6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
high-tech, brainy, and fun, October 3, 2006
This library book was beaten up: pencil marks, folds, dog-eared pages, and food stains. I can see how it might be so popular. This book features clear instructions on making so many paper airplanes--I can't even imagine how many classmates fell victim to the pointy ends of these low-tech flying machines, but judging by the many types found in this book, the number must be formidable.
The author uses some highly technical language on how planes work, on aerodynamic principles, on drag, launching techniques, names of axes on these contraptions, etc. For the truly interested reader, there's a huge amount to learn...and for the hands-on or mischievous one, some blueprints to myriad of really neat planes. There's a lot in this book, and while it is quite advanced, even younger readers will have fun looking at the colorful folded paper and the possibility of making and launching an aircraft far more interesting than the old-school original we have seen so many times.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not so "Super Simple" - a 5 star book but the title is misleading., February 10, 2011
This review is from: Super Simple Paper Airplanes: Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Planes That Really Fly From a Tri-Plane to a Jet Fighter (Paperback)
I'm giving this book such a poor rating, not because the airplanes are bad, or that it's a bad book, but the title is very misleading. With an appropriate title, it would earn 5-stars.
The cover entices you with two very cool designs and shows off what can be made, but you'll need some very good folding skills, be able to follow 2-3 pages of directions, and understand origami drawings & terminology to make them.
This is more of an "origami paper airplanes" book than a super simple airplanes book. While the instructions are clear and the designs varied and unique, the vast majority of them are not "simple". This is not a good book for children who have never had an introduction to origami. It does give a couple of basic designs, but I'd say that younger children would do better with a different book.
There's an entire introduction dedicated to explaining the various symbols used to denote various types of folds, explain origami principles and terminology (like "mountain" vs. "valley" folds). While this is great for one that wants to learn these techniques, it just doesn't fit with the title. Similar to origami, many of the designs require a square piece of paper. This also adds to frustration with the expectation of easy to build and fly airplanes.
If this book was more appropriately titled, it would be 5 stars. Buying it expecting a good book for airplane beginners earns it two stars.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even I can make these, August 25, 2010
This review is from: Super Simple Paper Airplanes: Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Planes That Really Fly From a Tri-Plane to a Jet Fighter (Paperback)
I got this book from the library and now am buying it because it is such a hit with my 3 and 6 year old boys. I am able to make all the designs easily and my six year old is able to make most of them by following the pictures. I highly recommend it.
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