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No Flying in the House
Most little girls have parents to take care of them, but not Annabel Tippens.She has Gloria, a tiny white dog who talks and wears a gold collar. Annabel never thought it was strange that she had Gloria instead of real parents. Until one day a wicked, wicked cat named Belinda comes to tell her the truth -- she's not just a little girl, she's a half-fairy!
And she can do lots of things that other kids can't do, such as kiss her own elbow and fly around the house. But being a fairy isn't all fun and games, and soon Annabel must make a choice. If she chooses to be a fairy, she'll have to say good-bye to Gloria forever. How can she decide between her newly found magic and her dearest friend?
And she can do lots of things that other kids can't do, such as kiss her own elbow and fly around the house. But being a fairy isn't all fun and games, and soon Annabel must make a choice. If she chooses to be a fairy, she'll have to say good-bye to Gloria forever. How can she decide between her newly found magic and her dearest friend?
157 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 1970
About the author
Betty Brock
4 books6 followersBetty Carter Brock published two children's book - No Flying in the House (1970) and The Shades (1971).
She travelled throughout Japan and studied Japanese culture and history. She was volunteer librarian for the Japan-America Society of Washington, and donated her own 1,500-volume Japanese book collection to Georgetown University in 2001.
She was also a founding member of the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society and a member of the Children's Book Guild of Washington.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archiv...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
She travelled throughout Japan and studied Japanese culture and history. She was volunteer librarian for the Japan-America Society of Washington, and donated her own 1,500-volume Japanese book collection to Georgetown University in 2001.
She was also a founding member of the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society and a member of the Children's Book Guild of Washington.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archiv...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
February 27, 2016
Re-read for our chat! It's posted here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
And I highly recommend it for all little girls, and for reading with little girls. Or reading with anyone who might've yearned to be a fairy princess.
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If you enjoy discovering/rediscovering classic children's and YA lit, btw, do join our new little group Kindred Spirits: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
We did a classic readalong every month on the blog for two years, but I've moved it here to GoodReads to make things easier. You can start your own readalongs if you like, and we'll also do occasional bookish swaps and such, too!
And I highly recommend it for all little girls, and for reading with little girls. Or reading with anyone who might've yearned to be a fairy princess.
-----------------------------
If you enjoy discovering/rediscovering classic children's and YA lit, btw, do join our new little group Kindred Spirits: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
We did a classic readalong every month on the blog for two years, but I've moved it here to GoodReads to make things easier. You can start your own readalongs if you like, and we'll also do occasional bookish swaps and such, too!
January 6, 2020
might retire from reading new books and exclusively reread what i loved in childhood
November 17, 2009
This was my favorite book when I was in second grade. I must have read it almost a dozen times, each time wishing more and more than this could be MY story, that I could kiss MY elbow and fly around, that MY real parents would show up at the end, wonderful and magical, and that MY grandma was rich (actually, I think I thought my grandma was rich because she had a shower and an endless supply of those little cereal boxes).
And then, somehow, I totally forgot what the title of this book was. For 20 years I just wistfully remembered a book about a girl and a golden dog and a stern old lady and a broken swan ornament. I didn't think anyone else would have every heard of it, or loved it like I did. But I was so wrong!
Crazily enough, some librarian made a book list of "kids who fly" after that whole Balloon Boy incident. I saw it online and laughed that someone went to the effort but THEN...I noticed this title. Could it be it?! It was...and, amazingly, my coworker Jennifer said that it'd been HER favorite book as a girl, too! She had three copies of it at home! Wasn't it great!?
We even had it on our shelves, checked in and everything. I re-read it last night and all is right with the world.
And then, somehow, I totally forgot what the title of this book was. For 20 years I just wistfully remembered a book about a girl and a golden dog and a stern old lady and a broken swan ornament. I didn't think anyone else would have every heard of it, or loved it like I did. But I was so wrong!
Crazily enough, some librarian made a book list of "kids who fly" after that whole Balloon Boy incident. I saw it online and laughed that someone went to the effort but THEN...I noticed this title. Could it be it?! It was...and, amazingly, my coworker Jennifer said that it'd been HER favorite book as a girl, too! She had three copies of it at home! Wasn't it great!?
We even had it on our shelves, checked in and everything. I re-read it last night and all is right with the world.
October 16, 2022
I'm indexing all the books my family owns on LibraryThing and had taken this one off the shelf to review today, leaving it on the kitchen counter. My wife recognized it as one of her childhood favorites that she hadn't looked at in years and despite protesting she was just going to look at it for a minute, she ended up reading the whole book through over lunch.
It seemed short, so I thought I'd give it a go too as I took a walk this afternoon, and I was quickly swept up in a gentle but still exciting tale of a little girl and her magical talking dog who come to the house of a stern old rich woman with a collection of expensive wind-up toys. Though she has no love for children, Mrs. Vancourt invites them in because she covets the little dog since it is about the same size as her toys and can do amazing tricks. Things are odd but mostly fine at first, but the dog is keeping secrets about the girl's parents and one of the wind-up toys does something unexpected one stormy day.
The story gets more magical and more engrossing as it slowly unfolds. The ending is a bit abrupt and too neat -- I would have loved one more chapter -- but it is still quite satisfying.
A happy little find from our own bookshelves! Treasures are everywhere!
It seemed short, so I thought I'd give it a go too as I took a walk this afternoon, and I was quickly swept up in a gentle but still exciting tale of a little girl and her magical talking dog who come to the house of a stern old rich woman with a collection of expensive wind-up toys. Though she has no love for children, Mrs. Vancourt invites them in because she covets the little dog since it is about the same size as her toys and can do amazing tricks. Things are odd but mostly fine at first, but the dog is keeping secrets about the girl's parents and one of the wind-up toys does something unexpected one stormy day.
The story gets more magical and more engrossing as it slowly unfolds. The ending is a bit abrupt and too neat -- I would have loved one more chapter -- but it is still quite satisfying.
A happy little find from our own bookshelves! Treasures are everywhere!
February 13, 2016
This was such a cute book! I'm so surprised I didn't hear about this when I was little. I would have been all over this when I was younger.
This was the February book choice for Midnight Garden's book club "Kindred Spirits".
Annabel Tippens seems like just a normal girl, but Annabel is actually quite special. Instead of having parents, she has an adorable tiny white dog who talks, wears a gold collar and knows how to do 367 tricks. Annabel never wonders about the unique nature of her life, until one day while playing in the drawing room, she runs across a cat named Belinda who tells her, she's not just a little girl but also part fairy.
With this new knowledge, Annabel is on a quest to figure out who she is and where she comes from.
I definitely recommend this book, and look forward to sharing this gem with my own children someday.
This was the February book choice for Midnight Garden's book club "Kindred Spirits".
Annabel Tippens seems like just a normal girl, but Annabel is actually quite special. Instead of having parents, she has an adorable tiny white dog who talks, wears a gold collar and knows how to do 367 tricks. Annabel never wonders about the unique nature of her life, until one day while playing in the drawing room, she runs across a cat named Belinda who tells her, she's not just a little girl but also part fairy.
With this new knowledge, Annabel is on a quest to figure out who she is and where she comes from.
I definitely recommend this book, and look forward to sharing this gem with my own children someday.
November 20, 2010
This was my FAVORITE book when I was little and I've finally re-discovered it. I am so happy! It took me forever to remember the title. Actually - I never "remembered" the title - I just remembered it was about a tiny talking dog and a little girl. Google did the rest. Wow - it is amazing how the illustrations still seem so familiar - I really remember them after all these years. I recommend this for any young girls who like magically touching stories. Sweet nostalgia ...
February 26, 2016
Originally posted at Log Cabin Library
This month's pick for the Classic Read along with the Midnight Garden Book Group "Kindred Spirits" on Goodreads was another new to me book, No Flying in the House by Betty Brock. The book was first published in 1970, but seems to hold the test of time, I quite enjoyed it. In many ways it feels like a quiet story, not heavy on plot or messages, but draws on the desire of a little girl to have a family and to belong. Annabel is such a cute little girl and I was pretty fond of her three inches by three inches protector Gloria. One day, Gloria shows up on the terrace of Mrs. Vancourt's home and dazzles her with "three hundred and sixty-seven tricks." In exchange for a home that offers "three meals a day, cozy fires, fresh flowers, birthday cakes, singing, and laughter," Mrs. Vancourt agrees to let Annabel and Gloria live with her, as long as Gloria agrees to continue to perform her tricks for Mrs. Vancourt's guests. Annabel is a well behaved quite girl, who has never known her parents. Their whereabouts are a closely guarded secret by Gloria. Annabel has always been content with Gloria watching over her, but as she goes to school for the first time and makes friends with children who have parents, she gets quite sad. She'd never questioned where her parents were before, that is not until a cat named Belinda appears and hints that Annabel is actually half fairy. Annabel also learns that soon she will have to make an impossible choice. I really enjoyed reading No Flying in the House, the pencil illustrations by Wallace Tripp reminded me of the one's from Charlotte's Web, so gorgeous and detailed. They just give the story a classic, warm and cozy feel to me. Annabel is a darling little girl filled with curiosity and her and Gloria's friendship is quite sweet. Who wouldn't like having a talking dog as a nursemaid/protector? This would make a lovely read together or beginner chapter book for a six to eight year old child who enjoys stories with talking animals, or fairies.
This month's pick for the Classic Read along with the Midnight Garden Book Group "Kindred Spirits" on Goodreads was another new to me book, No Flying in the House by Betty Brock. The book was first published in 1970, but seems to hold the test of time, I quite enjoyed it. In many ways it feels like a quiet story, not heavy on plot or messages, but draws on the desire of a little girl to have a family and to belong. Annabel is such a cute little girl and I was pretty fond of her three inches by three inches protector Gloria. One day, Gloria shows up on the terrace of Mrs. Vancourt's home and dazzles her with "three hundred and sixty-seven tricks." In exchange for a home that offers "three meals a day, cozy fires, fresh flowers, birthday cakes, singing, and laughter," Mrs. Vancourt agrees to let Annabel and Gloria live with her, as long as Gloria agrees to continue to perform her tricks for Mrs. Vancourt's guests. Annabel is a well behaved quite girl, who has never known her parents. Their whereabouts are a closely guarded secret by Gloria. Annabel has always been content with Gloria watching over her, but as she goes to school for the first time and makes friends with children who have parents, she gets quite sad. She'd never questioned where her parents were before, that is not until a cat named Belinda appears and hints that Annabel is actually half fairy. Annabel also learns that soon she will have to make an impossible choice. I really enjoyed reading No Flying in the House, the pencil illustrations by Wallace Tripp reminded me of the one's from Charlotte's Web, so gorgeous and detailed. They just give the story a classic, warm and cozy feel to me. Annabel is a darling little girl filled with curiosity and her and Gloria's friendship is quite sweet. Who wouldn't like having a talking dog as a nursemaid/protector? This would make a lovely read together or beginner chapter book for a six to eight year old child who enjoys stories with talking animals, or fairies.
August 7, 2009
This was one of my very, very favorite stories when I was a little girl and I am so thrilled I found it today at DI! (And, of course, sat down an re-read as soon as I got home!)
It is a charming story that begins with sweet little three-year-old girl, Annabel, and her devoted guardian, Gloria (a three inch tall talking dog), who suddenly show up on Mrs. Vancourt's Terrace one morning looking for a place to stay. Mrs. Vancourt, who has a passion for little things, only allows them to stay because she is so taken with Gloria (who assures her that she can perform three hundred and sixty-seven tricks). As she grows, Annabell is just like any other little girl until the day she is visited by a small (and very rude) golden cat with emerald eyes whose sporadic visits leave her frustrated and confused about who she really is. Where are Annabel's parents and why is she the only one in her entire school who can kiss her elbow and why can't Gloria tell her anything about her past? Before her seventh birthday Annabel must choose between what every little girl dreams they could be and what is missing the most from her own life.
An endearing story any little girl is bound to love!
It is a charming story that begins with sweet little three-year-old girl, Annabel, and her devoted guardian, Gloria (a three inch tall talking dog), who suddenly show up on Mrs. Vancourt's Terrace one morning looking for a place to stay. Mrs. Vancourt, who has a passion for little things, only allows them to stay because she is so taken with Gloria (who assures her that she can perform three hundred and sixty-seven tricks). As she grows, Annabell is just like any other little girl until the day she is visited by a small (and very rude) golden cat with emerald eyes whose sporadic visits leave her frustrated and confused about who she really is. Where are Annabel's parents and why is she the only one in her entire school who can kiss her elbow and why can't Gloria tell her anything about her past? Before her seventh birthday Annabel must choose between what every little girl dreams they could be and what is missing the most from her own life.
An endearing story any little girl is bound to love!
May 26, 2018
I would have loved this when I was a child. I think it still has value, perhaps as a family read together, or a chapter at bedtime. (But don't miss the illustrations!) Since this was written our children's books about unexpected magic have gotten more sophisticated, but imo there's plenty here for a young child. Who doesn't want to fly, have a tiny talking dog as nanny, a rich lonely woman as guardian? Who doesn't come to realize that family is most important, no matter exactly what that family looks like?
What's interesting is how deceptively simple this is. We're not given big back-stories on the characters, or long-winded descriptions of the house, grounds, clothing, foods. We are given the essentials that point to the plot, and to the aspects of the characters that are integral to the themes. And yet, despite the focus on the themes, it's not preachy. It's just a nice story.
It's not quite a four-star read, but I am sufficiently charmed to round my rating up.
Btw, I love the new cover. I read the old, which is fine because I'm old, but the new is perfectly apt.
What's interesting is how deceptively simple this is. We're not given big back-stories on the characters, or long-winded descriptions of the house, grounds, clothing, foods. We are given the essentials that point to the plot, and to the aspects of the characters that are integral to the themes. And yet, despite the focus on the themes, it's not preachy. It's just a nice story.
It's not quite a four-star read, but I am sufficiently charmed to round my rating up.
Btw, I love the new cover. I read the old, which is fine because I'm old, but the new is perfectly apt.
August 6, 2012
I remember reading this in the third grade and absolutely loving it. I recently came across it at a garage sale, bought it, and reread it. It's such a fun tale about a little girl, Annabel, discovering some unexplained magical powers and making a choice between power and family.
You can't help but love the 3-inch tall and wide dog named Gloria, who is her guardian. I was equally entranced by the room full of small wind-up golden, bejeweled figurines. It brought back such memories to read it again.
The book is very short and easy to read in one sitting or a couple short sittings. If you'd like to be entranced by sweet children's fairy-tale that you can eat in a few bites, then this book is perfect.
You can't help but love the 3-inch tall and wide dog named Gloria, who is her guardian. I was equally entranced by the room full of small wind-up golden, bejeweled figurines. It brought back such memories to read it again.
The book is very short and easy to read in one sitting or a couple short sittings. If you'd like to be entranced by sweet children's fairy-tale that you can eat in a few bites, then this book is perfect.
October 30, 2015
If you're as old as I am, or older, you know that Sabrina Spellman--half witch, half mortal--first appeared in Archie Comics in 1962. So the concept of half-mortal, half fairy girl who can fly (or at least levitate) was nothing new by the time this book was first published in 1970. It was awfully familiar to me, even though in this version the girl is 3 and her familiar is a white dog, not a black cat--only 3 inches by 3 inches, but a talking dog nevertheless. The author is American, though she tries and nearly manages to inject a quasi-british feel into Annabel's "poor little orphan taken in by rich woman" life, with Miss Peach the housekeeper, the cook, and the nursery, as well as Gloria the dog's request for "warm fires and fresh flowers." The American thing resurfaces when we discover that Annabel must make a choice, whether to be a fairy or a mortal, once and for all--rather like the children of US citizens married to other nationals.
"No Flying in the House" is an effortless read, even for kids; I read it in a couple of hours on a day when I'd had very little sleep. It was okay, but nothing very special. I read children's literature when I want to relax and de-stress, and it served that purpose. Girls aged 6-9 might enjoy it.
"No Flying in the House" is an effortless read, even for kids; I read it in a couple of hours on a day when I'd had very little sleep. It was okay, but nothing very special. I read children's literature when I want to relax and de-stress, and it served that purpose. Girls aged 6-9 might enjoy it.
December 24, 2022
I believe this was a gift from a family friend. I had no idea what a great gift this would turn out to be for a little girl in elementary school.
This book gave me comfort from my loneliness as a child, loneliness I didn’t know I was feeling. I learned people who are different can still have happiness. I also learned the rewards from doing the hard things. I didn’t realize that second lesson until recently.
When I was young, books were my friends. I’m grateful for these friends as well as the authors who aimed to help other people with their books and their creativity. Books were also like my parents. It was easy to learn moral lessons like doing the hard thing in No Flying in the House since it was set in such a whimsical setting. I didn’t even know I was learning that lesson.
Immersing myself in a world the author created gave my imagination something fun to do and allowed me to feel a sense of belonging.
This book gave me comfort from my loneliness as a child, loneliness I didn’t know I was feeling. I learned people who are different can still have happiness. I also learned the rewards from doing the hard things. I didn’t realize that second lesson until recently.
When I was young, books were my friends. I’m grateful for these friends as well as the authors who aimed to help other people with their books and their creativity. Books were also like my parents. It was easy to learn moral lessons like doing the hard thing in No Flying in the House since it was set in such a whimsical setting. I didn’t even know I was learning that lesson.
Immersing myself in a world the author created gave my imagination something fun to do and allowed me to feel a sense of belonging.
September 27, 2015
I was not expecting to love this as much as I did! I borrowed it from the library to read to my daughter. She loved it and so did I. It was such a cute story and if I'm being honest, I had to choke back tears while reading aloud to her for the last two chapters. This is a favorite!
April 30, 2018
That was . . . very odd and very different. Not particularly bad, but rather strange. It almost felt like a modern-day fairy tale. I did find the title a bit of a misnomer, as it gave me a very different impression of the book I was about to be reading.
Not bad - but definitely wouldn't read it again.
Not bad - but definitely wouldn't read it again.
July 20, 2017
See my review and others here: http://onceuponatime-bookblog.blogspo...
This charming little book was written in 1970 by Betty Brock. It tells the story of Annabel Tippens - who seems like an ordinary girl, except for her tiny talking dog Gloria who has looked after her since she was a baby. But then Annabel meets a cat named Belinda and she learns that she may not be as ordinary as she thought. In fact, she may be a fairy whose parents were vanished years ago to mysterious island. And she may be able to fly!
Filled with love, adventure, and all the wonderful things that magical stories are made of this is a cute story of a six-year-old girl whose life changes in a mere instant when she learns who she is. I loved the characters (especially Gloria) and the beautiful illustrations through out the book. I wish I would have read this story as a child, but it was just as charming reading it as an adult. I also read it to my one-year-old daughter before bedtime. We tried to read a chapter a night - which was fun for both of us - and makes going to bed a little easier for her. I found this book through a group on goodreads called Kindred Spirits - a group devoted to discovering and rediscovering middle-grade and young adult classics. I have the complete list on my blog here or it can be found on the Kindred Spirits home page. Looking forward to reading more classic books in the future!!
This charming little book was written in 1970 by Betty Brock. It tells the story of Annabel Tippens - who seems like an ordinary girl, except for her tiny talking dog Gloria who has looked after her since she was a baby. But then Annabel meets a cat named Belinda and she learns that she may not be as ordinary as she thought. In fact, she may be a fairy whose parents were vanished years ago to mysterious island. And she may be able to fly!
Filled with love, adventure, and all the wonderful things that magical stories are made of this is a cute story of a six-year-old girl whose life changes in a mere instant when she learns who she is. I loved the characters (especially Gloria) and the beautiful illustrations through out the book. I wish I would have read this story as a child, but it was just as charming reading it as an adult. I also read it to my one-year-old daughter before bedtime. We tried to read a chapter a night - which was fun for both of us - and makes going to bed a little easier for her. I found this book through a group on goodreads called Kindred Spirits - a group devoted to discovering and rediscovering middle-grade and young adult classics. I have the complete list on my blog here or it can be found on the Kindred Spirits home page. Looking forward to reading more classic books in the future!!
October 19, 2007
Got a little girl who loves fairies? Then she will love this story of Annabelle (who discovers she is a fairy), Gloria, the 3 inch high talking dog with a BIG secret, and an evil gold cat (with real emerald eyes) who has a secret of her own. Wonderful as a read aloud or for slightly older girls to read by themselves.
This book is not well known--and it should be, because it's been a favorite of little girls for decades!
This book is not well known--and it should be, because it's been a favorite of little girls for decades!
August 10, 2014
I was greatly disappointed by this book. It was boring, contrived, and often told when it should have shown.
This was one of many examples where good concepts were executed poorly. I thought I would love a book with fairies, come to life toys, and talking animals, but a book needs more than that to be good. It needs to be well written, and the concepts need to be well executed. Neither was true in this case.
This was one of many examples where good concepts were executed poorly. I thought I would love a book with fairies, come to life toys, and talking animals, but a book needs more than that to be good. It needs to be well written, and the concepts need to be well executed. Neither was true in this case.
May 11, 2020
I only meant to look this book up on Open Library, a couple hours later, I found myself at the end of it. I don't know why it isn't better known! So unusual and quirky, I'm sure lots of kids would love it. A dog so tiny, a girl who can fly...?! What's not to love? I was going to read it to Squirt, but even Squirt has a TBR list a mile long, so it'll have to wait it's turn.
February 26, 2016
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book as a little girl and could not remember the name...thank you so much, Goodreads! :)
January 13, 2015
Just started reading this to my little sister. Read it years ago myself...and loved it so much!! Such a cute book.
March 18, 2016
Love it from start to finish
January 25, 2024
This was a great read-aloud for my 5-year-old daughter. Very Diana Wynne Jones, which was a nice surprise, as she's not quite ready for Crestomanci yet.
March 4, 2018
This was my all time favorite book as a child. I was tickled to see it pop up in Goodreads recommendations for fantasy. Great read for young readers
June 12, 2021
My daughter tells me that this is the Sweetest Book in the World. Grumbling Daddy demurs. I find it lacking in plot and character and readability.
(Why does the Bad Fairy hate the Good Fairy? Why is the Fairy King a nasty dude? Why can't we vary our adjectives? Perhaps we shouldn't ask for verisimilitude in a fairy story, but even fairy stories have to be half human, yes?)
(Why does the Bad Fairy hate the Good Fairy? Why is the Fairy King a nasty dude? Why can't we vary our adjectives? Perhaps we shouldn't ask for verisimilitude in a fairy story, but even fairy stories have to be half human, yes?)
August 18, 2018
My 7 year old daughter enjoyed it. I would have given it three and a half stars but rounded up to account for her opinion. :-)
September 17, 2018
Adorable. Came highly recommended my my sister-in-law. Would be a fun read aloud for younger kids.
February 5, 2019
An adorable little children's book filled with wonder, and more than a pinch of actual, real-live magic.
February 7, 2019
Read this with the kids. It was super cute and one that I genuinely enjoyed reading to them (some kids books are tough to get through). They were really into it! Fun read!
August 16, 2022
Loved this one as a kid, read aloud to my kids and they loved it too.
January 4, 2024
This book spoke to me as a neurodivergent kid lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews