The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan

By Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger
Translated by Tammi Reichel
Published by NorthSouth Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

From the celebrated creators of A Chest Full of Words comes an uplifting modern fable about a boy who challenges convention–and takes to the sky.

When Finnegan was born, he could float–fantastic! He gleefully floats his way through childhood, until questions and concerns from friends and neighbors eventually weigh him down. Then one day, a little girl floats by him and inspires Mr. Finnegan to find out if he can still reach the clouds.

A magical and heartwarming tale of overcoming boundaries set by others–and those we set ourselves, from the brilliant duo who brought us A Chest Full of Words.

About The Authors

Rebecca Gugger

Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger were both born in Switzerland and live together in Thun near forests, mountains, and fresh air. Rebecca is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who studied at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts) and likes to have her head in the clouds. Simon is a trained graphic designer currently working as an art director and has been known to hoist a sail or two. Every now and then the two work together as a team, wielding pen and pencil side by side. 

Simon Röthlisberger

Simon Röthlisberger and Rebecca Gugger were both born in Switzerland and live together in Thun near forests, mountains, and fresh air. Rebecca is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who studied at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts) and likes to have her head in the clouds. Simon is a trained graphic designer currently working as an art director and has been known to hoist a sail or two. Every now and then the two work together as a team, wielding pen and pencil side by side.

Product Details

  • Publisher: NorthSouth Books (September 22, 2026)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780735846319
  • Grades: K - 2
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

"Text and illustration are a perfect match for this sometimes funny, sometimes poignant tale. [. . .] This tale of a floating boy makes the heart sing. Highly recommended."

– Sue Morgan, School Library Journal, starred review

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The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan

By Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger
Translated by Tammi Reichel
Published by NorthSouth Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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