Robert B. Haas is known for his breathtaking aerial photographs of the natural world. His birds-eye perspective has enabled him to capture some remarkable scenes, like the time a flock of flamingos on the ground below him morphed into a flamingo-shaped mass of pink birds. In this captivating photo-documentary, Haas begins by describing his work taking pictures from helicopters and small planes, where safety is dependent first and foremost on having an excellent pilot, but two safety harnesses are also a must. He goes on to chronicle how he achieved the spectacular photographs shown, touching on the drama of nature, his artistic approach, and some of the specific challenges he faced. His conversational narrative is full of enthusiasm for his work and appreciation for the natural world, both of which shine from his photographs. (Age 9 and older)

Climb aboard a helicopter with National Geographic photographer Robert Haas and journey all over the world in search of wild animals and exotic places. Cruise over the savanna grasslands of Africa and watch from above as lions hunt buffalos, one of the few "fair fights" in the African wilderness. Enjoy the spectacle as brilliant pink flamingos run faster and faster along the surface of the water before taking off and landing to form the perfect shape of a huge flamingo. Track muddy footprints across a rain-drenched salt pan to find a lone wildebeest that joins a herd of zebras. Even catch a glimpse of a large group of sharks that glide silently through shallow water in search of their next meal.
I Dreamed of Flying Like a Bird takes readers across the globe, from the marshlands of Botswana to the frigid waters of Greenland to the jungles of Brazil. Haas’s stunning color photographs bring to life the awesome beauty and pulsating action of nature’s wildest creatures and the thrill of capturing the perfect image from the air. The author’s dream of flying like a bird provides the perfect vantage point for witnessing unusual drama and adventures from a bird’s eye view. This book is a gorgeous, thrilling experience for adventurers of all ages.