Benjamin Birdie's First Flight


Children - Grade K-3rd
40 Pages
Reviewed on 06/12/2015
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Michael Dotsikas is a technology consultant, writer, publisher and public speaker, best known as the founder and owner of Business Systems Consulting, a leading technology firm that provides premium computer consulting services to small and mid-sized companies in the NY tristate region. Michael earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance and Information Systems from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

In addition to his business endeavors, Michael has a passion for creating stories for children. His critically acclaimed, debut children’s picture book, BENJAMIN BIRDIE'S FIRST FLIGHT, has received several industry awards and has garnered rave reviews from children, parents and educators alike.

Michael was born in Agrinion, Greece and emigrated to the United States with his family when he was four. He currently lives in Manorville, NY with his wife, Dina, and their 5 children.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Benjamin Birdie's First Flight is a children's picture book written by Michael Dotsikas and illustrated by Morgan Spicer. Benjamin Birdie lives high in a tree with his mother. He's been watching all the birds soaring and flying in the sky around him, and he wants to start flying as well. His mother tells him that he's not ready yet, but he will soon be. When she goes off to find food for him, however, Benjamin decides to try out his wings. At first, he's doing pretty well. He flaps harder and harder and then he's flying. At least for a while, then Benjamin falls all the way down to the ground far below. He has no idea how to get back to his nest until he sees a friendly elephant who thinks he can help. When the elephant gets Benjamin as high as he can reach, the next friendly animal steps up to the task of returning the young bird to his nest.

Michael Dotsikas' children's animal picture book, Benjamin Birdie's First Flight, is a playful and entertaining book that teaches as it entertains. The author's story is set in rhyme that's natural and never forced or singsong, and the vocabulary selection is geared toward beginning readers. Morgan Spicer's illustrations are marvelous! Each panel is brightly colored and carefully inked, and the animals' faces are expressive and lively. Benjamin's rescue story also introduces a wide variety of animals. The Meet the Tree Dwellers section and Glossary are excellent resources for both young readers and adults who are sharing the book with younger children. Benjamin Birdie's First Flight is a most impressive children's book, and it's most highly recommended.

Darin Godby

Benjamin Birdie’s First Flight is a very enjoyable and well written book by author Michael Dotsikas. Benjamin, like every other little bird, wants to flap his wings and take off flying, however he hasn’t had the ability to do so. He decides that today is his day to fly. After his mother leaves in search of some food, Benjamin gets to the edge of the nest, flaps his wings and takes off on his flight, only the results were not as he had originally planned. This helps children to see that some of the things they try to do in life will not always work out as they expect. However, Benjamin did find various friends in the woods that helped him get back to his nest and be safe and sheltered. This story parallels how we need others to help us when we fall, get ourselves back up and to safety.

Benjamin Birdie’s First Flight was illustrated by Morgan Spicer who does a beautiful job of allowing the reader to see exactly what author Michael Dotsikas is writing about. This is a very fun, enriching book that would be readily used in libraries, during children’s reading times. This book also allows the young reader to explore various animals found in society and to better understand their nature as well. While reading this book, one could easily see this as a short movie or cartoon that will entertain children as well as display everyday truths.

Deborah Stevenson

Like so many youngsters, Benjamin Birdie is anxious to grow up, and to do grown up things. When he learns the hard way that he is not quite ready, it takes a village to get him back on the right track.

A wonderful story of the power of friendship and teamwork. It also teaches children (and adults) about many wonderful animals, some endangered species. The illustrations are magnificent ... breathtaking and captivating ... and really bring the story to life in a way that will engage children.

But in reading it again (and again) there is so much fun and creativity in the details ... text that smiles and frowns, animal sounds incorporated into the text ... each time you look at the book you find something new and wonderful. A beautiful book on every level.