Book Review: Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind by Gary Ross

Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind, written by Gary Ross and illustrated by Matthew Myers, is the story of a boy that is tired of an ordinary life. He takes a chance to harness a wild wind one night, and uses a bed-sheet and the wind to take a ride on the breeze. Soon he is off, high above his town and far beyond. At the mercy of the wind Bartholomew meets up with pirates, a gray boarding school, and a cove lacking any wind. Can he recapture the wind and find a way home?

Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind is an interesting book. The verse is very well done, as are the full page illustrations. Together they which capture the imagination and take you along with Bartholomew and his journey. I am generally avoid books, aside from picture books, told in verse. At 96 pages this is well past picture book stage, but because of the well turned verse and the vivid illustrations this book can appeal to all ages.

Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind is recommended for age 6 and older, and can capture the imagination of any reader that has pondered escaping to an adventure, not unlike that of Bartholomew.

I recommend Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind as an addition to a home or library collection. It is a little to long for a traditional story time, but would work well as a bed time story or sharing with one or two children.