LISA’S AIRPLANE TRIP

Lisa’s first solo airplane flight is a long one—Paris to New York. It’s anything but boring, though: a short nap, then a big tray of food, then a movie, then, because seeing the movie screen means perching precariously on a glassful of juice to peer over the seat in front, she gets a tour of the restroom for a wash in the sink. Finally, she gets a rare treat: a welcome into the cockpit to meet the pilots who compliment her on her nice smell—the soap. Hallensleben (Baboon, 1997, etc) depicts his intrepid traveler as a tiny puppy, sort of a stuffed lap toy with facial expressions. The soothing color scheme, richly laid down in a child-like style, plus Lisa’s chirpy, bright-eyed interest in everything, make this companion to Gaspard on Vacation (see above) a first-class anxiety dispeller for children facing their own inaugural flights. Legible hand-lettered text. (Picture book. 4-6)