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Candlewick Biographies
Lighter than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot
Take to the skies with the tale of Sophie Blanchard a woman meant for the air as she discovers the incomparable sensation of flight.
Behold the story of Sophie Blanchard, a woman who is largely forgotten despite her claim to being the very first female pilot in history. In eighteenth-century France, "balloonomania" has fiercely gripped the nation . . . but all of the pioneering aeronauts are men. The job of shattering that myth falls to a most unlikely figure: a shy girl from a seaside village, entirely devoted to her dream of flight. Sophie is not the first woman to ascend in a balloon, nor the first woman to accompany an aeronaut on a trip, but she will become the first woman to climb to the clouds and steer her own course.
Behold the story of Sophie Blanchard, a woman who is largely forgotten despite her claim to being the very first female pilot in history. In eighteenth-century France, "balloonomania" has fiercely gripped the nation . . . but all of the pioneering aeronauts are men. The job of shattering that myth falls to a most unlikely figure: a shy girl from a seaside village, entirely devoted to her dream of flight. Sophie is not the first woman to ascend in a balloon, nor the first woman to accompany an aeronaut on a trip, but she will become the first woman to climb to the clouds and steer her own course.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2017
1 person is currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 11, 2017
A rich, elegant portrait of 19th century balloonist Sophie Blanchard.
April 13, 2017
I love celebrating important women in history, but this book was boring and a little long.
November 20, 2017
Nothing on Earth captures the imagination quite like taking to the sky in a hot air balloon. Lighter than Air is a picture book biography about Sophie Blanchard, the first woman pilot. Blanchard guided hot air balloons all over 18th Century France. Author Matthew Clark Smith provides a narrative that contextualizes the French attitudes of the period, especially regarding the role of women in that society, and how Sophie Blanchard first challenges those expectations, then becomes an exception to all those rules as she gains popularity and respect for her airborne exploits.
Some of the Matt Tavares illustrations are drawings that evoke the art prints of that time, but several of the pictures are more involved with backgrounds and sophisticated shadings. These pictures are more satisfying and made me wish the others were more like them.
The design of Lighter than Air is simple. The endpapers are plain, and the back matter is an author’s note, illustrator’s note, and a brief bibliography. The author’s note reveals the circumstances of Sophie Blanchard’s death. No spoilers here, but I hope young readers find their way to that detail and then ponder and discuss its ironies.
Some of the Matt Tavares illustrations are drawings that evoke the art prints of that time, but several of the pictures are more involved with backgrounds and sophisticated shadings. These pictures are more satisfying and made me wish the others were more like them.
The design of Lighter than Air is simple. The endpapers are plain, and the back matter is an author’s note, illustrator’s note, and a brief bibliography. The author’s note reveals the circumstances of Sophie Blanchard’s death. No spoilers here, but I hope young readers find their way to that detail and then ponder and discuss its ironies.
June 21, 2017
Tells of Sophie Armant who dreams of flying. When she meets Jean-Pierre Blanchard, the hot air balloonist, she tells him she belongs in a balloon. At first, he laughs but he quickly realizes she is serious. They marry and he takes her up in balloons. After Jean-Pierre died from injuries sustained when he fell from a balloon, Sophie was heartbroken. But she soon took to the skies again and became a talented, famous balloonist. Napoleon named her Aeronaut of the Official Festivals and Chief Air Minister of Ballooning.
I appreciate the author and illustrator notes and the bibliography and I LOVED the illustrations.
I appreciate the author and illustrator notes and the bibliography and I LOVED the illustrations.
shelved
April 15, 2017There were too many distractions while I was trying to read this, but overall I got the impression of a woman not to be put off from any challenge. And some lovely illustrations.
Would pair nicely with that Sophie Blackall book - A Voyage in the Clouds, because I believe that is about Sophie's husband. Not that her story *needs* a man. But one of my first thoughts when reading this was "hey, isn't that one of the ridiculous men from that Sophie Blackall book?" So.
Would pair nicely with that Sophie Blackall book - A Voyage in the Clouds, because I believe that is about Sophie's husband. Not that her story *needs* a man. But one of my first thoughts when reading this was "hey, isn't that one of the ridiculous men from that Sophie Blackall book?" So.
May 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this one! The illustrations were fun and the text was very informative. I thought that the author's message of this mighty woman echoed throughout each page of the text. Great for a read aloud or a child fascinated with things that go in the air!
May 7, 2017
What a cool biography of someone I never knew about. Girl power.
May 16, 2018
Lovely writing complements the soft watercolor and ink paintings of this charming story of a courageous woman who took to the skies despite the dangers involved with this mode of transportation.
March 19, 2020
Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot is a children's picture book written by Matthew Clark Smith and illustrated by Matt Tavares. This book deals with the fascination with hot air balloons that has hit late-eighteenth-century Paris and young Sophie Blanchard dreams of joining those bold aeronauts.
March, at least in my part of the world is Women's History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Sophie Blanchard was a French aeronaut and the wife of ballooning pioneer Jean-Pierre Blanchard. Blanchard was the first woman to work as a professional balloonist and after her husband's death she continued ballooning, making more than sixty ascents.
Smith's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Writing with dry humor and keen attention to detail, Smith recounts the story of Sophie Blanchard, whose childhood dreams of flight came to fruition after she grew up and married showman Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a famous balloonist. The meager backmatter includes an illustrator’s note and a bibliography. Tavares smartly matches the story's emotional highs and lows to a palette of bright lemon yellows, reflecting Sophie’s midflight joy, and stormy grays and blues that underscore the danger of the ascents.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Sophie dreams of being an aeronaut and admires the daredevil Jean-Pierre Blanchard, who, with John Jeffries, was the first to cross the English Channel in a balloon. Sophie, however, is told that a woman's place is on the earth, because of their weaker constitution. However, she meets and marries Blanchard, and they fly together until his death, when she begins to fly alone, becoming the first woman pilot.
All in all, Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot is a beautifully told story of a young woman with lofty aspirations and the sky's the limit – for everyone.
March, at least in my part of the world is Women's History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Sophie Blanchard was a French aeronaut and the wife of ballooning pioneer Jean-Pierre Blanchard. Blanchard was the first woman to work as a professional balloonist and after her husband's death she continued ballooning, making more than sixty ascents.
Smith's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Writing with dry humor and keen attention to detail, Smith recounts the story of Sophie Blanchard, whose childhood dreams of flight came to fruition after she grew up and married showman Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a famous balloonist. The meager backmatter includes an illustrator’s note and a bibliography. Tavares smartly matches the story's emotional highs and lows to a palette of bright lemon yellows, reflecting Sophie’s midflight joy, and stormy grays and blues that underscore the danger of the ascents.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Sophie dreams of being an aeronaut and admires the daredevil Jean-Pierre Blanchard, who, with John Jeffries, was the first to cross the English Channel in a balloon. Sophie, however, is told that a woman's place is on the earth, because of their weaker constitution. However, she meets and marries Blanchard, and they fly together until his death, when she begins to fly alone, becoming the first woman pilot.
All in all, Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot is a beautifully told story of a young woman with lofty aspirations and the sky's the limit – for everyone.
June 14, 2018
First sentence: It was November 1783. For months France had buzzed about the brothers Montgolfier and their mad dreams of floating bags in the sky. Now the moment had arrived.
Premise/plot: Lighter Than Air is a picture book biography of Sophie Blanchard. She came of age at a time when hot air balloons were brand new, awe-inspiring, and a true wonder. She wasn't alone in marveling at this new wonder that allowed mankind to take to the air. Everyone was mad for it. But Sophie wasn't content to watch from the ground. NO! She wanted to fly herself. She married a balloonist and was soon joining him on flights. But even that wasn't quite enough. She soon began taking solo flights. Each flight an adventure with some amount of risk and thrill. Some were fascinated by her exploits; others not so much! But whether they were saying nice things or mean things--she was being talked about.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this biography. I'd never heard of Sophie Blanchard before. Though to be honest I'd never heard of ANY hot air balloonists before. I couldn't have told you the first thing about their invention or early pioneers. The book packs a good amount of information in the narrative and even more in their author's note. (Although the author's note adds sadness as well. Looking at it glass half full one could say she died doing what she loved best.)
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
Premise/plot: Lighter Than Air is a picture book biography of Sophie Blanchard. She came of age at a time when hot air balloons were brand new, awe-inspiring, and a true wonder. She wasn't alone in marveling at this new wonder that allowed mankind to take to the air. Everyone was mad for it. But Sophie wasn't content to watch from the ground. NO! She wanted to fly herself. She married a balloonist and was soon joining him on flights. But even that wasn't quite enough. She soon began taking solo flights. Each flight an adventure with some amount of risk and thrill. Some were fascinated by her exploits; others not so much! But whether they were saying nice things or mean things--she was being talked about.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this biography. I'd never heard of Sophie Blanchard before. Though to be honest I'd never heard of ANY hot air balloonists before. I couldn't have told you the first thing about their invention or early pioneers. The book packs a good amount of information in the narrative and even more in their author's note. (Although the author's note adds sadness as well. Looking at it glass half full one could say she died doing what she loved best.)
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
August 21, 2017
I knew nothing about Sophie Blanchard and her hot air ballooning back in the early times of that sport. I had only heard of the men. I love how many biographies are coming out for us to offer to our students proving that there are those who broke barriers in so many fields and there are aspirations any one of us can have to reach a level of expertise in our desired vocation. This story is fun as the traditions and norms of the times will be interesting and likely great discussion points for today's youth and even how the balloons themselves began with every aviator taking great personal risks to advance this mode of transportation. The story is well written and the illustrations engaging and certainly both will lead to great conversations. I often tell my older elementary students to not forget about picture books as there is much to be learned in stories for students of all ages and I am grateful to have found another one that I will share with my students. I see this book as a first purchase, especially if your Biography section needs some new titles. (The only thing lacking for my biography report projects is a timeline. It seems picture book format biographies often miss this text feature too often.)
June 7, 2017
Smith or Tavares did not win any awards for this beautifully written and illustrated story about the first women pilot in the 1800s.
Sophie Blanchard was only a teenager when man first took to the sky in "floating bags in the sky"- also known as hot air balloons. The illustrations compliment the text with aerial views to show the audience exactly what Sophie would have seen. Sophie's husband, Jean-Pierre was instrumental in her ability to ride in the balloons; Sophie and her husband would fly up together. After Jean-Pierre's death, Sophie's love for the sky subsided for a time. When it was reignited, she officially became the "world's first woman pilot." The remainder of the story follows her journey through good weather, bad weather, selling tickets to commoners, and setting off fireworks for Emperor Napolean's family.
This book is recommended for ages 6 to 9 years old. Some activities would include discussion questions, visualization activities, and close readings.
Sophie Blanchard was only a teenager when man first took to the sky in "floating bags in the sky"- also known as hot air balloons. The illustrations compliment the text with aerial views to show the audience exactly what Sophie would have seen. Sophie's husband, Jean-Pierre was instrumental in her ability to ride in the balloons; Sophie and her husband would fly up together. After Jean-Pierre's death, Sophie's love for the sky subsided for a time. When it was reignited, she officially became the "world's first woman pilot." The remainder of the story follows her journey through good weather, bad weather, selling tickets to commoners, and setting off fireworks for Emperor Napolean's family.
This book is recommended for ages 6 to 9 years old. Some activities would include discussion questions, visualization activities, and close readings.
April 21, 2019
Sophie Blanchard was the first woman pilot who dared to defy the odds and fly her own balloon. When she was a young girl, France was just beginning to discover the wonders that ballooning had to offer. Even as a child, Sophie knew that she was meant for the sky and that she would fly one day. That dream became possible when she married a man that shared her passion. She then succeeded in becoming one of the first women to control a balloon on her own.
This book was a great depiction of the events that took place in 18th century France. I thought it was interesting and enlightening as I am one of the many who had never heard of Sophie Blanchard.
Age Appropriateness: kindergarten-4th grade
This book was a great depiction of the events that took place in 18th century France. I thought it was interesting and enlightening as I am one of the many who had never heard of Sophie Blanchard.
Age Appropriateness: kindergarten-4th grade
March 24, 2017
Little is known about the early life of Sophie Blanchard. In this picture book biography we learn that shortly after attending a balloon show featuring the daredevil balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard, they were married. After flying only twice with her husband, she took to the air on her own and never looked back, even after his death, accomplishing over 60 solo flights. Blanchard is the first female pilot in history and the first woman to die in an air accident, although this book doesn't dwell on that part. By recounting Blanchard's triumphs in a historical context, Smith gives a great introduction to this pioneering woman. Tavares's gorgeous ink and watercolor illustrations complement the text, with lovely views from the air and design embellishments typical of the time. Back matter includes notes and a selected bibliography.
November 27, 2019
A picture book biography of Sophie Blanchard, the first woman to pilot a hot air balloon.
This is beautifully illustrated. The illustrator mentions in the back of the book how he took to observing the way light works with clouds when he started working on this book and it really shows in his illustrations. He also did amazing things with colors to match the moods of the various parts of Sophie's life. There's further information in the back of the book on Sophie, though there isn't all that much more history has to offer. Read this with the Castle in the Stars graphic novel series for a fun fiction/nonfiction pairing. A beautiful biography of a daring woman in late 1700s France.
This is beautifully illustrated. The illustrator mentions in the back of the book how he took to observing the way light works with clouds when he started working on this book and it really shows in his illustrations. He also did amazing things with colors to match the moods of the various parts of Sophie's life. There's further information in the back of the book on Sophie, though there isn't all that much more history has to offer. Read this with the Castle in the Stars graphic novel series for a fun fiction/nonfiction pairing. A beautiful biography of a daring woman in late 1700s France.
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February 28, 2020Sophie Blanchard was the first woman pilot who dared to defy the odds and fly her own balloon. When she was a young girl, France was just beginning to discover the wonders that ballooning had to offer. Even as a child, Sophie knew that she was meant for the sky and that she would fly one day. That dream became possible when she married a man that shared her passion. She then succeeded in becoming one of the first women to control a balloon on her own.
This book was a great depiction of the events that took place in 18th century France. I thought it was interesting and enlightening as I am one of the many who had never heard of Sophie Blanchard.
Age Appropriateness: kindergarten-4th grade
This book was a great depiction of the events that took place in 18th century France. I thought it was interesting and enlightening as I am one of the many who had never heard of Sophie Blanchard.
Age Appropriateness: kindergarten-4th grade
June 9, 2017
Beautiful ink and watercolor illustrations, with emphasis on the sky (bright and blue or dark and stormy depending on the mood of the subject), tell the story of Sophie Blanchard, who lived in 18th century France, married a balloonist and after his death went on to be a successful solo woman balloonist, giving exhibitions until dying in a balloon crash. She loved to fly and was willing to circumvent the conventions of her time. Includes tiny bibliography but has a couple of unsourced dialogue quotes as well as her thoughts; not a full biography.
April 21, 2018
This is the true story of Sophie Blanchard who wanted to fly from the time she was a little girl. When hot air ballooning began, it greatly interested her. One day she met an interesting man who was a balloonist, and they fell in love and married. He introduced her to ballooning, and the rest of her life was devoted to doing amazing and daring things - flying as she'd always wanted to do.
This story is very well told with much interesting information included in the back matter also. Beautiful illustrations.
This story is very well told with much interesting information included in the back matter also. Beautiful illustrations.
April 23, 2018
This book is a true story about a woman named Sophie Blanchard. She was actually the first female pilot in history! She had a dream of being able to fly and a lot of people did not believe in that dream. However, she proved many wrong and was the first woman to fly her own plane in to the clouds. I enjoyed reading this book and learning about someone who is typically forgotten. I had never heard of Blanchard before and it was really inspiring to hear her story. I believe a lot of young girls would really like this book and I would us it in my classroom.
September 25, 2023
This book chronicles Sophie Blanchard, the first woman to go solo in a hot air balloon. She was one of the first female aeronauts. Little is known of her life before marrying Jean Pierre Blanchard, a famous aerialist of the time. This is a great beginning look at woman who dared to do what many thought only men could do. Finding out that Sophie died so young, due to a fire and a fall from her balloon, is heartbreaking but also real. The illustrations are lovely and give an old-world field to match the old world setting of the book.
May 19, 2017
Pioneers of flight amaze me. I just can't imagine being one of the firsts to go up in a hot air balloon, glider, or plane (I still would never fly in a hot air balloon or anything other than a plane). Seeing the illustration of Sophie Blanchard in "little more than a hanging chair" gives me heart palpitations! I enjoyed learning more about Blanchard, and I always enjoy Matt Tavares's illustrations.
January 4, 2020
I had never heard of Sophie Blanchard before reading this informative picture book about her. This is a perfect addition to any elementary school library or classroom and an inspirational read, particularly during women’s history month. Sophie Blanchard truly did prove to the world that there is a limit to what woman could do, that limit is the sky.
February 20, 2025
The art in this book is beautiful. I read this book for a job I have reviewing books for a homeschool curriculum book list and enjoyed learning just a bit about Sophie Blanchard, but the art in the book and the way it reflected the feelings she may have been having at different times in her life is what I really loved.
June 18, 2017
Sophie Blanchard was a very daring women. She made a career out of flying hot air balloons. This telling of her story was not my favorite as it put many kids to sleep but it's an important story that should be told.
July 7, 2017
Brings another pioneering aviator to light for kids. Would be interesting to pair with A Voyage in the Clouds or Talking About Bessie. Matt Tavares' illustrations are stunning on several two-page spreads of Sophie and the sky.
January 22, 2018
Nonfiction story, very wordy. Sort of inspirational. Would recommend for older children. So very not for storytime, but worth a read.
This one was featured on Readbrightly's 17 Picture Books of 2017.
This one was featured on Readbrightly's 17 Picture Books of 2017.
November 5, 2021
Absolutely stunning and thought provoking feminist explorer tale of the first woman pilot , French balloonist Sophie Blanchard . Smith is a talented writer and Tavares’ illustrations are beautiful , especially the use of colour and shading.
March 21, 2017
I recently read A Voyage in the Clouds: The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785 about one of Blanchard and Jeffries's balloon adventures mentioned in this book, but I didn't know about Jean-Pierre's wife, Sophie Blanchard. I'm glad to know a little more about the story. This title has a more serious tone than Voyage in the Clouds, but inspirational too. They would make a great pair to read together.
May 17, 2017
A very long but informative story about Sophie Blanchard, the first woman air balloon pilot.
June 20, 2017
Excellent true story. I enjoyed learning about this remarkable woman.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews