Un-Forgettable Friday: Friday My Radio Flyer Flew by Zachary Pullen

photo by Theresa Thompson www.flickr.com

*Picture book for preschoolers through first graders
*Young boy as main character
*Rating: Friday My Radio Flyer Flew is a simple, sweet story with absolutely amazing, amazing illustrations. Your young readers will LOVE it!

Short, short summary: A young boy finds his dad’s Radio Flyer red wagon in the garage. His dad takes him for a ride in the wagon, and a boy notices a plane. He gets an idea that he can make his wagon fly, but the week isn’t working out so great. Rain and several failed attempts bring him to Friday. And by the title, you can tell that somehow on Friday My Radio Flyer Flew. By the way, I am in love with Zachary Pullen’s illustrations!

So, what do I do with this book?

1. Let students tell you if they think the boy is actually flying on Friday or if he and his dad are pretending to fly. Ask students to support their answers with clues from the illustrations.

2. This is a good time to talk with students about safety! On Thursday, the boy takes several tumbles in his Radio Flyer. Is it a good idea to build a ramp and try to make the wagon fly without adult supervision? I hate to dampen the spirit of adventure and all, but you can work in some safety education here–especially wearing a helmet with bicycles, skateboards, and roller blades.

3. Since there are so few words in Friday My Radio Flyer Flew, after a few readings, students could read some or all with you–especially when you get to Friday. Here’s the text: “Finally on Friday. . .I focused. . .and my Radio Flyer. . .flew. . .and flew. . .and flew!” With each “flew,” students could read louder!

I am telling you–you have to check out this book and its illustrations, especially if you are a Radio Flyer lover. Are you a Radio Flyer lover?