Air Miles
by John Burningham & Bill Salaman and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
“Air Miles” by John Burningham & Bill Salaman and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Published by Penguin Random House UK. A poignant final story from a master storyteller about saying goodbye and letting go of someone that one loves.
The book is a sequel to the book “Motor Miles” which needs to be read before reading this. Miles is a difficult dog who lives with Alice Trudge and her son Norman. He hasn’t loved doing what dogs usually like to do. He has found interest in riding a motor car custom made for him by their neighbour Mr Huddy. But he is getting older and it’s not the same any longer. He is not what he used to be and is facing difficulties. Alice feels that he might need something new to cheer up. Norman decides to seek Mr Huddy’s help once more.
Mr Huddy has made an aeroplane this time. He is looking for a small pilot who can sit in the plane and fly it to test it out. Norman requests him if Miles can be that pilot he wants. And Mr Huddy agrees readily! Miles learns to fly easily and starts using the plane often. Does Miles get better? Is it time to say goodbye? What happens next? Read the moving story to know about the new horizons that Miles explores and his beautiful journey.
My 8.5 year old and I loved the story and were moved by it. The message in the story, of filling one’s life with things they love, enjoying them, making use of freedom and knowing when to let go is so profound. The illustrations are gorgeous just like the first book. The endpapers of the book have the thumbnail sketches made by John Burningham. For us personally, the first book has had so many beautiful memories associated with it that we had to have this book too.
The foreword by John Burningham’s wife, Helen Oxenbury, who is also the illustrator is very touching. The author and his wife did have a Miles in their real life and he was also a difficult dog. When he was writing this book, John Burningham became very ill and realised that he would not be able to complete it. He then got his wife as well as his friend Bill Salaman to complete it. If not for this foreword, we wouldn’t have figured it that the writers had changed. The narrative is so smooth and one can hardly figure out the change. In a way, this book is a final goodbye from the author himself.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 5/6 and above. Though this is a picture book and there isn’t much text, the message is very deep and very young children may not understand the nuances is what I felt
Reasons to Read
A must read which is a treat for anyone who loves dogs, planes or both.
For the beautiful message delivered by the unconventional story to let your loved ones explore new horizons and set them free when they want to fly.