Violet the Pilot

February 1, 2008
K-Gr 3-An engaging story of a spunky girl who follows her dreams. A precocious child, Violet could fix household appliances at age two. At four, she could take apart and reassemble a grandfather clock. Her mechanical skills were amazing; her social skills were not. At age eight, Violet creates elaborate flying machines using parts from her family's junkyard, but still has no friends. Other kids find her strange and make fun of her, and her only companion is her dog, Orville. When she sees a poster for an upcoming air show, she hopes to win acceptance by participating with one of her homemade contraptions. She builds a magnificent aircraft, but on her way to the show, she passes over a river and spots several Boy Scouts who are floundering in the rapids. She stops to rescue them and misses the event. Violet thinks she has lost her chance for approval, until the townspeople declare her their hero. Done in watercolors, acrylics, and Photoshop, the lively cartoon artwork evokes a nostalgic setting. Violet's various inventions are clever and amusing. Children will be inspired by her ability to find happiness with herself, despite the rejection of her peers. Violet is a terrific role model and her story would enhance most collections."Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2008
Breens newestpicture bookaccompanies a young girl and her trusty canine companion, Orville, on a trial-and-error journey into the world of flight. Violet, whosecreativity 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 goalthough it's not her acrobaticsand engineering skills that win her recognition buther quick thinking and valor.Breen makes good use of both comedy and perspective inaction-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, andyoungsters will happily follow along.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)