This collective biography profiling the achievements of 20 aviation pioneers is ably written and informative but not particularly engaging. Handleman, a pilot and author of numerous aviation-history books, bookends the sequence of short biographies with a young boy named “Philsie,” presumably the author as a child, who dreams of the historical figures profiled. This awkward framing device is both superfluous and downright hokey. Included among the four-page profiles are portraits of such familiar pioneers as the Wright Brothers, Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, as well as the lesser-known likes of World War I ace Billy Bishop, Flying Tigers commander Claire Chennault and test pilot Jackie Cochran. Kodera’s pencil-drawn portraits of the aviators vary in quality. Though each profile is concise and informative, the author makes no attempt to connect these aviators to one another. A notable oversight is the lack of a bibliography and suggestions for further reading. (Collective biography. 9-13)
Pub Date: July 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-58980-570-5
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Pelican
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2009
Floca (The Frightful Story of Harry Walfish, 1997, etc.) offers a great explication of the small trucks that airline passengers see scurrying around jets on the runways. In brightly painted illustrations and simple descriptions, he introduces each vehicle, explains what it does, and shows it in action, e.g., the truck called the baggage conveyor is shown hoisting suitcases into the belly of the plane. All five trucks’ duties point to a big finale when the plane takes off. Given preschoolers’ well-documented fascination with heavy machinery, this book will strike a chord with young air travelers, and answer the questions of older travelers as well. (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-7894-2561-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: DK Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1999
From Kroll (Lewis and Clark, 1994, etc.), a handsomely illustrated biography that introduces a fascinating historical figure and will make readers yearn for more information. The facts are covered, including Fulton’s stints as sign painter, air-gun inventor, and apprentice jeweler; Kroll states clearly which details cannot be pinned down, and the probable order of events and incidents. The text is informative and lively, although in places the transitions are abrupt, e.g., one of the only references to Fulton’s personal life—“Meanwhile, on January 7, 1808, Fulton had married Harriet Livingston. She bore him four children”—quickly reverts to details on the building of boats. Warm gold-toned paintings convey a sense of times past and complement the text. Especially appealing are the depictions of the steamships. A welcome volume. (chronology) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)
Pub Date: March 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-8234-1433-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1999
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