Freddie The Flyer

Freddie The Flyer is a captivating true story of great flying inspiration. A beautiful homage to Freddie – the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic. A must read!
~ Momma Braga

Synopsis

When Freddie was young, he saw a plane up close for the first time when it dropped off supplies at his family’s remote bush camp. He was instantly hooked.

Freddie has flown for nearly seventy years, doing everything from supply runs to search and rescue to transporting dog teams to far-flung areas.

This book celebrates Freddie’s early dreams of flying and his later achievements. Readers move with Freddie through the year, hearing about his journey as a pilot and leader, while learning the names of the months in Gwich’in and Inuvialuktun at the same time. Art from Inuvialuit painter Audrea Loreen-Wulf perfectly captures the incredible Western Arctic as well as Freddie’s love for aviation.


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#MelAndNikkiReview

Freddie The Flyer is captivating picture book that pays homage to aviator Freddie Carmichael — the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic. We truly enjoyed the way the story was told with each month of the year of the major moments of Freddie’s life.

This story is a true flying inspiration of the power of dreams!

For this #MelAndNikkiReview, we give this story 5 planes out of 5! We felt like a piece of artwork was at our fingertips with a story that should be told through history and culture classes. It was so fascinating to learn about Freddie. An interesting fact is that I share a birthday with him (May 6th!). Just an amazing, inspiring story that should be shared, especially in Canada.

If you would like to purchase this breathtaking book, click here (#ad).

About the Authors

DANIELLE METCALFE-CHENAIL is the author of several books about aviation and reconciliation, including the picture book Alis the Aviator: An ABC Aviation Adventure. She has cherished her visits to the Western Arctic and was Writer in Residence at Berton House in Dawson City, Yukon. Danielle lives by the sea in Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki with her young family. http://www.daniellemc.com

FREDERICK “FREDDIE” CARMICHAEL split his childhood between the trapline and the town of Aklavik, Northwest Territories (NWT). He worked hard to become the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic, founded multiple aviation companies and has served the people of the Mackenzie Delta in the air and as a leader and Elder. Fred is a Member of the Order of Canada and Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, and he holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan. Fred still flies his Cessna 170 from his home in Inuvik, NWT, where he lives with his wife, Miki, and their dog, Shadow. This is his first book.

About the Illustrator

Artist AUDREA LOREEN-WULF was born in the Tuktoyaktuk area and lived there as a young child. She now lives in Salmon Arm, BC. She expresses her deep love for the North through her paintings.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

~ Momma Braga

*Amazon affiliation links are included in this post. This book was sent in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

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