Violet the Pilot [Hardcover]

Steve Breen (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 13, 2008 | Age Range: 4 and up | Lexile Measure: 740L (What's this?)

By the time she?s two years old, Violet Van Winkle can fi x nearly any appliance in the house. And by eight she?s building elaborate fl ying machines from scratch?mind-boggling contraptions such as the Tubbubbler, the Bicycopter, and the Wing-a-ma-jig. The kids at school tease her, but they have no idea what she?s capable of. Maybe she could earn their respect by winning the blue ribbon in the upcoming Air Show. Or maybe something even better will happen?something involving her bestever invention, a Boy Scout troop in peril, and even the mayor himself!

A classic underdog story full of humor and sweetness and retro pizzazz, Violet the Pilot is both endearing and adorable. It?ll fl y right into your heart.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Breen’s newest picture book accompanies a young girl and her trusty canine companion, Orville, on a trial-and-error journey into the world of flight. Violet, whose creativity and love of all things mechanical alienate her from the kids at school, is passionate about flying. Hoping to wow the town and win friends with her talents, she builds a plane and enters an air show, only to be waylaid en route to the competition. In the end, however, she achieves her goal—though it’s not her acrobatics and engineering skills that win her recognition but her quick thinking and valor. Breen makes good use of both comedy and perspective in action-packed pictures that show Violet and Orville looping it up in a variety of wacky flying ships. This will make a great read-aloud; take it on a trip, and youngsters will happily follow along. Grades 1-3. --Rebecca Jensen

Review

An engaging story of a spunky girl who follows her dreams....Violet is a terrific role model. -- School Library Journal

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Product Details

• Age Range: 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (March 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803731256
• ISBN-13: 978-0803731257
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 0.4 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children August 14, 2008

By Yana V. Rodgers

Format:Hardcover

Violet, a mechanical genius, could repair almost any appliance by the time she was two. At age eight she started to build elaborate flying contraptions from spare parts and machinery that she salvaged from the family business, a junkyard next door. Accompanied by her faithful and fearless dog (aptly named Orville), Violet flies the local skies in her innovative flying machines. She reads Popular Science Monthly for new ideas and dreams about winning a prize at the upcoming air show. Perhaps a blue ribbon would end the relentless teasing from the children at school and garner her some newfound respect. En route to the air show, Violet uses her latest flying invention to become a hero in an entirely unexpected way.

This book is superb. With its gifted female protagonist and clever storyline, Violet the Pilot packs a powerful punch with lessons about innovation, human resources, and women in science. Steve Breen's delightful illustrations are marked by a sense of humor, expressive facial features, and skillful attention to detail (witness the posters of Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart in Violet's bedroom). The blend of entertainment, emotional fluctuations, and substantive content make this book an utterly satisfying read for children and adults alike.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Book for young kids May 28, 2009

By S.J. B.

Format:Hardcover

Both my boys(5 and 2) loved this book. This book had everything. It also initiated some great conversations especially regarding empathy. It's is just short enough to be read over and over again in one night!!

I liked how Violet did her own thing. We took time to discuss the parts were the other kids were rude to her how they would deal if they were put in that situation from both sides. We were able to talk about how to perserver when things go wrong (keep inventing).

There is also a huge disappointment for Violet and we were able to discuss what the right thing was to do.

This book opened many venues of discussion, from bullying, to perserverance, be your own person, helping others, be creative, how to handle disappointment, etc.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great find! May 16, 2008

By Ferocity

Format:Hardcover

I have a three year old, and it's a little advanced for her, but it still makes the point that girls can make a difference. Besides beautiful illustrations and narration with just the right balance of levity and scientific talk, Violet is a great hero. She's upbeat and determined and has supportive parents to boot.
For a kid like mine who is just beginning to notice the difference in genders, I'm happy to have found this!