Subtitled “An Adventure Book for Dreamers of All Ages,” BUT I WANT TO FLY!, written by Michelle Villalobos and illustrated by Kiki Kalahari, appears at first glance to be a children’s picture book. Despite appearances, however, the book is very much intended for older readers—mature adolescents and adults. The book’s main character, Vee, is a woman who has settled into a safe yet unfulfilling life. She has traded her dreams and desires for security and material comfort, and as a result, she feels lost and empty. Realizing that she has only herself to blame for the life choices she now regrets, Vee decides to leave her comfortable nest and her “inclination to stay small,” but her dream of flying—literally, by building a winged flying contraption—is met with doubt and ridicule. Vee, however, is determined to follow her heart. Turning her fear into motivation, she works tirelessly to bring her dream to life, discovering her inner strength and determination and learning to forgive her past mistakes.

Despite its whimsical visual style and innocent voice—the author narrates Vee’s story as a children’s poem—BUT I WANT TO FLY! tackles mature themes with an often blunt directness. “Waking up again on the hamster wheel of life,” Villalobos writes, “Vee was safe, secure, and warm…but dying inside.” Vee’s dream of flight is a wonderfully apt metaphor for our yearning to pursue our deepest desires while being terrified of making the attempt. Putting yourself on the line in the face of potential failure and rejection can often feel like risking death itself, and Villalobos—a motivational speaker who bills herself as “The Superstar Activator”—vividly conveys that existential terror as Vee stands on a high ledge, “her heart clenched in dread” as she faces both the thrill of achieving her dream…and the possibility of plummeting to earth instead.

As a book that wraps adult messages within the presentation of a children’s book, BUT I WANT TO FLY! necessarily simplifies its lessons, and readers should not expect a deep discussion of its complex themes. Rather, it can be enjoyed as a pep talk, an appeal to move beyond past trauma and failures and face one’s fears. And the book succeeds beautifully, thanks in no small part to Kiki Kalahari’s gorgeous illustrations, depicting Vee’s troubles and triumphs with evocative, detailed artwork bursting with warmth and playful energy across every oversized page.

Written and illustrated with honesty and open-hearted compassion (by Michelle Villalobos and Kiki Kalahari, respectively) BUT I WANT TO FLY! soars, offering insight and inspiration for anyone seeking to overcome their inner demons and achieve their dreams.

~Edward Sung for IndieReader