This sparse rhyming text is perfect for the youngest listeners gearing up for their own first ride on an airplane. When Grandma writes to say, “Come visit me,” a young boy and his family begin their preparations. First they pack, then they drive to the airport, get the boarding passes and watch the planes through the window. And in a nod to the post 9/11 world: “Security check. Take off each shoe. / Lift our suitcases. Backpacks, too.” From the seemingly endless waiting and the flight attendant’s safety talk, to specialized plane vocabulary, Hubbell covers the whole journey, up to the joyous reunion with Grandma (baggage claim is skipped). With Speir’s acrylic illustrations as a guide, even first-time travelers will be familiar with the interiors of an airport and airplane and the setup of the security checkpoint. The ideas for making the time pass more quickly will be welcomed by both children and parents alike. A solid grounding for those about to leave the ground behind. (Picture book. 2-7)
