The Noisy Airplane Ride - Mike Downs

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

08 Sep 2007 02:00 PM

Are you planning to fly anywhere this upcoming holiday season? If so, "The Noisy Airplane Ride" might be a great way to help prepare your children for the trip so they know what to expect. Written by Mike Downs, an airline pilot, you get the inside scoop on everything that goes on during an airplane ride, complete with illustrations.

First we see a boy and his family walking down the Jetway, getting on the plane, and buckling up. They experiment with the vent above their seats that sends cool air down for them to breathe. Then the tug comes along and helps move the plane into position.

Then the engines start up, sometimes with a puff of smoke, which is normal. The flaps on the wings move, getting ready for takeoff. The wheels may bump a bit as the plane taxis, and then, with a roar, the plane is ready to take off!

As the wheels retract and go up, there will be a clunking sound, and then a whir as the flaps go up. It's okay to hit bumpy air - the plane is made for it. The engines hum - that tells you they're working great.

After the seatbelt light goes off, you can undo your belt, and you can go to the bathroom if you want. The flight attendants will serve drinks or meals. And as it gets dark, you can turn on a light over your seat so you can read.

As the plane prepares to land, you'll hear the wheels lower again. When the plane touches the ground, you'll hear a thudding noise, and then you'll hear the brakes being applied. The plane will come to a stop, and you can get off and go meet the people you came to see.

In the back of the book is an appendix listing other things you may have questions about, including ear pressure, queasiness, and what happens to your luggage.

Now, I must say, I'm not crazy about flying, but I think this book is a great way to prepare for a trip, and I really enjoyed reading it.

(This book was published in 2003 by Tricycle Press and was illustrated by David Gordon.)

Related Blogs:

Fairy Tales with a Spin -- the picture books of David Gordon

Sunny Boy! The Life and Times of a Tortoise

Keeping the Kids Busy in the Car and on the Plane

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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