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The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont
While the Wright Brothers were gliding over Kitty Hawk, the charming Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont was making his own mark on the history of flight.
Alberto loved floating over Paris in his personal flying machine called a dirigible. He would tie it to a post, climb down, and spend the day shopping or meeting friends for coffee. But he wanted to make his invention even better. By 1906, Alberto had transformed his balloon into a box with wings! But now there was competition. Another inventor challenged Alberto to see who would be the first in flight. Alberto’s hard work paid off, and his airplane successfully soared into the air, making him the first pilot to lift off and land a completely self-propelled plane.
The book includes an author’s note about Santos-Dumont, a bibliography, an index, and photographs of his flying machines.
Praise for Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont
“At the turn of the last century, all sorts of ambitious and eccentric men were competing furiously to get the first airplane into the sky. One of the most famous of these was a dashing Brazilian who lived in Paris and, to wide admiration, did his errands by airship. Victoria Griffith tells his story…which is illustrated with panache in rich, smudgy oils and pastels by Italian artist Eva Montanari.” –Wall Street Journal
"An excellent read-aloud, this picture book is a must when studying the history of flight and can be used as a resource for research, a book for all your reading needs!" -Library Media Connection
“Montanari’s chalky illustrations are distinguished by a strong sense of motion, and the story’s suspense (rival pilots! harrowing landings!) and surprise cameos (Louis Cartier!) make this an elegant tribute to a hero of early aviation.” –Publishers Weekly
“Strong vertical trim and layout, which one would expect to exploit sweeping skyscapes, are instead cleverly deployed to put viewers among the earthbound spectators, most often glimpsing the aviator in the distance. A bibliography and brief index round out the title, which will be a first choice for aviation enthusiasts.” –The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"A generous spirit and penchant for grand gestures make him [Santos-Dumont] all the more worth knowing—particularly for American audiences unaware that there is any question about who was the first to fly. –Kirkus Reviews
“Montanari captures the look, dress, and formality of the era in her splendid, impressionistic pastel, chalk, and oil paintings. The endnotes add details and facts about the life of this charismatic, adventurous man and mark his place in aviation history.” –School Library Journal
“Even if you’ve never heard of Santos-Dumont, you’ll be delighted to meet this real-life historical figure in Victoria Griffith’s vivid debut picture book. This fine picture book resurrects his story in lively prose and large-scale illustrations rendered in pastels, chalks, oil pastels and oil paint, perfectly capturing the drama of the events. The fuzzy lines lend a feeling of history to the illustrations, and gestures and humorous touches, such as a dog holding the dirigible’s tether or Alberto racing horse-drawn carriages, make Alberto Santos-Dumont and his times come alive.” –BookPage
Alberto loved floating over Paris in his personal flying machine called a dirigible. He would tie it to a post, climb down, and spend the day shopping or meeting friends for coffee. But he wanted to make his invention even better. By 1906, Alberto had transformed his balloon into a box with wings! But now there was competition. Another inventor challenged Alberto to see who would be the first in flight. Alberto’s hard work paid off, and his airplane successfully soared into the air, making him the first pilot to lift off and land a completely self-propelled plane.
The book includes an author’s note about Santos-Dumont, a bibliography, an index, and photographs of his flying machines.
Praise for Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont
“At the turn of the last century, all sorts of ambitious and eccentric men were competing furiously to get the first airplane into the sky. One of the most famous of these was a dashing Brazilian who lived in Paris and, to wide admiration, did his errands by airship. Victoria Griffith tells his story…which is illustrated with panache in rich, smudgy oils and pastels by Italian artist Eva Montanari.” –Wall Street Journal
"An excellent read-aloud, this picture book is a must when studying the history of flight and can be used as a resource for research, a book for all your reading needs!" -Library Media Connection
“Montanari’s chalky illustrations are distinguished by a strong sense of motion, and the story’s suspense (rival pilots! harrowing landings!) and surprise cameos (Louis Cartier!) make this an elegant tribute to a hero of early aviation.” –Publishers Weekly
“Strong vertical trim and layout, which one would expect to exploit sweeping skyscapes, are instead cleverly deployed to put viewers among the earthbound spectators, most often glimpsing the aviator in the distance. A bibliography and brief index round out the title, which will be a first choice for aviation enthusiasts.” –The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"A generous spirit and penchant for grand gestures make him [Santos-Dumont] all the more worth knowing—particularly for American audiences unaware that there is any question about who was the first to fly. –Kirkus Reviews
“Montanari captures the look, dress, and formality of the era in her splendid, impressionistic pastel, chalk, and oil paintings. The endnotes add details and facts about the life of this charismatic, adventurous man and mark his place in aviation history.” –School Library Journal
“Even if you’ve never heard of Santos-Dumont, you’ll be delighted to meet this real-life historical figure in Victoria Griffith’s vivid debut picture book. This fine picture book resurrects his story in lively prose and large-scale illustrations rendered in pastels, chalks, oil pastels and oil paint, perfectly capturing the drama of the events. The fuzzy lines lend a feeling of history to the illustrations, and gestures and humorous touches, such as a dog holding the dirigible’s tether or Alberto racing horse-drawn carriages, make Alberto Santos-Dumont and his times come alive.” –BookPage
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
1723 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Griffith
13 books75 followersAfter some disastrous stints as a banker and a waitress, I decided to become a writer. For many years, I was a journalist. I had lots of fun cooking lunch for Julia Child, hanging out with Yanomami Indians in Brazil and following the space program. Now, I'm a full-time author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 24, 2011
The American publishing industry is good at a lot of things. They produce some pretty delightful fare for children on a variety of different topics. If you want vampires or stories of cute puppies or twists on fairy tales then you are in luck. If, however, you’re looking for something about people who are famous in countries other than America, I have bad news. We’re not that great at highlighting other nations’ heroes. Oh, you’ll see such a biography once in a rare while but unless they’re a world figure (Gandhi, Leonardo da Vinci, etc.) we’re not usually going to hear much about them. Maybe that’s part of the reason I get so excited when I see books that buck the trend. Books like Victoria Griffith’s The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont. The other reason is that in a greedy way I get to learn about new historical figures along with the child readers. Alberto Santos-Dumont, for all his charms, is not exactly a household name here in the States. Credit where credit is due, then since author Victoria Griffith is doing what she can to remedy that problem.
If you were a resident of Paris, France in the early 20th century you might have glanced up into the sky to see one Alberto Santos-Dumont in his handy dandy dirigible. A transplanted Brazilian and fan of the power of flight, Alberto was friends with Louis Cartier who bestowed upon him a wrist-based alternative to the pocket watch. Now he could time himself in the sky! Determined to create an official flying machine, Alberto announces the date and location that he intends to use one to take to the sky. But when sneaky Louis Bleriot arrives with the intention of stealing Alberto’s thunder, the question of who will go down in the history books is (ha ha) up in the air.
I’m having a bit of difficulty believing that this is Victoria Griffith’s first book for children. To my mind, writing nonfiction picture books for young readers is enormously difficult. You sit in front of a plate of facts with the goal of working them into something simultaneously honest and compelling for kids. Taken one way, the book’s a dud. Taken another, it does its subject justice. Griffith, for her part, takes to the form like a duck to water. The first sentence is “Alberto Santos-Dumont loved floating over Paris in his own personal flying machine.” After the first few pages don’t be too surprised if the kids you’re reading this book with start wondering why exactly it is that we don’t have our own personal dirigibles (this question is promptly answered when we learn that Alberto’s preferred mode of transportation had a tendency to .. um… catch on fire). Deftly weaving together the invention of the Cartier watch with Alberto’s moment in history, Griffith manages to create compelling characters and a situation that lets kids understand what was at stake in this story.
She also places Alberto squarely within his context in history. In the book we learn that while the Wright Brothers did fly at Kitty Hawn before Santos-Dumont, because their flight needed assistance then it wasn’t really flying. Griffith prefers to explain this not in the text but in the Author’s Note, but I think that’s fair. As long as you make clear to kids that there can be two different opinions on a moment in history, I don’t think you need to bog down the story with this detail. And if you’re committed to driving the idea home that history is subjective, maybe the best use of this book would be to read it to a class alongside the 1984 Caldecott Award winning picture book The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot. Rarely will you find two nonfiction picture books that show such different sides of a character. If you’ve ever felt inclined to show kids how nonfiction works pick and choose their facts, this is a gift.
Adults who read Griffith’s Author’s Note and discover that she got the idea for the book when her Brazilian husband discovered to his horror that Americans believe that the Wright Brothers invented the airplane will be intrigued. Learning through him of Santos-Dumont’s life she went out and did what so many grown-ups merely think to themselves from time to time. She wrote a children’s book biography. Well played, madam. I might have cut down the books Author’s Note a bit (knowing where his father got his fortune isn’t strictly necessary) but the images and additional info about his life are grand.
Now the art is a bit of a pickle. Italian resident Eva Montanari is perhaps best known for her work on the picture book Chasing Degas though she has created other works like A Very Full Morning and Tiff Taff and Lulu. I’ll confess that Montanari’s pastels didn’t really grab me at first. To be fair, I’m not a pastel fan. They’re so light and ephemeral that for a work of historical truth I’m reluctant to enjoy them. The first two-page spread of Alberto in his dirigible doesn’t grab you right away. Nor, for that matter, does the cover. But as I read through the book and enjoyed the language the pictures began to grow on me. The pretty girl lingering behind Alberto as he tries on a new hat. The nosy onlookers taking a gander at his new watch. The nasty look Bleriot shoots Alberto when his own plane crashes. I came around to Montanari as I read but I think the trick is getting through the first few pages. The fact of the matter is that the cover does not grab readers. It’s going to be up to parents, teachers, and librarians to discover it on their own and push it into the hands of the child audience.
When I started this review by saying that America doesn’t tend to highlight famous folks from other nations, I didn’t mean to suggest that it doesn’t happen. Once in a while you’ll find a The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr or Dark Fiddler: The Life and Legend of Nicolo Paganini. But the bulk of what’s out there is pretty repetitive at times. That’s why it’s so great to discover books like Griffith’s on this Brazilian in France. They say history is written by the winners. It’s also written, a lot of the time, by the Americans. Now you get a different point of view in a slim little picture book and that, suffice to say, is delightful.
For ages 6-10.
If you were a resident of Paris, France in the early 20th century you might have glanced up into the sky to see one Alberto Santos-Dumont in his handy dandy dirigible. A transplanted Brazilian and fan of the power of flight, Alberto was friends with Louis Cartier who bestowed upon him a wrist-based alternative to the pocket watch. Now he could time himself in the sky! Determined to create an official flying machine, Alberto announces the date and location that he intends to use one to take to the sky. But when sneaky Louis Bleriot arrives with the intention of stealing Alberto’s thunder, the question of who will go down in the history books is (ha ha) up in the air.
I’m having a bit of difficulty believing that this is Victoria Griffith’s first book for children. To my mind, writing nonfiction picture books for young readers is enormously difficult. You sit in front of a plate of facts with the goal of working them into something simultaneously honest and compelling for kids. Taken one way, the book’s a dud. Taken another, it does its subject justice. Griffith, for her part, takes to the form like a duck to water. The first sentence is “Alberto Santos-Dumont loved floating over Paris in his own personal flying machine.” After the first few pages don’t be too surprised if the kids you’re reading this book with start wondering why exactly it is that we don’t have our own personal dirigibles (this question is promptly answered when we learn that Alberto’s preferred mode of transportation had a tendency to .. um… catch on fire). Deftly weaving together the invention of the Cartier watch with Alberto’s moment in history, Griffith manages to create compelling characters and a situation that lets kids understand what was at stake in this story.
She also places Alberto squarely within his context in history. In the book we learn that while the Wright Brothers did fly at Kitty Hawn before Santos-Dumont, because their flight needed assistance then it wasn’t really flying. Griffith prefers to explain this not in the text but in the Author’s Note, but I think that’s fair. As long as you make clear to kids that there can be two different opinions on a moment in history, I don’t think you need to bog down the story with this detail. And if you’re committed to driving the idea home that history is subjective, maybe the best use of this book would be to read it to a class alongside the 1984 Caldecott Award winning picture book The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot. Rarely will you find two nonfiction picture books that show such different sides of a character. If you’ve ever felt inclined to show kids how nonfiction works pick and choose their facts, this is a gift.
Adults who read Griffith’s Author’s Note and discover that she got the idea for the book when her Brazilian husband discovered to his horror that Americans believe that the Wright Brothers invented the airplane will be intrigued. Learning through him of Santos-Dumont’s life she went out and did what so many grown-ups merely think to themselves from time to time. She wrote a children’s book biography. Well played, madam. I might have cut down the books Author’s Note a bit (knowing where his father got his fortune isn’t strictly necessary) but the images and additional info about his life are grand.
Now the art is a bit of a pickle. Italian resident Eva Montanari is perhaps best known for her work on the picture book Chasing Degas though she has created other works like A Very Full Morning and Tiff Taff and Lulu. I’ll confess that Montanari’s pastels didn’t really grab me at first. To be fair, I’m not a pastel fan. They’re so light and ephemeral that for a work of historical truth I’m reluctant to enjoy them. The first two-page spread of Alberto in his dirigible doesn’t grab you right away. Nor, for that matter, does the cover. But as I read through the book and enjoyed the language the pictures began to grow on me. The pretty girl lingering behind Alberto as he tries on a new hat. The nosy onlookers taking a gander at his new watch. The nasty look Bleriot shoots Alberto when his own plane crashes. I came around to Montanari as I read but I think the trick is getting through the first few pages. The fact of the matter is that the cover does not grab readers. It’s going to be up to parents, teachers, and librarians to discover it on their own and push it into the hands of the child audience.
When I started this review by saying that America doesn’t tend to highlight famous folks from other nations, I didn’t mean to suggest that it doesn’t happen. Once in a while you’ll find a The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr or Dark Fiddler: The Life and Legend of Nicolo Paganini. But the bulk of what’s out there is pretty repetitive at times. That’s why it’s so great to discover books like Griffith’s on this Brazilian in France. They say history is written by the winners. It’s also written, a lot of the time, by the Americans. Now you get a different point of view in a slim little picture book and that, suffice to say, is delightful.
For ages 6-10.
December 5, 2011
Like most Americans, I've always believed that the Wright Brothers were the first to really and truly fly. I mean I knew that there there many others who came before these two who helped develop theories and ideas, some experimenters even died in the process. I had never heard of Alberto Santos-Dumont, which after reading this book, I find very unfortunate. Santos-Dumont's story is a very interesting one. I mean riding a dirigible to run errands?! How cool is that! I was also impressed with his unselfishness and generosity in using the money he received from his inventions. Allowing the other inventor to try to fly his plane first is no small gesture. What I found sad was how quickly the world forgot him. Just goes to show how fleeting fame can be.
This is the kind of story that I like best. Instead of just sharing the facts, the author has taken the time to let the reader get to know her character through the stories about him. I appreciated the additional information and actual photographs of Santos-Dumont at the end of the book. There is also a short bibliography and index (as all good nonfiction books should have). The writing flows well and makes this book a good choice for a read-a-loud. The only concern I have is the dialogue. This is a concern with all biographies, children's or adult's. How much is it permissible to invent based on research versus using only words the person had spoken that had been recorded? A question to which there is no one right answer. This could make for a good discussion with children about the subjective nature of most history.
The illustrations by Montanari did not really appeal to me very much on the first run through. But they have grown on me as I've looked back through the book. I think they suit the story. The only real problem I had was the horses, being a horse fan, I found their strangeness somewhat irritating. Otherwise the illustrations provide a nice glimpse of another time and place.
I highly recommend this book both for curricular purposes (inventors/inventions, biographies, etc.) but also for pleasure reading.
This is the kind of story that I like best. Instead of just sharing the facts, the author has taken the time to let the reader get to know her character through the stories about him. I appreciated the additional information and actual photographs of Santos-Dumont at the end of the book. There is also a short bibliography and index (as all good nonfiction books should have). The writing flows well and makes this book a good choice for a read-a-loud. The only concern I have is the dialogue. This is a concern with all biographies, children's or adult's. How much is it permissible to invent based on research versus using only words the person had spoken that had been recorded? A question to which there is no one right answer. This could make for a good discussion with children about the subjective nature of most history.
The illustrations by Montanari did not really appeal to me very much on the first run through. But they have grown on me as I've looked back through the book. I think they suit the story. The only real problem I had was the horses, being a horse fan, I found their strangeness somewhat irritating. Otherwise the illustrations provide a nice glimpse of another time and place.
I highly recommend this book both for curricular purposes (inventors/inventions, biographies, etc.) but also for pleasure reading.
February 1, 2015
This was a fun, quick read. I enjoyed it, especially the part about Cartier giving Santos a wristwatch, and Santos wearing said watch, when he was the first man to successfully fly an airplane.
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I won this from Goodreads First Reads. Thanks for the chance to read and review this book.
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I won this from Goodreads First Reads. Thanks for the chance to read and review this book.
April 13, 2012
You probably know that the Wright Brothers were the inventors of the airplane...but were they really? Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian man living in Paris, was the inventor of the first self-propelled plane to take off and land of its own power! But more than that, he's an interesting character who is perfect for a picture book! He regularly runs routine errands in his personal flying machine, the dirigible. He also finds himself in the haberdashery quite frequently because the dirigible has a tendency to set fire to his hats!
This lovely picture book is full of information about Santos and his flying machines, and gives an interesting look at Paris at the turn of the century. Victoria Griffith does a wonderful job distilling the life of Santos-Dumont into an interesting story that is sure to captivate children (who wouldn't want to ride to school in their own personal flying machine?) I also found the illustrations by Eva Montanari to be perfect. They're mostly oil pastels and chalk, and remind me of French impressionist painters. They're light and airy and bright.
This would be an enjoyable book for any child, and it would also be great in the classroom as part of a unit on inventors or airplanes. I always find that biographies are the best way to learn history! I appreciate the index and selected bibliography at the end so young scholars can do more reading! Great book - highly recommend it!
This lovely picture book is full of information about Santos and his flying machines, and gives an interesting look at Paris at the turn of the century. Victoria Griffith does a wonderful job distilling the life of Santos-Dumont into an interesting story that is sure to captivate children (who wouldn't want to ride to school in their own personal flying machine?) I also found the illustrations by Eva Montanari to be perfect. They're mostly oil pastels and chalk, and remind me of French impressionist painters. They're light and airy and bright.
This would be an enjoyable book for any child, and it would also be great in the classroom as part of a unit on inventors or airplanes. I always find that biographies are the best way to learn history! I appreciate the index and selected bibliography at the end so young scholars can do more reading! Great book - highly recommend it!
February 23, 2012
This is a wonderful book for children. The writing is interesting and the pictures are wonderful. This will be especially enjoyed by those interested in history, science, and of course flight. There are many little known facts contained here. I enjoyed reading the author's notes. It is sad that Santos-Dumont did not get the credit he richly deserved. This would make a wonderful book for a child to do a report on Santos-Dumont. This is a great one to read with your children. Even adults can learn much from this one! I would read more by this author! Bravo Ms. Griffith!! I am interested to see who you will let me discover in your next book!
August 5, 2011
My mom's book!
August 30, 2013
Notes:
great for teaching the entire history of flight
must include with study of Wright Brothers
great for teaching the entire history of flight
must include with study of Wright Brothers
July 3, 2021
The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is a children's picture book written by Victoria Griffith and illustrated by Eva Montanari. It is a rare portrait of a little-known early aviator.
Alberto Santos-Dumont was a Brazilian inventor and aviation pioneer, one of the very few people to have contributed significantly to the early development of both lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air aircraft.
Griffith's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Griffith conveys both Santos-Dumont's fanciful nature and his vision for the future of flight. Backmatter includes an author's note about Santos-Dumont, a bibliography, an index, and photographs of his flying machines. Montanari's chalky illustrations are distinguished by a strong sense of motion.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Although Santos-Dumont's successful lift-off in 1906 took place three years after the Wright Brothers' flight, the Brazilian inventor performed the first public flight in Europe.
All in all, The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is an elegant tribute to a little known hero of early aviation.
Alberto Santos-Dumont was a Brazilian inventor and aviation pioneer, one of the very few people to have contributed significantly to the early development of both lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air aircraft.
Griffith's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Griffith conveys both Santos-Dumont's fanciful nature and his vision for the future of flight. Backmatter includes an author's note about Santos-Dumont, a bibliography, an index, and photographs of his flying machines. Montanari's chalky illustrations are distinguished by a strong sense of motion.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Although Santos-Dumont's successful lift-off in 1906 took place three years after the Wright Brothers' flight, the Brazilian inventor performed the first public flight in Europe.
All in all, The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is an elegant tribute to a little known hero of early aviation.
October 15, 2021
Despite the fact that this is a picture book, it still works as just an audiobook.
November 3, 2021
A fun and informative picture book about not only Santos-Dumont's self-powered plane, but also Cartier's first wristwatch. An entertaining picture book about perseverance and inventiveness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2014
I won The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont, told by Victoria Griffith and illustrated by Eva Montanari, in a GoodReads Giveaway. I received a large hardbound illustrated storybook with a beautifully illustrated jacket cover and 30 full-page illustrations overlayed with large, easily-read Times Roman font.
We learn as we grow older that many of the inventions that we were taught in childhood to attribute to just one person were actually races by many to be recognized as the first to implement an idea whose time had come. The telescope, the telephone, the light bulb - just to present a few examples - are all inventions attributed to men that didn't necessarily solely invent them but were first to patent them or mass-produce them, or raise their visibility to mainstream levels through critical use or introduction.
And thus we arrive at The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont, told by Victoria Griffith and illustrated by Eva Montanari. A wonderfully illustrated story-book of the true story of a Brazilian man in Paris who built and flew the first self-propelled airplane while wearing the first men's wristwatch.
To explain any further would be to steal from the thunder of this wonderful story told so nobly by Victoria Griffith and brought to life with the timely and well-suited impressionistic illustrations of Artist Eva Montanari.
If I have any small critique it is with the small lack of artistry with which the text has been laid upon the page. With Montanari's spot-on illustration and the large storybook's otherwise high-production value, I would have expected a little more flair and design in the typesetting and layout.
The feeling of Paris at the turn of the Twentieth Century rendered so well in the illustrations, the somberness and humility of the moment in history intoned so concisely in the voice of the narrative, The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is the perfect injection of real-world knowledge in the book collection of any well-read child, young or old alike. A recommended must-read for anyone wanting to know more than just what they were told.
We learn as we grow older that many of the inventions that we were taught in childhood to attribute to just one person were actually races by many to be recognized as the first to implement an idea whose time had come. The telescope, the telephone, the light bulb - just to present a few examples - are all inventions attributed to men that didn't necessarily solely invent them but were first to patent them or mass-produce them, or raise their visibility to mainstream levels through critical use or introduction.
And thus we arrive at The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont, told by Victoria Griffith and illustrated by Eva Montanari. A wonderfully illustrated story-book of the true story of a Brazilian man in Paris who built and flew the first self-propelled airplane while wearing the first men's wristwatch.
To explain any further would be to steal from the thunder of this wonderful story told so nobly by Victoria Griffith and brought to life with the timely and well-suited impressionistic illustrations of Artist Eva Montanari.
If I have any small critique it is with the small lack of artistry with which the text has been laid upon the page. With Montanari's spot-on illustration and the large storybook's otherwise high-production value, I would have expected a little more flair and design in the typesetting and layout.
The feeling of Paris at the turn of the Twentieth Century rendered so well in the illustrations, the somberness and humility of the moment in history intoned so concisely in the voice of the narrative, The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is the perfect injection of real-world knowledge in the book collection of any well-read child, young or old alike. A recommended must-read for anyone wanting to know more than just what they were told.
August 21, 2014
Fiction "Twin Text":
The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy, by David Soman and Jacky Davis copyright 2011.
Rationale for Selection:
I chose to use this book in connection with the non-fiction title because they both focus on people seeking adventure and facing obstacles with others. In The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont we find a biography of an inventor who chased adventure yet freely shared his knowledge and experiences with others. He is described as one who would often offer rides to complete strangers and even gave a chance to his rival to become the first man to invent the airplane. In The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy we meet a young superhero who is struggling with his younger brother butting in on all his adventures. I think reading both books to students and discussing how naturally we want to act like Bumblebee Boy will help students not only learn about sharing with others but also gain a deeper appreciation for the character of Alberto Santos-Dumont.
Text Structure and Strategy Application:
The text structure of The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is very chronological. It is a biography told in the form of a story with a beginning, middle, and end. My strategy application for these twin texts is Venn Diagram. I plan to first read The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy and ask students to describe how the main character reacts to his brother. With this description we will create one side of the diagram. Then I will read The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont and ask students to compare and contrast the attitude of Alberto with Bumblebee Boy to complete the Venn Diagram. The good news is they will find similarities to Alberto's good character once Bumblebee Boy learns a lesson. Hopefully they will learn a lesson about sharing and working with others as well.
Adapted Book Review Citation
(2012, August 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com/DetailedV...
The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy, by David Soman and Jacky Davis copyright 2011.
Rationale for Selection:
I chose to use this book in connection with the non-fiction title because they both focus on people seeking adventure and facing obstacles with others. In The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont we find a biography of an inventor who chased adventure yet freely shared his knowledge and experiences with others. He is described as one who would often offer rides to complete strangers and even gave a chance to his rival to become the first man to invent the airplane. In The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy we meet a young superhero who is struggling with his younger brother butting in on all his adventures. I think reading both books to students and discussing how naturally we want to act like Bumblebee Boy will help students not only learn about sharing with others but also gain a deeper appreciation for the character of Alberto Santos-Dumont.
Text Structure and Strategy Application:
The text structure of The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is very chronological. It is a biography told in the form of a story with a beginning, middle, and end. My strategy application for these twin texts is Venn Diagram. I plan to first read The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy and ask students to describe how the main character reacts to his brother. With this description we will create one side of the diagram. Then I will read The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont and ask students to compare and contrast the attitude of Alberto with Bumblebee Boy to complete the Venn Diagram. The good news is they will find similarities to Alberto's good character once Bumblebee Boy learns a lesson. Hopefully they will learn a lesson about sharing and working with others as well.
Adapted Book Review Citation
(2012, August 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com/DetailedV...
March 21, 2012
My Review: This is an excellent story about Alberto Santos-Dumont who designed, built and flew one of the first practical dirigibles. It was great to know that Alberto went everywhere in his controllable balloon. The author tells how Alberto needed a watch that would help him mark the time that he is in the air as he was unable to do so while his hands were on the controls.
Alberto complained to his good friend Louis Cartier who was an inventor of the pocket watches and jewelry. He told him about the difficulty of checking his pocket watch while flying. So Cartier came up with an alternative that would allow Alberto keep both hands on the controls and check time, he made a watch with a leather band.
Author Griffith did a great job in providing readers with not only the facts about Alberto Santos-Dumont, but also introducing readers to another inventor Louis Cartier and Orville and Wilbur Wright who were credited with inventing and building the world’s first successful airplane.
The author did a great job in connecting the story of Alberto with his love of flying, to needing a watch and his love of hats which he used often to put out flames as his airship float had a tendency of catching on fire.
The beautiful illustrations by Eva Montanari not only tell the story but helps brings the story to life. The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. I highly recommend this book for classroom reading.
Fact: Although Patek Phillipe created the first wristwatch in 1868, Louis Cartier is responsible for helping to popularize it over the traditional pocket watch.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
Alberto complained to his good friend Louis Cartier who was an inventor of the pocket watches and jewelry. He told him about the difficulty of checking his pocket watch while flying. So Cartier came up with an alternative that would allow Alberto keep both hands on the controls and check time, he made a watch with a leather band.
Author Griffith did a great job in providing readers with not only the facts about Alberto Santos-Dumont, but also introducing readers to another inventor Louis Cartier and Orville and Wilbur Wright who were credited with inventing and building the world’s first successful airplane.
The author did a great job in connecting the story of Alberto with his love of flying, to needing a watch and his love of hats which he used often to put out flames as his airship float had a tendency of catching on fire.
The beautiful illustrations by Eva Montanari not only tell the story but helps brings the story to life. The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. I highly recommend this book for classroom reading.
Fact: Although Patek Phillipe created the first wristwatch in 1868, Louis Cartier is responsible for helping to popularize it over the traditional pocket watch.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
December 14, 2011
3.5/5 stars (You really should be able to give half stars... take note Goodreads!)
*I received a copy of this book as a part of the First Reads program*
The art
The cover art is beautiful and intriguing, my son wanted to read it as soon as he saw the airplane. Throughout the book the same level illustration continues and the pictures are very well done. I was worried my 4 year old wouldn't enjoy it as it didn't have the cartoon-y aspect that so many children's books have today but he really liked the illustrations and sometimes even flips through the book on his own telling the story back to himself with the pictures as a guide.
The writing
Story wise I was a bit less impressed. While I appreciated the author's wish to educate as well as entertain, there wasn't really a clear story that carried the book from beginning to end, rather it seemed there were three separate events (hat shopping, meeting with a friend, flying the airplane) that were only loosely connected. I also found that the sentence structure and word choice was a bit difficult when reading out loud and felt a bit halting rather than a smooth easy read.
I really liked the back section of the book which is a mini biography of Dumont and his dirigibles. Because of this section I think this book could be a great resource for a child in grade 2 or 3 that is doing a report on flying or airplanes.
While I have my misgivings about the book my son has asked me to read it to him a few more times which I see as a good sign. Because of the awkwardness in reading it out loud I'd recommend this book for any 5 - 8 year old who is interested in flying and airplanes and can read it to themselves.
*I received a copy of this book as a part of the First Reads program*
The art
The cover art is beautiful and intriguing, my son wanted to read it as soon as he saw the airplane. Throughout the book the same level illustration continues and the pictures are very well done. I was worried my 4 year old wouldn't enjoy it as it didn't have the cartoon-y aspect that so many children's books have today but he really liked the illustrations and sometimes even flips through the book on his own telling the story back to himself with the pictures as a guide.
The writing
Story wise I was a bit less impressed. While I appreciated the author's wish to educate as well as entertain, there wasn't really a clear story that carried the book from beginning to end, rather it seemed there were three separate events (hat shopping, meeting with a friend, flying the airplane) that were only loosely connected. I also found that the sentence structure and word choice was a bit difficult when reading out loud and felt a bit halting rather than a smooth easy read.
I really liked the back section of the book which is a mini biography of Dumont and his dirigibles. Because of this section I think this book could be a great resource for a child in grade 2 or 3 that is doing a report on flying or airplanes.
While I have my misgivings about the book my son has asked me to read it to him a few more times which I see as a good sign. Because of the awkwardness in reading it out loud I'd recommend this book for any 5 - 8 year old who is interested in flying and airplanes and can read it to themselves.
April 8, 2013
* I received a free signed copy of this book from the author through goodreads giveaways*
This book is so informative! I found myself wondering how I never knew or heard the story of Alberto Santos-Dumont! It is very well written and I enjoyed the background history provided in the author's note section at the end of the book. The author, Victoria Griffith has done a fabulous job of promoting Alberto Santos-Dumont's story. Through his friendship with the legendary jeweler, Louis Cartier, the invention of the wristwatch is also discussed. She has peaked my curiosity and makes me want to find out more!
The illustrations in the book are also absolutely beautiful. Very well done and a book I would definately recommend to adults and children alike.
This book is so informative! I found myself wondering how I never knew or heard the story of Alberto Santos-Dumont! It is very well written and I enjoyed the background history provided in the author's note section at the end of the book. The author, Victoria Griffith has done a fabulous job of promoting Alberto Santos-Dumont's story. Through his friendship with the legendary jeweler, Louis Cartier, the invention of the wristwatch is also discussed. She has peaked my curiosity and makes me want to find out more!
The illustrations in the book are also absolutely beautiful. Very well done and a book I would definately recommend to adults and children alike.
April 10, 2012
*I received a copy of this book as a part of the First Reads program*
A delightful story! I appreciate the history and research that went into it, as well as the way it is related to kids. It is beautifully illustrated, which only adds to the appeal. This is a good read for all ages, as everyone will learn something - and kids may even learn something about innovation and thinking 'outside the box'.
I can't wait to share it with my nephews!
A delightful story! I appreciate the history and research that went into it, as well as the way it is related to kids. It is beautifully illustrated, which only adds to the appeal. This is a good read for all ages, as everyone will learn something - and kids may even learn something about innovation and thinking 'outside the box'.
I can't wait to share it with my nephews!
September 28, 2011
Excellent story about Alberto Santos-Dumont that taught me a thing or two. And I followed Elizabeth Bird's advice and am paring it with The Glorious Flight to note how different authors portray the same character. Great lessons in the classroom.
September 21, 2014
What fun it was to receive this book via goodreads to enjoy on the same weekend as the Selfridge airshow. I'm ashamed to say I did not know this piece of history. My boys & I found it an informative & entertaining read with lovely illustrations.
July 10, 2023
Of all the aviation picture book biographies my kids and I read over the past few months, this was my favorite. I loved Alberto! Born in Brazil, he moved to France and it was there that he began inventing flying machines. He was an idealist and dreamed that his flying machines would bring the world closer together, bring about a greater harmony among nations, people would be able to fly to different countries, see other cultures, realize we are not so different after all. He was well-to-do and gave his prize money away to the less fortunate. He never patented his inventions and, sadly, he is mostly forgotten today as the Wright Brothers rose to fame with their carefully guarded invention. (Although, it’s thanks to him and his best friend, Louis Cartier, that we have the wrist watch today; Alberto couldn’t look at his pocket watch and control his plane at the same time, so his friend designed a watch for him to wear on his wrist and it quickly became popular!). But, at the height of his career, he was one of the most famous men in the world, possessing an enigmatic “star quality” and his quirky lifestyle always intrigued (he is the only man known to fly a dirigible to run everyday errands). In 1906, many believed he was the first man to fly a plane – indeed, Paris didn’t even know of the Wright Brothers because of brothers’ secrecy. But, if you ask a Brazilian today, most will probably disagree about the Wright Brothers and say that Santos-Dumont invented the airplane. I absolutely loved this book and felt the story proper was just right for early elementary while the back matter goes deeper for older readers with an extensive author’s note, photos, Selected Bibliography and more. My heart broke for Alberto when he saw that the airplane didn’t bring about world peace as he had dreamed but, instead, saw his invention being used for war. He ended his life because of that. This is such a touching story and it has stayed with me ever since we read it a few months ago.
August 6, 2023
Renton Highlands Library Easy Biography EB: Santos-Dumont
Huh. OK, the Orville brothers got their plane in the air first, but they used various aides to do so. This guy's plane just had itself, so he's got a legitimate claim to be the first person to fly a plane. Just ask any Brazilian! He was living in Paris at the time, where he liked to tool around in his personal flying blimp to run errands. This is seriously cool stuff!
He complained to his friend that he couldn't consult his pocket watch while flying his blimp, so friend Cartier invented the wristwatch. Lots of fun, great sportsmanship, nice pictures -- a fun book biography of a guy who deserves to be better known.
Huh. OK, the Orville brothers got their plane in the air first, but they used various aides to do so. This guy's plane just had itself, so he's got a legitimate claim to be the first person to fly a plane. Just ask any Brazilian! He was living in Paris at the time, where he liked to tool around in his personal flying blimp to run errands. This is seriously cool stuff!
He complained to his friend that he couldn't consult his pocket watch while flying his blimp, so friend Cartier invented the wristwatch. Lots of fun, great sportsmanship, nice pictures -- a fun book biography of a guy who deserves to be better known.
August 7, 2017
1906, 21 seconds, the first person to lift off and land a completely self-propelled plane. Bleriot even brought his plane at the same time, but it couldn't lift-off. Having come to France from Brazil, Santos used a dirigible to run errands in 1901. He was certain that if people could fly and see how much they had in common with others, they would be at peace. His friend, Louis Cartier, gifted him with the first wristwatch, which he used to time flights.
March 8, 2020
A fine little children's picture book biography. I would have liked to seen more details on the dirigibles and on the planes. The afterword was good. But we could have seen the Dragonfly. And we could have seen the controversy over who might have been first. The art was good without being distracting. 3.5 of 5.
January 26, 2021
A biography of Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont tells the story of the eccentric man who used a dirigible to get around Paris. It includes the showdown with Louis Bleriot to make the first self-propelled flight.
Tags: History of flight -- Biography -- Alberto Santos-Dumont -- Aeronautical engineers -- Brazil --
Tags: History of flight -- Biography -- Alberto Santos-Dumont -- Aeronautical engineers -- Brazil --
September 5, 2025
Many students will hear the story of the wright brothers and flying the plane, this gives another perspective of the invention of the airplane. Keeps students engaged and while nonfiction still has underlying lessons of kindness and of not giving up.
August 25, 2018
I had no idea that a Brazilian man was the first to fly a self-powered plane. The story of Alberto Santo-Dumas is another on the long list of forgotten or never-told greats.
June 1, 2019
Fascinating character - this one a sweet children’s book with beautiful illustrations.
March 10, 2021
A lovely presentation of Alberto Santos-Dumont's story!
December 31, 2019
*I received a copy of this book as a part of the First Reads programme*
I'm a big fan of illustrated books and I know illustrated non-fiction isn't widely published, so when I saw this book I was quite excited. It's a sturdy hardcover with a dust jacket. It's also well bound. Important if you have children that want to pick it up and read it on their own. You don't have to take extra care with it.
The illustrations are wonderful and are on the front and back cover, and pretty much fill every page in the book. The glossy paper helps draw out the predominant colours - blues and greens. Also the lines portray movement and excitement. The illustrations aren't cartoons they're vivid paint-like, pastel sketches(I could be wrong here) which complement the story.
The story is about Alberto Santos-Dumas and his eccentric behaviour, meeting with his friend and the story of his passion to fly. I have to agree with Jessica Bustard here. The book starts to wobble a bit as the narrative isn't so clear. I realise that it could be classified as a biography maybe that's why it seems a little unfocused. Is the story about the watch, flying, his love of hats? It could have been just a little clearer and the story telling could have been tightened up a bit. The narrative structure is just not as defined as I liked, or am familiar with when it comes to illustrated books.
I can't decide what age this book is for as I read it with a six year old boy, that I tutor, who loves cars and planes. He liked the drawings, but it was very wordy for him, I had to do some explaining and shortening. The word dirigible was wisely skipped.
I won't get into the facts of the story some people seem to be concerned with the facts, mainly the wrist-watch. There's a nice section at the back of the book with a few photographs and some interesting facts about Alberto Santos-Dumont. Though, I was a little taken back by the death by suicide mention. Not something that I disclosed to the six year old boy as his mother would be fuming and it wouldn't be wise to tell him.
To sum it up this book is well made, has a sturdy hardcover, is beautifully illustrated with vivid colours and an interesting story. However, it is not your run of the mill book and cannot be compared with your average illustrated children's book. This is something different (nothing wrong with different) it's not only for children but for adults as well. It introduced me to a story in history that I wasn't familiar with - a good thing. Four stars for me.
I'm a big fan of illustrated books and I know illustrated non-fiction isn't widely published, so when I saw this book I was quite excited. It's a sturdy hardcover with a dust jacket. It's also well bound. Important if you have children that want to pick it up and read it on their own. You don't have to take extra care with it.
The illustrations are wonderful and are on the front and back cover, and pretty much fill every page in the book. The glossy paper helps draw out the predominant colours - blues and greens. Also the lines portray movement and excitement. The illustrations aren't cartoons they're vivid paint-like, pastel sketches(I could be wrong here) which complement the story.
The story is about Alberto Santos-Dumas and his eccentric behaviour, meeting with his friend and the story of his passion to fly. I have to agree with Jessica Bustard here. The book starts to wobble a bit as the narrative isn't so clear. I realise that it could be classified as a biography maybe that's why it seems a little unfocused. Is the story about the watch, flying, his love of hats? It could have been just a little clearer and the story telling could have been tightened up a bit. The narrative structure is just not as defined as I liked, or am familiar with when it comes to illustrated books.
I can't decide what age this book is for as I read it with a six year old boy, that I tutor, who loves cars and planes. He liked the drawings, but it was very wordy for him, I had to do some explaining and shortening. The word dirigible was wisely skipped.
I won't get into the facts of the story some people seem to be concerned with the facts, mainly the wrist-watch. There's a nice section at the back of the book with a few photographs and some interesting facts about Alberto Santos-Dumont. Though, I was a little taken back by the death by suicide mention. Not something that I disclosed to the six year old boy as his mother would be fuming and it wouldn't be wise to tell him.
To sum it up this book is well made, has a sturdy hardcover, is beautifully illustrated with vivid colours and an interesting story. However, it is not your run of the mill book and cannot be compared with your average illustrated children's book. This is something different (nothing wrong with different) it's not only for children but for adults as well. It introduced me to a story in history that I wasn't familiar with - a good thing. Four stars for me.
December 18, 2012
The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont held the attention of both my niece and nephew, which really surprised me. I thought the text would be too lengthy to hold my nephew's attention, but this story is surprisingly engaging, and he made it to the end.
My niece has enough education under her belt now, that she was able to stop me halfway through the book and say, "wait a minute. Did this guy live at the same time as those brothers? Who were they again?" That question, which is answered in the end matter of this book, allows parents or teachers to really explore the question of who flew first (really, not such a cut-and-dried issue as American history courses would have one believe).
Ultimately, Alberto Santos-Dumont took his own life, and the kids and I were able to discuss this issue as well, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easily, to paraphrase my friend Chandra, the kids were able to see this issue in shades of grey. This story has a lot of meat to chew on, and parents and teachers could use this book to open up all sorts of conversations with their children.
In addition to the story, I really liked the pictures in this book. They reminded me of the Impressionist paintings that were being done in France at the time of Alberto Santos-Dumont's life. Really an interesting book, that grows on me the more I look at it.
My niece has enough education under her belt now, that she was able to stop me halfway through the book and say, "wait a minute. Did this guy live at the same time as those brothers? Who were they again?" That question, which is answered in the end matter of this book, allows parents or teachers to really explore the question of who flew first (really, not such a cut-and-dried issue as American history courses would have one believe).
Ultimately, Alberto Santos-Dumont took his own life, and the kids and I were able to discuss this issue as well, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easily, to paraphrase my friend Chandra, the kids were able to see this issue in shades of grey. This story has a lot of meat to chew on, and parents and teachers could use this book to open up all sorts of conversations with their children.
In addition to the story, I really liked the pictures in this book. They reminded me of the Impressionist paintings that were being done in France at the time of Alberto Santos-Dumont's life. Really an interesting book, that grows on me the more I look at it.
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