The Noisy Airplane Ride

by Mike Downs, David Gordon

Rhyming text describes the many sounds associated with an airplane flight and what they mean. Includes a section with more facts about airplanes.

Genres: Picture Books, Transport, Childrens, Aeroplanes, Nonfiction, Travel

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my 22-month-old for two or three weeks before her first plane ride. She was so familiar with the idea of the noisy airplane ride (as well as the airport - we read another book about that) that I think it added to her thoroughly enjoyed the trip. She was completely prepared for the journey, right down to the aspect of getting off the final plane and driving to great-Grandma's house late at night (something I kind of added by adapting the last pages of the book). As we traveled, I quoted things like "stomp stomp tromp, down the jetway with a grin," which she loved. Bringing it on a plane would be good too, but we left ours at home, as it was a library book.

I would really recommend this for anyone looking to prepare a child for an airplane ride. I could see it being useful for school-age children, particularly autistic children or children who may have sensitivities to noise or change.

[Caroline (Cary) · Rating 3 out of 5]

During an airplane ride, you will hear many unusual noises. Mike Downs, a pilot, explains exactly what those noises mean, and David Gordon provides realistic, clear illustrations. The digitally created illustrations appear similar to acrylic paintings, while maintaining a realistic vision of an airplane flight. With a two-page spread at the of the book providing more information about airplanes and flying, this is a good resource for first-time flyers. (And making the sounds is a lot of fun!) Ages 4-8.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would take this book in a carry-on bag and let a child refer to it all during the flight. Using the noises airplanes make from stomping down the jetway, the ker-oosh of the airplaine toilet flush, the ding of the seatbelt sign, and wrapping it up - the greeting from grandma at the end of the trip. An illustrated two page glossary (nicely done) in the back.

I heart useful books.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice introduction to flying. Parents sometimes ask for a book that will help their child get ready to fly, and this is a good introduction to the sites and sounds. It even has a nice explanation in the back about ears popping and tummies getting upset.

[Miss Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

For elementary age

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book about the noises that you may hear when travelling by aeroplane. Mr 3 is quite sensitive to noises and we are going on a flight soon, so this was perfect.

[The Fantastic Fletchers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for prepping children for an airplane ride.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rhyming picture book isn't really a story but it will definitely appeal to kids who love airplanes, or for children who are going to travel on an airplane. Toddlers can enjoy it since it is a quick read.

There's great use of onomatopoeia for all the sounds that you can hear in an airplane, so this book can also be used with older elementary children when teaching them about onomatopoeia.

[Lisa Engebretson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a pilot, The Noisy Airplane Ride is a good read for children to familiarize themselves with what happens on an airplane ride. Stomp stomp down the jet to click buckling in, chug chug backing away from the gate and whirrrr wing flaps down, taxing out to thumpity thump wheels up, the ding of the seat belt sign, the flush of the toilet, the click of the light, the kerchunk-clunk of the wheels down, the ding of the arrival. With rhyming thoughts the pilot covers all the airplane noises from start to finish explained in easy to understand illustrations and examples for children. The author uses word choice that allows for the images to linger in the child's mind as they envision the noises associated with riding on an airplane from gate to gate. The illustrations go hand in hand with the author's word choice providing the child with a look inside an airplane and a plane trip. This book is a great example of sequencing for students to explain a plane trip from start to finish with the associated noises a child may hear. The book would be a great way to help alleviate the child's fears of the unknown for their first plane ride and be information for all children to visualize a plane ride.

[Joanna Keating-Velasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book for a friend who will be traveling by plane with 3 kids (1 of whom has autism). I found the book cleverly illustrated and very good for lower elementary level and below. I really liked the detailed diagram of the airplane and such at the end of the book. I found this book while researching writing an article on air travel with kids with special needs. Many children, especially those with autism, need to be "front loaded" or prepped about new experiences and I think this is a good book to start this literal and figurative journey. The only thing I felt was lacking was explaining the pre-flight experiences or situations (like security checks, waiting and lines for check in, etc). However, the book is titled about the ride itself; so that was my loss not the author's. Had this book included the pre-flight experiences or diagrammed flight check in, baggage check in and security check points, etc, I would be able to whole-heartedly recommend it for "front loading" for travelling with autism. As it stands, I would still recommend it, but I would suggest that the parents print out an additional visual page explaining pre-flight situations.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining story that helps to teach children about what to expect when going on a commercial flight. Filled with onomatopoeia and big, colorful illustrations, younger children are sure to enjoy listening to parents read this book aloud. It reminded me a lot of Airport by Byron Barton.

The book could have a better title, but otherwise I liked it, especially the expanded section for parents at the end of the book. The short narrative makes it perfect to introduce the concept of flying to young travelers.

I read this book while shopping for a present for our girls during a visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

[Elizabeth Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to familiarize children with airplane travel or help children who have flown conquer their fears or concerns. The onomatopoeia is wonderful for kids to associate real events with the noises they hear. Plus, there's a built in learning extension at the back where the kids can learn about "ear pressure", "vortices", "flaps" and "thrusts". The list goes on. Living within the aviation culture, this book is a must have, in my opinion.

L.E. My prop box!!! This is a wonderful book to read before introducing an aviation prop box to familiarize children with the different people on airplanes, their roles and different, yet similar items that are found on an airplane.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! All the whirrs, chugs, and roars of an airplane are explained. This book - written by an airline pilot and a father of three - captured our hearts with its cute rhyming, onomatopoeia, and colorful illustrations. “Stomp, stomp, tromp/ down the Jetway with a grin/ take your seat and buckle in/ Wusshh… A vent above sends cool air/ It makes you blink and blows your hair…” If you are going on a plane and taking only one book with you, make it this one. You will not be stumped for an answer when you here, “What’s that noise?”

More books about airplanes on Kid Minds website http://www.kidminds.org/2015/08/airpl...

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect book to share before a plane ride. In short rhyming verse, this book explains every sound you hear from the clomp through the ramp, to the flaps of the wings. Knowing what you're about to hear, could calm the fears of little ones (and not-so-little ones) when they are actually at the airport. The back of the book has a longer, more elaborate list of details about parts of the plane, sounds on the plane, and even feelings you may experience when flying.

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whirrrs, roars, thuds, clunks and dings are exposed as the expected soundtrack of a safe and exciting flight in this warm and reassuring, rhyming adventure.

You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.

[Tiffany Klier · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice "how to" for kids going flying for the first time. Ben liked it because there were parts he's familiar with, like the air nozzle over the seats and the light button. In the end they go over all the plane parts. It was a well put together book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book to take on the plane to explain all the strange noises and keep their attention.

[Quint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned to say take-off

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great nonfiction book that reads like fiction about flying in an airplane.

Good for preschool or toddler storytimes.