Flying Dimitri

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian studies at
Concordia University, and the author of Kurlek, Margaret Laurence: The
Long Journey Home, and As Though Life Mattered: Leo Kennedy’s Story.

Flying is every child’s dream. Small children will have no trouble
identifying with young Dimitri, who takes off from his bathroom while
brushing his teeth on the evening of his father’s birthday. The
parental relationship here is strong and touching. Dimitri has made his
father a cake with runny icing and bought him a beautiful tie. During
Dimitri’s flight to Mars, he hopes his dad doesn’t miss him. After
Dimitri’s return, his father, wearing his new tie, is waiting to tuck
him in.

The story line is simple, comic, and satisfying. Dimitri rises through
the bathroom ceiling, takes off past a nearby lighthouse, and shares a
splash with some whales. They seem to like him, and suggest a trip to
Mars. He finds some Martians in trouble and rescues their beloved queen
from a nasty dragon. Throughout, Dimitri feels something pulling him
back home and finds himself tumbling among planets and stars.

The illustrations are utterly delightful. Dimitri travels in pyjamas,
bathrobe, and slippers. The Martians resemble schmoos, or fat beige
penguins. The dragon is comically terrifying. Dimitri’s clever idea of
“bedazzling” the poor beast with a mirror pays off: the dragon,
looking cowed, wanders off in a fog.

Flying Dimitri is a tale of imagination, dreams, and aspirations, but
also a loving depiction of home and family. Highly recommended.