fate introduces him to the world of hang gliding. He explores many of the sport's challenges, adventures, friendships, and, of course, that literally, universal dream of really, really flying. 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 parts of your life while adding a little fun to theirs, this may be what you've been looking for. |