'Clear prop!'

How do planes stay up in the air? What are all those knobs, gizmos and gauges in the cockpit? How do you fly a plane?

A pilot answers these and other questions about flying in this lively memoir written to his grandson after their flight together in his home-built biplane.

This colorful book illustrates the basics of flight including takeoff, lift, navigation, and aerobatics. The joy of being airborne above the green fields of Wisconsin will make even the most land-bound reader want to pull on a leather Flying Ace helmet and take to the skies with Gramps in this warm personal book.

'We're cleared for takeoff!'

About the Author/Illustrator
Julie Grist has been getting tickle-tummies from flying with her father since she was a young girl. When her own son grew tall enough to take his first ride in her father's biplane, Grist grabbed her camera and started shooting pictures. She envisioned a book written for kids that would explain the basics of flight. The stars of the book are her adventurous father who built his own biplane, and her inquisitive son.

Grist shot the air-to-ground photos from her favorite place in the copilot's seat. She also rigged a camera under the top wing to shoot photos of her son and father as they soared through the Wisconsin skies. Grist completed the watercolor illustrations from her studio in Los Angeles. She always looks skyward when she hears the buzz of a small plane, wondering if it could be her favorite yellow and white biplane.

Softcover:
24 pages

Publisher:
Spoonbender Books (2006)

Reading Level:
Ages 4-8