I Want to Be a Pilot: A My Community I Can Read

by Laura Driscoll, Catalina Echeverri (Illustrator)

For the child who says, "I want to be a pilot when I grow up!" And for any child who wants a gentle behind-the-scenes look at being a pilot. Pilots fly airplanes! Did you know that there are many different kinds of pilots? When Aunt Ro and I visit the Air Fair, I meet pilots who fly seaplanes, hot air balloons, cargo planes—and more! I Want to Be a Pilot is part of an I Can Read series that introduces young readers to important community helpers. This Level One I Can Read is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own. For anyone looking for books about community helpers for kids, the I Can Read My Community books are a great choice. The books are bright and upbeat and feature characters who are diverse in terms of gender, race, age, and body type. Kids ages 3-6 will enjoy finding out more about the people who do so much to help all of our communities.

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Pilots

32 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2019

About the author

Laura Driscoll is the author of numerous first chapter and beginning reader books, including We Are Twins and The Bravest Cat! She lives in central Connecticut with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This easy reader book is delightful. I really enjoyed the colorful illustrations, and I love the way that this book portrays both male and female pilots of diverse races without drawing any attention to their genders or racial identities. The focus is on the career interest and the girl's bond with her aunt, not on any preachy message, and that makes this book a total winner.

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I Want to Be a Pilot' by Laura Driscoll, pictures by Catalina Echeverri, takes readers on a journey through an airport and airplane as they learn about many different kinds of pilots. The main character goes with her Aunt Ro to the Air Fair where she gets to meet pilots who fly everything from seaplanes to hot air balloons. There is so much knowledge that a pilot has to have, including everything from weather patterns to weight restrictions to knowing how to stay calm in uneasy situations. The main girl even gets her own pair of wings as she learns about the various types of people who hold this job.

With short sentences, many familiar words, and engaging illustrations, 'I Want to Be a Pilot' is a great pick for new readers who want a story with worthwhile themes and interesting information.

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science diluted to the point where it's more like a pretty story. Nonetheless, that's appropriate for the intended readers here. Since these are emerging readers in the process of learning how to sound out words and sentences.

This first-person narrative tells the story of a child who is being introduced to being a pilot. Supposedly this fictionalized, sanitized, and simplified story gives readers a "behind-the-scenes" perspective on working as an airplane pilot.

I'd call it a "scratch the surface" look. But hey, I'm in favor of doing whatever it takes to help open up the world to curious, brilliant young humans!

THIS STORY IS SIMPLE

Aunt Ro and the narrator visit an Air Fair. They meet pilots who fly all sorts of air-worthy vehicles, including:

* Seaplanes
* Hot air balloons
* Cargo planes

FIVE STARS for this book, because every learner of every subject . . . has to start somewhere.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl is visiting the Air Fair with her Air Force pilot aunt. The girl wants to be a pilot when she grows up, and the fair lets her meet all sorts of pilots and learn about different aircraft from cargo planes to hospital helicopters to island plane taxis.

I like the variety of plane pilots showcased in this book. It shows kids that pilots are needed for a wide variety of jobs and types of aircraft. This is a great addition to our occupation books and transportation books. The premise has a little of a fictional setup, but it's mostly factual information so I'm shelving this in nonfiction in our library.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl is on a plane with her Aunt Ro, who is herself an Air Force pilot. As they head to the Air Fair, the girl meets seven different kinds of pilots: airline, cargo, seaplane, military, air ambulance, hot air balloon, and flight instructor.

I'm glad to have this to add to our elementary library.

[asiya | アセヤ (free palestine) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean it's 'meh' enough. I didn't like how the military plane got glossed over so well, it made it seem like a completely perfect and normal job with ZERO outcome consequences.

Classic American interpretation. 😅👍🏼

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction for young readers. Aunt Ro takes her niece to see all types of flying machines. Anyone can be a pilot.

[Heidi Kuipers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for any kid interested in flying, careers with flying, or things that fly

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable early-reader experience with my beginning reader. I read some of the words and he read others. He learned to read many new words throughout as well.

[Mahira Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girl wanted to be a pilot and she met many pilots. It was an exciting adventure for her. And it was very nice that she wanted to be a pilot. Her aunt Ro was a pilot too.

[Caleb Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quality read. Very inspiring!

[Darius Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the helicopter.

She learns to be a pilot, and she liked the last plane she rode in.

All of the planes were awesome!