Why Won't Willy Fly?

About the Book

This is a children’s book in verse. It tells the story of a boy named Adam who befriends a baby crow who he names Willy, and then helps him find the courage to fulfill his potential to fly.

About the Author

Adam Katona, is a Hungarian dance instructor who now lives in New York City. As a small boy in Budapest he actually found a baby crow, who he raised and named Willy. Willy really was reluctant to fly and preferred to walk about. Adam told his story to Felicia who was intrigued and together they decided to tell of the special friendship between Willy and Adam and Willy’s eventual development of sufficient courage to fly.

Felicia Porges is a retired physician who lives in New York City who started ballroom dancing where she met Adam Katona. Prior to retirement in 2015, known as Dr. Felicia Axelrod, she spent 47 years caring for children with a rare genetic disorder, that made her aware of the importance of staying positive, treasuring special relationships, developing confidence and trying new things in order to enrich one’s life. Thus Willy’s story was especially poignant.

Nik Bertsch is a young artist who resides in Belchertown Massachusetts. He has been primarily using mixed media and has exhibited in the Berkshire area. This is his first foray into illustrating a children’s book. He was introduced to Felicia and Adam through another member of the dance community. The result is an illustrated inspirational story in verse that highlights friendship, and the ability to understand the importance of helping a friend overcome their fears even if it means that it will result in eventual independent paths.