Quick Take

Follow a family and the youngest member's favorite sock monkey through all the inner and outer workings of an airport.In a book that is as intriguing as it is useful and entertaining, we follow a family on its way through the complexities of a modern-day airport. From checking bags and watching them disappear on the mysterious conveyor belt, to security clearance and a seemingly endless wait at the gate to finally being airborne.But wait! There's more! The youngest family member's sock monkey has gone missing. Follow it at the bottom of the page as it makes a journey as memorable as that of the humans above.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Airport Book

Introduction

"The Airport Book" by Lisa Brown is a captivating and informative picture book that takes readers on a journey through the inner and outer workings of an airport. With its intriguing narrative and detailed illustrations, this book offers a unique perspective on the complexities of modern-day air travel. Brown's engaging storytelling and vivid visuals make "The Airport Book" a must-read for both children and adults. In this article, we will explore the author's background, analyze readers' views on the book, and summarize the reasons for both recommending and not recommending it.

About Lisa Brown

Lisa Brown, the author of "The Airport Book," is a bestselling illustrator and/or author known for her imaginative and engaging storytelling. With a growing number of books under her belt, including "How to Be," "The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming," and "Baby Mix Me a Drink," Brown has established herself as a talented storyteller. Her illustrations for the Three Panel Book Review cartoon in the San Francisco Chronicle further showcase her artistic abilities. Brown lives in San Francisco with her son and her husband, who is rumored to be Lemony Snicket.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Narrative: Readers appreciate the book's engaging narrative, which effectively captures the frenetic energy of going to the airport. Brown's use of second-person narration addresses the young reader, instructing them on what they will experience during their airport journey. This approach adds to the book's overall appeal.
Diverse Illustrations: Brown's illustrations are praised for their diversity, accurately portraying people of different skin colors, abilities, and types of dress. This representation resonates with readers, making the story relatable and inclusive.
Informative and Entertaining: "The Airport Book" is both informative and entertaining, providing readers with a detailed look at what goes on at an airport and during a flight. Brown's succinct text paired with her busy and detailed illustrations make the book enjoyable for both children and adults.
Engaging Side Stories: The book's illustrations contain fun side stories and "Easter eggs" that reward attentive readers and encourage multiple readings. These additional narratives add depth to the story and make it more interesting on subsequent readings.
Appeal to Children: Parents and educators appreciate the book's appeal to children, as it provides an entertaining and educational experience. The detailed illustrations and engaging storyline make it a great choice for reading aloud to young children or for independent reading.

Reasons for Recommendation

Clear and Plain Language: Brown's use of clear and plain language in the text helps comfort children who might feel overwhelmed by airports. The foundational layer of text provides a solid foundation for understanding the story while allowing the other layers of text to shine.
Detailed Illustrations: Brown's detailed illustrations add depth to the story, making it visually engaging for readers. The illustrations support the main narrative while also telling smaller stories, creating an immersive reading experience.
Inclusive Representation: The diverse representation in the illustrations resonates with readers, making the story relatable and inclusive. Brown's portrayal of people from different backgrounds adds to the book's appeal and makes it accessible to a wide audience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Print Quality: Some readers have expressed concerns about the print quality of the book, specifically regarding the thin pages that may tear easily or feel delicate when held by young readers. While this issue may not affect all readers, it is worth considering when choosing to purchase or recommend this book.
Limited Thematic Focus: While "The Airport Book" does cover aspects of air travel beyond just airports, some readers feel that it primarily focuses on the airport experience. If readers are specifically seeking a book that delves deeper into other aspects of air travel, such as flying itself, this book may not fully meet their expectations.

Conclusion

"The Airport Book" by Lisa Brown offers a unique and captivating exploration of airports and air travel through its engaging narrative and detailed illustrations. With its ability to entertain and educate both children and adults, this book stands out as a valuable addition to any library or reading list. While some readers may have concerns about the print quality or limited thematic focus, overall, "The Airport Book" is highly recommended for its informative and entertaining storytelling. Whether you are preparing for your first flight or simply looking for a fun read about airports, this book is sure to provide an enjoyable experience for all ages.