In this book, a young boy named Fledgling is guided by his family and teacher to help him recognize when he’s feeling anxious and overwhelmed and learn to regulate his emotions.

Using an analogy of flying a plane, with an adult “flight instructor” helping a child have a “smooth flight,” the authors use a five-propeller system for “co-regulation.” Two of these involve the flight instructors identifying stressors in the child, such as poor sleep, feeling embarrassed or being overstimulated. Keeping a child’s “fuel tank” full can involve allowing for breaks, offering extra help, and ensuring adequate sleep.

The story recounts Fledgling’s everyday interactions with family, friends, and classmates. He experiences a host of emotions: jealousy toward fellow students who are gifted, embarrassment about his learning disability, excitement for a new pet, and worry about flunking out of school. Following each chapter are questions prompting readers to reflect on Fledgling’s circumstances and subsequent behavior, along with explorative questions for self-reflection.

Sometimes, however, the story is concerning: Should the parents have laughed along with the kids when Fledgling’s parakeet ruined his grandmother’s mink coat? And considering the challenges Fledgling faces in school and his rocky relationship with his cousin Callum, why would the family allow him and Callum to open their report cards at the same time–and among eight family members?

Still, the story is well-geared for middle-graders, and expressive, cartoon-style illustrations add a playful silliness. Additionally, the analysis for adult caretakers at the book’s conclusion offers helpful information. For example, the authors describe how tantrums can be the result of stress causing the limbic system to shut down the thinking processes, thereby shifting the child’s brain into the fight, flight, or freeze response.

The book’s offering is two-fold: an emotionally-packed story with a protagonist that young readers will root for, and a useful resource for anyone wanting to become a top-notch flight instructor for the children in their lives.