Sun Flight

Written and Illustrated by: Gerald McDermott            

Summary:

Sun Flight is a retelling of the story of Daedelus and his son, Icarus.  The story is about the craftsman Daedelus and the labyrinth that he created for King Monos of Crete.  Upon completion, the king imprisoned both Daedelus and his son Icarus to keep the labyrinth a secret.

Daedelus created wings so that the duo can escape the labyrinth.  He warns his son not to fly too high so the sun doesn’t burn him or to low so the sea does not swallow him up.  Icarus forgets himself and flies to high leaving Daedelus to weep for the loss of his son.  

 

Personal Evaluation:

Pros: The illustrations make this book very attractive to young eyes.  The use of contrast, simple shapes and vivid colors quickly grabs your attention from page one.  Another interesting faucet of the book is that the illustrations take up both pages for an even grander view and even resemble artwork found on ancient Greek urns.

Cons: Nothing really stands out as this is a simple book telling a simple story.  More detail or story could have been used; however the added text would have taken away from the books illustrations.

                                                                 

Final: Sun Flight is not a happy ending type of book and as being such, should be read from a more historical point of view.  One lesson that can be taken from the story is listening to parents.  A lesson best learnt early or tragedy like that of Icarus could result.

 

Additional Information:

Publisher: Four Winds (1980)

ISBN: 0590076329

Book Type: 40 Page; Color Hardcover