With this launch to his beginning reader series (along with Castle: How It Works, $3.99 paper), David Macaulay once again proves that he never loses sight of a child's sense of curiosity or perspective.
"A jet plane stands at the gate. Baggage rides up the belt. Isn't that your suitcase? This must be your plane." Macaulay places readers in the window seat and, in clear, brief sentences, takes them from takeoff to touchdown. He explains the cockpit, instruments and screens, which tell the pilots "How fast. How far. How high. How heavy.... How about that?!" In addition to humor, the author anticipates causes for anxiety ("Did you hear something go clunk? That is the landing gear folding up into the hold"). Cutaway views explain more technical matters, such as how the plane turns.
Children about to take their first flight as well as those interested in technology will find answers to any questions here. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness