The idea of flying evokes all kinds of emotions: amazement, excitement, curiosity and even fear. These children's books about flying on an airplane will inspire young readers to want to experience the joy of flight for themselves.
My First Airplane Ride
Ideal for children new to air travel, My First Airplane Ride by Patricia Hubbell records the series of events that lead up to getting on an airplane, including passing through the security checkpoint, which some books often miss. Once aboard the airplane, readers discover the excitement the little boy feels as he experiences his first flight. Ideal for ages 3 to 5, the book gets a glowing 4.6 stars out of 5 stars from Amazon reviews.
Airplane Flight!
Airplane Flight!: A Lift-the-Flap Adventure by Susanna Leonard Hill is an interactive board book that's shaped like an airplane. It offers young readers an entertaining introduction to flight. The durable flaps, color illustrations, and rhyming text will capture their attention and imagination alike. The author is an award-winning writer, with several children's titles under her belt. As a board book, it's most suitable for toddlers and preschoolers and is available on Amazon.
Touch the Earth
Inspiring and adventurous, Touch the Earth by Julian Lennon engages its readers to pilot a magical plane that flies on a mission to make the world a better place. Children will enjoy feeling part of the action as they are asked to tilt the book to swoop down low and push buttons in the book as if they are activating parts of the plane. This delightful book is a New York Times Bestseller, ideal for ages 3 to 6.
The Noisy Airplane Ride
The Noisy Airplane Ride by Mike Downs introduces children to the sights and sounds of an airplane ride. The rhythmic text briefly describes the various noises of the plane, from the loud engines to the wheels bumping at the landing. This book prepares preschoolers and early elementary children for the audio, visual and sensory issues they will encounter during flight. Friendship Circle, a nonprofit that works with special-needs children and their families, recommends The Noisy Airplane Ride as a good option to help prepare a special-needs child for airplane travel.
Moon Plane
Peter McCarty's award-winning book, Moon Plane, is about a young boy who imagines himself flying in an airplane all the way to the moon. The soothing text and soft artwork make this a delight to read before bedtime, and the title is recommended by the Cooperative Children's Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is ideal for kids ages 3 to 6.
Taking Flight: My Story
Winner of the Outstanding Science Trade Book Award, Taking Flight: My Story by Vicki Van Meter is a firsthand account of a young girl accomplishing her dream of piloting a plane across the United States at the age of 12 and across the Atlantic Ocean when she was only 14. Readers will be inspired by her determination and enthralled with her story as she details her journey. The book is recommended for ages 9 and up.
Cleared for Takeoff
Cleared for Takeoff: The Ultimate Book of Flight, by Rowland White, appeals to older children (ages 8 to 12) and is packed full of stories and information about flying. Readers will feel as if they are part of the action as they enjoy the heroic tales of adventure and discover more about the fascinating profiles of various airplanes. School Library Journal editor Kelli Chipponeri recommends, "It's a wealth of information that is accessible for readers at all levels."
Flight
From the best-selling DK Eyewitness Series, Flight by Andrew Nahum, offers a comprehensive view of all things related to flying on an aircraft. It includes the history of flight, in-depth information on different types of airplanes, and even has tips on how to fly an airplane. Color photographs, a CD and a wall chart give readers a close-up view of planes on a whole new level. The book is part of a series by the world's leading illustrated reference publisher. It is ideal for children ages 8-12.
Captures the Imagination
Flying on an airplane captures the imagination of young and old alike. The excitement of boarding the plane, watching the ground disappear from view, observing clouds next to your window, and feeling your stomach lurch as the plane descends provide an experience unlike any other. To learn more about flying on an airplane, visit the links above or take a trip to your local library with your children.
