7.31.2011

I Dreamed Of Flying Like A Bird

My Adventures Photographing Wild Animals From A Helicopter

This post is part of Nonfiction Monday 
hosted today by Lori Calabrese Writes

National Geographic Children's Books
(pub. 9.4.2010) 64 pages 

A True Tale with A Cherry On Top 

A uthor and illustrator: Robert B. Haas

C haracter: Robert B. Haas
 
O verview from publisher: 
      "Climb aboard a helicopter with National Geographic photographer Robert Haas... I Dreamed of Flying Like a Bird takes readers across the globe, from the marshlands of Botswana to the frigid waters of Greenland to the jungles of Brazil. Haas’s stunning color photographs bring to life the awesome beauty and pulsating action of nature’s wildest creatures and the thrill of capturing the perfect image from the air. The author’s dream of flying like a bird provides the perfect vantage point for witnessing unusual drama and adventures from a bird’s eye view. This book is a gorgeous, thrilling experience for adventurers of all ages."
 
T antalizing taste: 
       "Ever since I was a young boy, I have dreamed of flying like a bird.  Aerial photography has allowed my dream to come true.  With a helicopter, I can join a winged creature or an entire flock in flight and photograph it from above or by its side... In the jungles of Brazil, we cruised beside two beautiful hyacinth macaws.  And over the mudflats of Venezuela, a flock of brilliant scarlet ibises passed just beneath ... I hope to capture from the air exactly what I am looking for - a group of special images to bring back and share with my readers."

and something more:  I was drawn to not only the spectacular photographs of wild animals and the photographer Robert Haas' descriptions of his adventure, but also his dedication: "This work is dedicated to dreamers... To children and adults who chase their dreams in life.  When we pursue our dreams, whether to become a schoolteacher or an artist or an athlete, we are living our lives to the fullest.  We are setting a lofty goal and pursuing that goal with persistence and strength, knowing that there will be setbacks along the way.  The world has been changed the most by dreamers ..."
      And I also admire that Robert Haas donates his proceeds to The Humane Society of the United States.  Bravo! 

4 comments:

GatheringBooks said...

Oh wow, this sounds really amazing. One of the things I hate hate hate about Nonfiction Monday is that it increases my wish-list and to-read-books. I didn't even know that National Geographic has a children's book! Now that's something I'd really have to look for. Thanks for sharing this.

Jeanne Walker Harvey said...

You're welcome! Yes, I know what you mean -- all the NF Monday books sound so interesting. I just popped over to your blog -- wonderful review of Who's Horrible in History. Now that's a book that even the most reluctant of readers will be drooling over.

Tammy Flanders said...

Hi Jeanne.
This is a brillant book. The photographs give us such a different perspective on the landscape, scale, and the animals themselves, of course.
Glad you've highlighted this one.
Tammy
Apples with Many Seeds

Jeanne Walker Harvey said...

Hi Tammy,

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I felt transported by his photos. I'm looking forward to your hosting next week -- I've picked out a book with a Canada-U.S. connection :)