Flight Of The Ulysses (Flight Of The Ulysses Trilogy Book 1)

Within it we have the magically superhero squirrel. Flora looking for independence, security, and love. But flora lives vicariously through the animal's accomplishments using them as some sort of extension for herself, almost as if she can get the life, hope, self love etc that was absent before she met this squirrel. Loneliness absent of the animal continues to plague here; she regresses. Friendless, she has the forced eagerness to attach to something that, if it wasn't a squirrel it might have been an ant; they too can lift things that are very heavy If you can call them that We have a father who has apparently had a stroke and says 'how do you do' so many times my eyes are bleeding except he hasn't had a stroke his character just seems like it was composed of those drawings pre-schoolers do where the teacher says 'what's this what did you draw johnny' and he said 'it's a man saying how do you do to a waitress'.

The next day, same assignment, same question and the kid said' it's a man saying how do you do to a neighbor' Over and over again. Then you have William the child with somatic disorder that apparently derives from trauma that is cute eh, in the manner in which it is conceptualized and personal and could have gone in some constructive direction, but faltered and developed into deflated slush.

Then you have a mother you wish was killed in some Dexter manner that is both detached and reactionary in this give and take, push and pull manner that really echos borderline personality disorder. Trust me you will want her dead by mid-book. Then you have the father's next door neighbor who is overly philosophical like one of those desk day calendar your mom sent you on your first job post graduation, because, having a law degree and becoming a desk clerk can't get anymore splendid. God enters here in a shapeless and underwhelming forced manner that deluded this one, perhaps only really developed character.

However her delusions and the lifelessness of loss pervades her very skin leavin a shell of her former self She also reflects on this childhood that is more out of xfiles meets harry Potter with a bit of lsd in the mix, which is, by far the most totally irrelevant element of the story. Ok, what else do we have. You have the symbolism of an object that stands quietly in a room and creates this sort of atmosphere between child and parent that brings to mind a Flynn novel but more desperate.

Oh and a psychotic cat too Antisocial and apt to attack without cause or provocation, this cat will slice your throat without a flick of its whiskers. Actually if you open your diagnostic and statistics manual for mental illness you will be able to go front to back and find an example of each character in this big gray book used by clinicians.

What brings this all together where the rough sketches that could bring an adult to his or her knees in terrorizing nightmares. I know they are raw drafts, but come on. The dialog is a nightmare. It is without soul. It is void of feeling and passion. It takes a really special author to make an eleven years old talk like a pompous undergraduate in his second semester of a lit major; Good Will Hunting bar scene. It takes a special person to make a father that repeats the same line ten times, while also using Freudian tactics to avoid any sort of emotional connection. It really takes a special, and pretty off balanced author to write three hundred pages without a hint, a grain of emotional reflection or an ending that may—even to the younger age child targeted—provide a semblance of meaning at its completion.

This book tried to hard, fails to collectively address the many, many subplot that end abruptly, not contributing to the larger concepts, and includes narrative that, upon reflecting on my early elementary school 'complete the sentence work sheets', really carries the same lack of effort and haste. The philosophical notions seem endlessly piled on top of one another in an apparent urge to teach the reader some concept that, after their clumsy inception, is reminiscent of a really dreadful meal with good ingredients, but horror execution and poor seasoning.

It's tiresome, regurgitation of the themes of friendship, heroism, life, personal change, relationship problems, parental issues, etc in a very juvenile and novice manner. Oh yes i get the idea that I am not the targeted audience here. But this book is a direct insult of an eight to twelve years old's intelligence.

Oct 12, Eija rated it it was amazing Shelves: I loved this, and thought it was perfect. All those goodreads haters on this book picking apart Flora's vocabulary need to see that Flora is trying like hell to guard her heart, and this little squirrel comes along and opens her heart. Since when would someone say, "That word is much too large fo I loved this, and thought it was perfect. Since when would someone say, "That word is much too large for you. Please use small, tiny, ten-year-old brain words. Is that a bad thing?

Did William Steig ever dumb down his picture books? This book was hilarious and a joy to read. I have zero issues with the sub plots, and thought things came together nicely. Ulysses finally wrote his poem, the terrible banishing and the temporary blindness, Dr. Meescham and her horsehair couch, being hopeful and finding love, and having someone believe in you, that dangerously lonely squid, and that stupid heavy lamp actually being useful.

This is my favorite book.

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Nov 07, The Library Lady rated it did not like it Shelves: But I've hated everything you've written since. And it's not because I don't love fantasy and whimsy, because I do. But your whimsical prose inevitably makes me want to throw your book out the window. And this one is no exception. However, I will not throw it out the window. Instead, because it is a best seller I will carefully put it on my new book shelf and leave it for someone who takes the best seller lists seriously to read, or give Dear Ms DiCamillo, I loved Because of Winn Dixie.

Instead, because it is a best seller I will carefully put it on my new book shelf and leave it for someone who takes the best seller lists seriously to read, or give to their child. Better them than me. Sincerely yours, The Library Lady View all 6 comments. Es una novela rara en el buen sentido , llena de situaciones irreales donde prima la inocencia infantil y el humor. Oct 20, Laura rated it it was amazing Shelves: November My daughter, who previously didn't want to read this book, confiscated my copy and finished it in one day. Now, we both have a soft spot for William Spiver and the poetic Ulysses.

I have also decided that our next dog should be named Flora Belle. October I went into this middle grade book, thinking I wouldn't like it. I had gotten it out of the library hoping that either my 9 or 11 year old kids would be interested in rea Reread: I had gotten it out of the library hoping that either my 9 or 11 year old kids would be interested in reading it.

After reading only one or two chapters, my 9 year old handed the book back to me and said she didn't want to read it because she didn't like the way the characters talked. I then decided I would read it and see what the book was all about. I am pretty sure it was the euphemisms, attitudes, and life styles that aren't, per-say, the sweetest, that caused my daughter to pass on this book. However, the more I read, the more I understood and fell in love with the humorous, quirky, bazaar, down right absurd characters, and story.

I was really impressed with the subtle depth and meaning to this story and how the characters found a happiness to their lives, that they were previously missing. I could probably talk a long time about this book, about what I liked, and what I also inwardly cringed at, however, I thought it was quite brilliantly written. This may not be the perfect book for all children, but I do feel like it might be loved and cherished by many. View all 5 comments.

Aku bertanya-tanya bagaimana jadinya kalau DiCamillo membuat cerita tanpa karakter hewan di dalamnya. Flora si masa-bodo apa ya terjemahan yang tepat buat "cynic"? Jun 04, Lola rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Children , or someone wanting to read an endearing story. I actually finished reading this book yesterday. And, for the first time since weekly writing reviews, I didn't post one right away. Sigh, I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It was for young readers- 8 to 12 years old- which doesn't quite apply for me.

But really, who cares? I'm not a kid anymore, but I enjoyed reading this book! I needed something different and I got it! If you think contemporary, well it's not quite that. Flora doesn't know how to interact with people. She's always in her own world, reading her favourites oh most instructive comic books like Terrible Things Can Happen to You!

The minute she saves a most unfortunate squirrel from a vacuum, her whole life changes and she starts openning up to people around her and discovering many feelings she never felt before. As an animal lover and superhero admirer, I say YES firmly and loud. A little ten years old girl understanding what caring and loving someone really means?

Please, we need some sensibilization those days! The things I daily hear and see and NOT see young kids do Secondary characters with personality and endearing qualities that'll charm you? Who would say no?

Ulysses 31 - Wikipedia

Why didn't I give five stars to Flora and Ulysses: Mainly because children books it not concretely my thing and so, I wouldn't re-read this book. Although, reading it made me escape from life and the stress that the final exam days starting Monday procured and are still procuring me. Also, the ending was very rushed. I wasn't expecting it to end that way because it was way too simple. No time for us to really panic. No oh gosh why? I didn't predict the ending because I thought the author would've invented another situation for it and make it all better in another way.

I make it seem bad because it was a little disappointing but the chapters after and prologue actually make it better and, before writing this review, I didn't even mind it anymore. And that it has the POV of it? It does and that made it even more interesting!

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Yes, all the Agnes gifs were necessary. Sep 27, Mari Anne rated it liked it Shelves: I started out loving "Flora It was typical DiCamillo charm; quirky characters and an endearing plot. However, somewhere along the way the story turned and it started to become a bit maudlin and dark. The ending was sweet, but felt a bit forced.

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

The other thing that caused me to knock a star off the review, was that DiCamillo had a main character smoking complete with illustration. It always bothers me to see characters in children's books aimed at the elementary set either smoking or drin I started out loving "Flora It always bothers me to see characters in children's books aimed at the elementary set either smoking or drinking.

While this is part of life, and many kids home lives, it isn't something I particularly care to see modeled in children's lit. I did appreciate the author's use of amazing vocabulary words. This book is so chock full of wonderfully evocative, advanced words that you could probably use it for a vocabulary lesson.

Of course, that is a double edged sword as the use of advanced vocabulary may turn off some individual readers and the story line is probably too juvenile for advanced readers. I would recommend with reservations. Probably best for grades Sep 30, Calista rated it liked it Shelves: This is a well written book with so much going on. It has interesting characters and fun situations.

I don't know what it is about it but this story just didn't strike the right chord with me. It was ok, I just didn't love it and I feel like I should have. The character I enjoyed the most was the doctor with the horsehair couch. I think younger people will enjoy it, there is a lot of action and a flying squirrel is fun. The whole thing didn't work for me. I think this is a me issue an This is a well written book with so much going on.

I think this is a me issue and not a story issue. Oct 28, Jenn rated it did not like it Shelves: I cannot imagine giving this book to any of my students. I found it weird and pointless. I also hate Dicamillo's use of repetitive language that is meant to be lyrical and touching. It just felt monotonous. Santa Bagumba, adorei o livro! Mar 30, Krista Regester rated it liked it. I love Kate DiCamillo's writing, but something about this book just hit a nerve with me. I found almost every character more annoying than the last.. If you listen to the audio book you get a little more than you asked for with the the overindulging use of brass instruments.

I think that there was more time spent reading the chapter names aloud than the actual chapters themselves. If I heard the term "for Pete's sake!!!!! I was going to blow a gas I love Kate DiCamillo's writing, but something about this book just hit a nerve with me. I was going to blow a gasket. Sep 30, Henry Martin rated it it was amazing Shelves: Another great read by my favorite children's author. This story marks a certain shift in DiCamillo's work for me, perhaps influenced by her work on the Mercy Watson series, where DiCamillo aims for the humorous side of life.

Compared to her other titles, Flora and Ulysses is a lighter read. It is a more entertaining read; more playful, and slightly ridiculous in its subject matter. Considering the target audien Another great read by my favorite children's author. Considering the target audience, this is likely a good thing. That being said, I missed the depth and the drama.

Nevertheless, the novel was a fun read.

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Ulysses is a squirrel who gains superhero powers after an unfortunate incident. Through the squirrel, the reader is introduced to a set of well-crafted characters who interact in amusing ways. Now, while the squirrel story is the main theme for this novel, there is as is the case with her other works a second, concurrent theme which is equally, if not more so, important. It is a theme that DiCamillo does so well, perhaps best of all the children's authors I've read.

It is the theme of struggle with one's self, with larger issues in life, a struggle with consequences to actions beyond the control of her little protagonist.

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This is a reoccurring theme in her writing: I've found this theme in all of her novels, and I love the way she addresses these larger-than-life issues with the little reader in mind. Flora's parents are divorced; Flora's father has had a mild emotional meltdown and Flora's mother is too busy to pay attention to her. Her neighbor watches a child who was banished from the house by his own mother after she married a new man. These are real issue, and the kids' struggles are also real.

DiCamillo for bringing these issues to her writing, and for handling them in a positive way. Yet, there is another thing about her work that I absolutely love: The way she introduces little readers to big words. Like her other works, Flora and Ulysses is sprinkled with words that will have the little reader reaching either for a dictionary or for a parent to explain their meaning. I've read too many children's books that were watered-down to a second grade level vocabulary-wise , and Kate DiCamillo never disappoints with her rich vocabulary. Highly recommended for readers in fourth grade and above.

On this second read, the story had me laughing more often than not, and often times out loud. The emotional depth I found lacking on the first read, comes slightly better with the second read. The character of William Spiver certainly suffers, as does Flora in a way who sees her mother's lamp as being more important to her mother than she is. The divorce situation between the parents also adds depth. I would have like to read more about Dr. Meescham, and her childhood in an odd place called Blundermeecen, where trolls apparently run amidst the population, and children open their windows at night hoping for good things to come in although, sometimes, it is the not-so-good things that come in.

Overall, a great read, masterfully written by the talented DiCamillo. View all 4 comments. Jan 16, Jocelyn rated it it was ok Shelves: Frankly, I was disappointed by this book. It had its moments. But that was all ruined for me by the fact that Flora has absolutely no respect for either of her parents. And her parents are made out as bumbling idiots. Oh, and her mother ends up the villain of the story. I realize this is a middle-grade novel, and DiCamillo is probably trying to play to her audience.

She probably thinks this is the time when kids lose respect for their parents and stop seeing them as perfect. I would Frankly, I was disappointed by this book. I would say that this is the time in kids' lives that they need positive reinforcement more than ever! Parents need all the help they can get these days, and I'm not about to hand this book to my children and be undermined by a book character who has no faith in her parents. Our family loves the Mercy Watson books. How sad that this author didn't do better with her middle grade books. May 16, Rachael rated it really liked it Shelves: He said that he really liked Mr.

If you see him around, ask him about stupid animal stories. That stereotype has a basis in reality, of course, especially in picture books. There are some authors who seem to think that if your story stinks, moving it to the animal kingdom will disguise the smell. As the Horn Book review of Mr.

Ulysses the squirrel, when resuscitated by Flora, retains extraordinary non-squirrellish powers mainly flying, understanding human speech, and typing. Why, he looks around at the trees and sky he loves, and at his new friend, and he writes poetry: I think this one may have a hard time at the Newbery table. Neither are the settings. Thematically, it shines, but that may not be enough.

And I should mention the illustrations. In any case, I like it a whole lot, and I think Jack Gantos would too. He was here for an author visit and we were waiting for a class to arrive. Evidently I didn't give the committee enough credit! Nice to see some recognition that the comic, the absurd, and the larger than life can be distinguished too. Pero una historia de amistad al fin y al cabo.

Alguna que otra cosa que no me ha gustado de la novela ha sido el tinte heteropatriarcal que hay en el personaje de la madre de Flora. Jul 14, Mike rated it it was amazing Shelves: Flora and Ulysses not only merges these formats, Kate works a commentary about them seamlessly into the story.

Well, Flora and Ulysses takes everything I love about Bink and Gollie; approachable yet complex vocabulary, dialogue reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie, and a quirky story with unique and relatable characters. I hope that every 3rd-5th grade in the country purchases a copy for their classroom. Because, like Pixar, this story is smart. They are among the sharpest, cleverest, most eagle-eyed creatures on God's Earth, and very little escapes their notice They don't miss a thing, and they have an instinctive contempt for shoddy and shabby work.

I make this observation because nine out of ten children's movies are stupid, witless, and display contempt for their audiences, and that's why kids hate them. Flora and Ulysses is smart and it is fun. But this is certainly a book that deserves serious consideration for its sheer spirt of inventiveness. Jan 30, Holly Mueller rated it it was amazing Shelves: Kate DiCamillo is a magician with words and stories.

I love how she combines fantasy, friendship, and quirkiness in all her books to make unforgettable characters. This one involves a squirrel who gains superhero powers after being sucked into the Ulysses X vacuum cleaner weird, I know, but somehow this story element works and captures the heart of Flora who names him Ulysses, of course.

He is a poet and valiant friend, keeping Flora company in her self-p "Holy bagumba! He is a poet and valiant friend, keeping Flora company in her self-professed cynical world. Flora's mother is a romance writer who seems more attached to her tacky lamp than Flora, and William Spiver is the temporarily blinded nephew of the lovable neighbor, Tootie. Flora's parents are divorced, thus her cynicism, but she still believes in superheroes and becomes Ulysses's mentor, giving him his "wings.

Here's a smattering of some of the words: I loved the ending and can't wait to share this with my Mock Newbery Club. Will they like it? I feel about Kate's books the way Flora feels about Ulysses when he flies: The world became dreamy, beautiful, slow. It's like an illusion. Together, we see the world.

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Together, we see one another. Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. Paperback , pages. Tales from the Five Kingdoms 4. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about The Flight of Dragons , please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about The Flight of Dragons. Lists with This Book. Feb 25, Clare rated it really liked it. Beloved by my daughter and not hard to see why - a ripping yarn with plenty of humour thrown in. Here's to the sixth and final book, "The Snarling of Wolves" being published soon! Jul 01, Brittany rated it it was ok. This has strong potential. I wanted an ebook to read that was shorter for waiting in lines at the amusement park.

I picked this juvenile book from my library app because of the creepy cover art. However, I was confused as heck when first reading it. I found myself going to the character list regularly and it took a bit for me to get the gist of all the players and the This has strong potential. I found myself going to the character list regularly and it took a bit for me to get the gist of all the players and the context.

The overall story is not too bad, but the presentation and setup of it is not ideal. Jun 28, Sand-Witch rated it it was amazing.

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The book was really really good filled with excitement and adventure. I really love all the characters in it and the whole book is just wooooaaawaah and yah. I really really love this book and I think more people should read it. I mean everyone MUST read it because everything in the books are all sooo adorable. Book 4 in this series returns us to the original delight of Book 1, Robe of Skulls. This time around dragons are seen flying around the borders of the Five Kingdoms. They were banished 8o years ago and this brings concern when it is figured that they may be looking for a dragon egg getting ready to hatch.

Prince Marcus and Gracie Gillypot go on another adventure to find the egg and return it to the dragons but there is an evil presence lurking just outside the border who plans on taking over the Five Kingdoms. As he manages to infiltrate the border, he makes use of relatives, including the Canker twins to help him reach his goal. On the hunt for the egg Marcus and Gracie meet up with the evil Granpappy Canker and must stop him before he finds out about the dragon's egg which could double his powers. A lot of fun, this addition to the series. Virtually every character we've met so far either makes an appearance or is referred and along with the new characters introduced for this book, we have an enormous cast of characters, therefore it is more than welcome that a Cast of Characters list has been included at the beginning of the book.

The plot of this book was one of the better ones since Book 1 and I really enjoyed the new evil characters along with the new good characters. As always, the illustrations are a great accompaniment to the text and we have about one per chapter. If one is so inclined, these books could be read out of order as there is no overall story arc. Each book is its own adventure, except that there is a plot development between the main characters Grace and Marcus, a budding romance, plus the other regular characters also have a small story line that moves forward but these are not for the most part involved with the plot.

Reading them in order is recommended though as each book gradually adds more and more characters and the author tries to at least mention their existence, if not include them, in each story. Gracie and her troll Gubble, plus the family of bats who help her out are all fun characters and I'm always excited to sit down with their newest book and "The Flight of Dragons" was a good-time read.

Aug 02, Brett rated it really liked it Shelves: In this installment, things have taken a turn for the worse in the Kingdom of Niven's Knowe, where a truly evil creature kno Readers of E. In this installment, things have taken a turn for the worse in the Kingdom of Niven's Knowe, where a truly evil creature known as Granpappy Canker has gotten the royal family under his thrall in the hopes of taking over himself. Reports have also been coming in about the possible return of dragons to the area, a definite complication.

Definitely not the strongest story in the series, but I still enjoy all the characters. My favorite in this book was Gubble, although the boy who follows him at the end also turned out to be rather interesting. I don't remember if we learned Gracie's and Marcus's ages in one of the earlier books, but I can't figure out whether they ought to be 12 or 15 or somewhere in between.

I would guess on the younger end, but with Marcus's twin Arry practically courting, I am not so sure. It shouldn't make Definitely not the strongest story in the series, but I still enjoy all the characters. The Five Kingdoms, bordered on all sides by monsters and other undesirables, protected and watched over by the Ancient Crones, is once again under threat, this time by an amorphous evil called Old Malignancy.

It all begins when newlywed Princess Fedora insists on exercising her authority and fires all the servants. A series of mishaps and unfortunate events pave the way for a new cook to arrive, one whose food is so amazing that it causes stupor and an insatiable craving for more. The cook's act The Five Kingdoms, bordered on all sides by monsters and other undesirables, protected and watched over by the Ancient Crones, is once again under threat, this time by an amorphous evil called Old Malignancy.

The cook's actual agenda, however, is not to feed people. Another winner in this delightful series. Apr 13, Jeanette Glazewski rated it liked it. I have mixed reviews of this book. I will say I have not read the rest of the series. I came across this book looking up dragon books so I grabbed it. I was disappointed there was hardly anything about dragons really. It was one of those situations when you look at a title and wonder where exactly is this going but at the same time, I did enjoy the characters. The twins are a bit creepy but they do fit into the story well.

Oct 20, Jennifer rated it really liked it. This series is so much fun! A perfect, light-hearted mix of silliness, suspense, and loopy characters. French's seemingly effortless writing style keeps the plots interesting and moving.