published by Wombat Books in 2013.
Marlo Can Fly is a lovely picture book. Quite apart from the story, which I'll get to in a minute, the book is a visual and tactile delight. The cover is simply designed with a light and airy look and the endpapers have a soft bird-patterned design. The interior artwork keeps the naturalistic colours of the Australian bush and the illustrator has been true to the text.Marlo Can Fly is the story of a rugged individualist who happens to be a magpie. Magpies, so the other birds tell her, should fly. Marlo has other ideas. Why should I fly just because the others do? she thought. After an encounter with Sally the python, Marlo decides slithering looks like fun... and so does kerthumping like a kangaroo. Failure doesn't bother Marlo, but conforming does. But then she meets Kev Koala. Will Marlo put a frightened baby's needs above her own wishes?
Marlo is a doughty character with a warm heart and a waspish manner. Her story is funny, touching and ultimately triumphant as Marlo discovers the true freedom of being herself.
Visit the author at http://www.robertvescio.com/ and see the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqHEQJ9Xa-U
