Can’t Turn Back Now, Can I?

Mel Fell
Written & Illustrated by Corey R. Tabor
Age Level: 2-5 Years
Published February 2, 2021

Feeling good, feeling great.

This book will make you laugh. You’ll shriek from suspense. You might feel the urge to cover your eyes and peek between your fingers.

Today’s the day. Mel has decided she’s ready to fly. Her siblings are not on board. Aren’t you scared?! Yes, she’s afraid. It’s kind of a long drop… Yes, she’s aware. But like any strong willed and determined toddler, her mind is made up and she’s doing the thing. She steps to the edge of the branch and sets off with aplomb: she jumps, she flips, she spreads her wings, and then pins them against her sides and starts plummeting. 

“See you soon!” she told her siblings.

Her eyes are shut, there’s a placid smile on her beak, and she is seemingly oblivious to her peril. The other creatures who live in the tree try their best to catch her, but she’s falling too fast! Just when you’re wondering if you’re going to need to put your kids in therapy as a result of Mel’s bad judgement, her eyes pop open and she splashes into the water to snatch a fish in her beak. Phew! Mel is a kingfisher, and she fishes by diving off tree branches to catch food! Want to know my favorite thing about this book (aside from the clever story, of course)? Its orientation, which reads vertically from top to bottom for a creative twist that adds even more drama to the plunge.