"As they all took off for home they all did a somersault at the same time and yelled 'Surfs up!'"
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Highway Surfing by Timothy Potter Trafford Publishing
book review by Mihir Shah
Highway Surfing is a children's book that promotes creativity and stimulates the mind. Written from the perspective of a group of friends, who are birds, Potter allows children to understand the value and adventure that accompany friendship. Though the story caters to children, adults will rekindle their own memories of mischief and fun as kids.
In a nutshell, highway surfing describes the act of birds, on a windy day, swooping "down toward an eighteen wheeler" and catching the wind behind the air foil as the truck passes. Though dangerous, Blackie Crow, Big Red, Little Sparrow, George, and Maggie enjoy the thrill as well as each other's company.
The story opens up with Blackie Crow pitching the idea to everyone. One by one, they all met on the tallest pine tree overlooking the highway. From "The Antenna Flag" to the "See Yourself," the gang performs all sorts of intriguing tricks and air somersaults as they laugh the day away. Interestingly, highway surfing is not unlike skateboarding. More importantly, it allows individuals, usually children, to identify and be part of a group. Themes of fear and weaknesses play out when George attempts to shoot the curl; however, when his life is on the line, will the friends allow him to face death head-on?
Overall, Highway Surfing will not just excite children, but make them laugh. The chapter on bombardment is particularly amusing: The gang invents a game in which the goal is to land droppings directly onto a cat. From making mistakes to having fun, Highway Surfing is about friendship, camaraderie, togetherness, and trust—a must read for all children.