Human beings have always had the urge to fly. A fascination with flight is recorded in early Greek legends about Daedalus and Icarus. Leonardo da Vinci and many others after him looked up to the birds for the secrets of staying aloft in the air.

Birdmen from various countries around the world were the earliest pioneers of aviation. Outfitted with homemade wings, they stood on windy hilltops flapping their arms frantically, trying to fly under their own power. Others experimented with gliders and an odd assortment of flying machines.

"Rise into the air on the strength of your wings — go out to play in the sky," writes Helen Frost in this poetic photo album of birds in flight. The crisp color pictures taken by Rick Lieder capture and convey birds' experience of flying — learning to fly, riding the wind, swooping and soaring, shaking off raindrops, and being caught in a blizzard. There is delight flying alone as well as flying with friends.

This children's picture book has been designed for kids from 2 through 5 years of age.