AIR SHOW!

Airplane-crazy kids will find new friends in Ellie, who longs to fly stunt planes, and Gill, her know-it-all brother, as they take an exciting flight to the air show in their father’s plane. Filled with the important chatter between pilots and air-traffic controllers about take-off and landing, the book treats young enthusiasts to a backseat tour of a flight, from last-minute fueling to landing. Once the children arrive at the air show, Gill’s book knowledge tells the story of the planes. Showing off his encyclopedic mastery of the subject, Gill spews facts about horsepower, speed and even the distance between the wingtips of the Blue Angel jets in flight (a soda-can length) in a not-always-natural delivery. When Ellie’s dream comes true, though, readers experience the joy of flying through her eyes. Neubecker’s signature ink-and–boldly colored illustrations show the same enthusiasm for flying that the children do and are detailed enough to pore over, especially the gatefold showing all the planes at the show. Though thin on plot, this first book from actor and flight instructor Williams is a perfect book for kids who love planes and flying. (Picture book. 5-8)