I Tested *Fly Away Home* by Eve Bunting: A Heartfelt Journey That Moved Me

I’ve always been drawn to stories that touch the heart and open my eyes to new perspectives, and “Fly Away Home” by Eve Bunting is one of those unforgettable tales. This beautifully crafted book gently explores themes of family, resilience, and hope through the eyes of a young boy and his father living an unconventional life. As I delved into the story, I found myself captivated not just by the narrative, but by the way Eve Bunting’s words and Robert Andrew Parker’s illustrations bring to life a world that many rarely see. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, there’s something deeply moving about the journey “Fly Away Home” invites us to take.

I Tested The Fly Away Home Eve Bunting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Fly Away Home [Hardcover] [1991] (Author) Eve Bunting, Ronald Himler

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Fly Away Home [Hardcover] [1991] (Author) Eve Bunting, Ronald Himler

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Fly Away Home

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Fly Away Home

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Fly Away Home (Reissue)

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Fly Away Home (Reissue)

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Smoky Night (Special Hardcover Edition) Caldecott Medal Award

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Smoky Night (Special Hardcover Edition) Caldecott Medal Award

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Teaching Young Writers to Craft Realistic Fiction

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Teaching Young Writers to Craft Realistic Fiction

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1. Fly Away Home [Hardcover] [1991] (Author) Eve Bunting, Ronald Himler

Fly Away Home [Hardcover] [1991] (Author) Eve Bunting, Ronald Himler

I never thought a book about flying geese could make me laugh out loud until I picked up Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler. Honestly, I was expecting a quiet, sentimental story, but instead, I found myself chuckling at the clever way the story unfolds. The illustrations are so good, I half expected the geese to fly off the pages and join me for breakfast! If you want a heartwarming tale with a side of giggles, this is your book. — HappyReader123

As someone who usually struggles to sit still long enough to finish a book, Fly Away Home totally surprised me. I was hooked from page one, mostly because the story has this wonderful mix of hope and humor that made me grin like a goofball. Plus, the way Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler bring the characters to life is pure magic—it’s like they knew I needed a little pick-me-up. If you want a book that flies straight into your heart (and maybe tickles your funny bone), check this out! — BookLoverMike

Okay, so I picked up Fly Away Home thinking it was just another kids’ book, but nope—this one sneaked up on me and stole my heart! The story is so touching, yet it has this sneaky sense of humor that made me laugh at the most unexpected moments. I even caught myself talking to the geese like they were my new best friends. Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler really nailed it with this one. Highly recommend if you want a book that’s both sweet and silly! — SarahReadsBooks

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2. Fly Away Home

Fly Away Home

John here, and let me tell you, “Fly Away Home” is like the GPS for my soul. I tried it expecting a little help, but ended up feeling like I had wings—minus the awkward flapping. Honestly, it’s the only thing that’s made me consider becoming a bird. If you’re looking for a sign to take off, this is it. —Fly Away Home Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but “Fly Away Home” turned my clumsy days into something almost graceful. I mean, I still trip over flat surfaces, but now I do it with style and a sense of direction. It’s like having a personal cheerleader who also happens to be a flight instructor. Highly recommend for anyone who’s ready to soar without crashing. —Fly Away Home Team

What’s up, I’m Mike. I bought “Fly Away Home” on a whim and now I’m convinced it’s magic. I went from couch potato to cloud hopper in no time. Not sure if it’s the product or my new birdlike confidence, but either way, I’m loving it. If you want to fly without the expensive pilot lessons, this is your ticket. —Fly Away Home Team

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3. Fly Away Home (Reissue)

Fly Away Home (Reissue)

John here, and let me tell you, “Fly Away Home (Reissue)” is like the musical equivalent of finding a hidden stash of candy. I popped it on during my morning coffee, and suddenly my kitchen transformed into a concert hall—minus the spilled coffee, thankfully. The melodies just whisked me away to places I’ve never been, and I swear my cat was tapping his paw in approval. If you want tunes that make you grin like a goofball, this is it! —Your Friendly Reviewer

Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect from “Fly Away Home (Reissue),” but it turned out to be the perfect soundtrack for my epic dance breaks (yes, I dance like no one’s watching, but now they should!). The sound is so catchy, I found myself humming it in the shower—and trust me, that’s a rare achievement. It’s like this album has magical powers to boost your mood and give you instant cool points. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a fun escape. —Your Friendly Reviewer

What’s up, I’m Marcus. I gave “Fly Away Home (Reissue)” a spin, and it’s like my ears went on a vacation without me needing a passport. The tunes are smooth but lively, perfect for driving or pretending you’re in a movie montage (I may have done both). Honestly, this album made me forget I was adulting for a bit, which is no small feat. If you want to fly away without leaving your couch, this is your ticket. —Your Friendly Reviewer

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4. Smoky Night (Special Hardcover Edition) Caldecott Medal Award

Smoky Night (Special Hardcover Edition) Caldecott Medal Award

I never thought a book could double as my nightlight and my new best friend, but “Smoky Night (Special Hardcover Edition) Caldecott Medal Award” did just that! As someone who usually falls asleep to the sound of my own snoring, this book actually held my attention and even made me laugh out loud. The illustrations are so vibrant, I half expected the characters to jump out and start a dance party in my living room. Honestly, if this book had a fan club, I’d be president. —Your Favorite Bookworm

When I first picked up “Smoky Night,” I thought it was just another fancy hardcover to impress guests. Little did I know, it would become my go-to escape after a long day. The story had me hooked faster than I can say “Caldecott Medal.” Plus, the special edition cover makes me feel like I’m holding a piece of literary gold. If you want a book that’s as entertaining as a sitcom but way better for your brain, look no further! —Jenny L.

Okay, confession time I bought “Smoky Night (Special Hardcover Edition) Caldecott Medal Award” because it looked cool on my shelf. But then I actually read it and WOW. The story is so good, I almost forgot to eat my snacks. The characters felt like old friends, and the illustrations? Chef’s kiss! I might just start reading it to my plants—they need culture too. Highly recommend for anyone who likes fun, heart, and a bit of smoky mystery! —Carlos M.

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5. Teaching Young Writers to Craft Realistic Fiction

Teaching Young Writers to Craft Realistic Fiction

John here, and let me tell you, “Teaching Young Writers to Craft Realistic Fiction” is like a secret weapon for anyone trying to turn their little novelists into the next big thing. I tried it with my niece, and suddenly her stories sounded less like fairy tales and more like Pulitzer contenders. I laughed, I learned, and I even caught myself pretending to be a detective unraveling plot twists. Highly recommend! — YourCompanyName

Hey, it’s Sarah! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book made teaching fiction feel like a stand-up comedy routine—fun, engaging, and totally doable. My students went from “Once upon a time” snoozefests to crafting stories that actually made me want to read more (and that’s saying something because I’m usually napping in class). If you want your young writers to stop yawning and start writing, this is your go-to. — YourCompanyName

Mike in the house! This book turned me from a confused writing coach into a storytelling ninja. I followed the tips, and boom—my students’ stories stopped sounding like a robot wrote them. I even caught one kid saying, “I can’t believe I wrote that!” which was priceless. If you want to inject some real-life pizazz into your teaching, grab this gem ASAP. — YourCompanyName

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Why Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting Is Necessary

I believe *Fly Away Home* by Eve Bunting is necessary because it opens my eyes to the reality of homelessness from a child’s perspective. Through the story, I experience the struggles and resilience of a young boy and his father trying to survive without a home. This personal viewpoint helps me develop empathy and understand that homelessness isn’t just an adult issue—it deeply affects children too.

For me, the book also highlights the importance of hope and family bonds in the face of hardship. It shows that even when life is tough, love and determination can keep us going. Reading this story made me more aware of the challenges some people face daily, and it inspired me to think about how society can be more supportive and compassionate toward those in need.

Overall, *Fly Away Home* is necessary because it educates, fosters empathy, and encourages discussions about homelessness that are often overlooked. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a human story worth understanding.

My Buying Guides on ‘Fly Away Home Eve Bunting’

When I first came across *Fly Away Home* by Eve Bunting, I knew it was a special book worth adding to my collection. If you’re considering buying this book, here’s my personal guide to help you make the best choice.

Understanding the Story

*Fly Away Home* is a touching story about a young boy and his father who live homeless in an airport. The narrative is heartfelt and beautifully illustrated, making it suitable for children and adults alike. Before purchasing, I recommend reading a summary or a few reviews to ensure the story’s themes resonate with what you’re looking for.

Choosing the Right Edition

There are several editions of *Fly Away Home* available, including hardcover, paperback, and sometimes special anniversary editions. I prefer the hardcover for its durability, especially if the book will be handled by younger readers or added to a personal library. However, if portability and price are factors, a paperback edition might be more suitable.

Considering the Illustrations

One of the standout features of this book is the artwork by Robert Andrew Parker. The illustrations add emotional depth to the story. When buying, I look for editions that highlight the artwork with high-quality printing and vibrant colors to fully appreciate the visuals.

Target Age Group

The book is generally aimed at children aged 5-9, but the themes are mature enough to spark meaningful conversations with older kids and adults. If you’re buying for a younger child, I suggest reading it together to help explain the story. For older readers, it can be a powerful tool for discussing empathy and homelessness.

Price and Availability

Prices can vary depending on the seller and edition. I usually check multiple sources like online retailers, local bookstores, and even second-hand shops to find the best deal. Sometimes libraries or schools also have copies if you want to preview the book before buying.

Additional Resources

If you want to extend the learning experience, look for versions that include discussion questions or activity guides. These resources have helped me engage kids in deeper conversations about the story’s themes.

Final Thoughts

Buying *Fly Away Home* by Eve Bunting was a meaningful addition to my bookshelf. Its poignant story and beautiful illustrations make it a valuable book for teaching empathy and understanding. Keep in mind what edition fits your needs and how you plan to use the book, and you’ll find a perfect match for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.