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Thursday, November 24, 2022

On This Airplane, written by Lourdes Heuer and illustrated by Sara Palacios. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 


"There is turbulence! 
Up, down. Up, down. 
Drinks drip drop. 
Tummies flip flop ... 

... but here is a hand
to hold and there is a 
helping hand.
"

We know before the story begins that a house has been sold, and bags are packed. As the young family of four boards the plane, they meet a happy pilot and take note of the other people sharing the plane with them. Those people are described in telling sentences, while the cut paper, gouache and digital media artwork adds context for young readers. 

The family shares a row of seats, and get ready for takeoff. As they make their way to their destination, the author continues introducing fellow passengers. So many of the small scenes will be familiar to those who are frequent flyers. Turbulence creates a bit of chaos and some fear. All is evident on the expressive faces and in body positions. Through it all there is a real sense of community created between travelers. 

"On this airplane, 
someone lends an earbud. 
Someone lends an ear. 
Someone makes a fuss ... 
someone makes a friend.
"

Welcome awaits. Soon all the luggage is loaded, and the family is on its way to ... a new home. 

Lovely, and uplifting.                                                                            


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