Big Book of Airplanes

Rating:
Summary: Great photos; interesting text
Review: My 2-1/2 year old son loves to "read" this book, and I enjoy reading it to him.

The text is definitely written to an older child (I would say that a child would have to be in at least second grade before reading it on his or her own). Fortunately, there are enough snippets of information that an adult can tailor the words to fit the child as she or he reads aloud.

The photos, though, are what make this book so attractive. Each type of aircraft (to include experimental aircraft, Chinook helicopters, and future space-shuttle-like craft)has a two-page spread of photos in this oversized book. Most types feature at least three photos: one from the side, one from directly in front (the SR-71 Blackbird and the jumbo jet are particularly striking!) and one from the rear. Every type of aircraft has a photo taken while flying.

My young son is learning that jet planes don't have propellers and that rocket engines look different from jet engines. Of course, at first, he was more interested in the striking colors of the aircraft chosen for the photos, but this book allows him to grow. He has a while yet before he learns "it all", unlike some of the other airplane books for young children.

An enthusiastic thumbs up!

Rating:
Summary: Big Book of Airplanes
Review: This book is designed for children, but will appeal to anyone with an interest in aviation. The photos are clean and show the planes, helicopters and spacecraft well. The information provided for each aircraft is easy for children to read and understand.