THE RETURN OF FREDDY LEGRAND

When Freddy's biplane, the Golden Gull, lands through the roof of a French barn after flying the Atlantic, farmers Sophie and Albert take an immediate interest in aeronautics. Freddy is glad to explain about it, but he finally leaves his new friends. After a triumphal procession in Paris, he builds a new plane, flies around the world, and crashes in the Alps, where he survives with the skills he learned on the farm—and where he's rescued by the Golden Gull, ably piloted by Sophie and Albert, who have repaired it. Agee's illustrations are a perfect match for his brisk text, their bold lines sketched with panache; their vigor, subtle humor, and rich, dark tones reminiscent of The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau (1988, ALA Notable). Lively story; grand pictures; much appeal. (Picture book. 3-8)