The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher

by Bill Harley

  One night they saw a bright object passing overhead, traveling across the sky.

  “A satellite,” Daedalus said.

  “Maybe,” Darius responded. “Or maybe it’s your bicycle!”

  “Could be,” said Daedalus.

  “Or maybe it’s my dad!”

  “Hmm,” Daedalus said, “maybe. It should be.”

  “Why should it be?” asked Darius.

  “Because,” said Daedalus, “it makes such a wonderful story–Rudy, the man in the fabulous flying balloon. As wonderful a story as any Greek myth.”

  “It’s sad, though,” said Darius.

  “Sad and happy. Both are possible,” said Daedalus. “Sometimes at the same time.”

  Darius nodded. “Do you smell something burning, Daedalus?”

  “Yes,” said Daedalus, “it’s time to go inside. I think the toast is ready.”

  Bill Harley—an accomplished storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty years. He has appeared at the National Storytelling Festival and at dozens of regional festivals and is a regular commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” He has received a Grammy Award, as well as several Parents’ Choice and ALA awards.

  The idea for the book came to Harley one morning after he wrote a paragraph describing a boy’s bike taking off unexpectedly into the air. How did that happen? he wondered. He had to write THE AMAZING FLIGHT OF DARIUS FROBISHER to find out.