Jet Plane: How It Works

Gr 2–4—Beginning, fluent readers with an interest in aviation will treasure this title. Simple narration explains the sights, sounds, and mechanics of a flight from a passenger's perspective. Readers are invited to look for his suitcase (marked with a red arrow) going up the loading ramp, "notice the cockpit," and look through the window to view the runway and the flaps on the wing. Simple yet detailed drawings explain how the wings provide lift for the plane and change its direction and that the force of air through the engine provides thrust to carry the plane through space. One spread depicts the function of radar by day and night. The beautifully colored illustrations beg for repeated viewings and a larger trim size, but the narrow lines of text in an early-reader format will help children feel comfortable with the information and new terms introduced. Whether this is shelved in nonfiction or beginning-reader collections, it will find an appreciative audience.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI