Alis the Aviator

by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, Kalpna Patel (Illustrations)

Come along on an aviation journey with Alis! This spunky female guide will take you through an ABC of planes featuring gorgeous cut-paper art.

An A to Z of planes past and present, this book has stunning cut-paper art and a cute-as-a-button guide named Alis. Named for Dr. Alis B. Kennedy, likely one of the first Indigenous women to obtain a commercial pilot licence with land and sea ratings in Canada, Alis will take you on an aviation tour from the Avro Arrow to the Zeppelin and everything in between.

Meticulously researched and uniquely crafted, this is a one-of-a-kind book that will delight aviation fans big and little.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Canada, Transport

40 pages, Hardcover

Published July 2, 2019

About the author

I’m a history-obsessed author who lives by the sea in Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki (Canada). I spend my days writing, researching, and going on adventures with my family – and my evenings devouring books and movies. My readers range from 2 to 102 and I love connecting with them.

I am constantly challenging myself creatively and finding new outlets for my varied interests. Currently, I have a forthcoming nonfiction picture book, Freddie the Flyer (Tundra Books, October 2023), as well as two projects out on submission: a novel called The 500 Year Flood, and a time-slip paranormal chapter book for 7-9 year olds called Fever on the Forgotten Coast.

My main project at the moment is revising a creative nonfiction book based on my former Ghosts of Camsell blog about trauma, memory, and reconciliation.

Reviews

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An A to Z (what we French people call an abécédaire) book that present the alphabet through exploring planes and the aviation world. There is also a nice glossary at the end. Simple enough, but if you want to teach the alphabet to your kids and if he loves planes... well go for it!!

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will teach kids the names of aircraft from A to Z including some of the more obscure ones, such as S for Silver Dart, the first aircraft in Canada's skies. Charming and educational, with colourful graphics, what more could you want from a children's book?

[Goatllama · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book may be a plane fan’s new best friend; or at the very least, a useful dictionary of new planes (and a hot air balloon) for them to research and/or imitate. Paper cutout illustrations accompany 26 different models, topped off with a glossary that gives more detail about each aircraft.

That said, sometimes the illustrations seem to stray from focusing on the airplanes and the single-sentence stanzas are often bland, opaque, or both, making it unclear as to what the text is referencing. A narrator would need to have a good knowledge of planes beforehand to accurately explain the meaning behind the descriptions to inquisitive readers.

The art style, while wonderfully detailed (plane serial numbers are prominently displayed) and undeniably attractive, is somewhat questionable. It seems a bit more realism would have better suited the subject matter. The best marriage of the art style and subject matter is the Renegade model plane, shown in paper pieces and then put together on the next page, a testament to its “build at home” legacy.

While the intentions of the book are admirable, the execution leaves something to be desired—namely, a more natural combination of poetic writing coupled with information.

[Steff Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

| Reader Fox Blog |


I have to admit that my initial assumption as to what the bookAlis the Aviator by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail would entail and be about were one hundred percent wrong. I had initially believed, upon seeing that it would be an "ABC Aviation Adventure" that the book would actually feature a clever way for young kids to be introduced to the actual aviation alphabet instead of simply acting as most alphabet children's books do and just name things that relate to aviation with each letter. Of course, Alis the Aviator simply used words that related to flight rather than taking the opportunity to teach children how actual pilots speak. And while there is certainly nothing wrong with that, especially in a children's book, I have to admit that I was a little disappointed.

Of course, this is entirely influenced by the fact that I know someone who really wants to be a pilot and therefore have been with him as he works through learning the pilots alphabet. And I really do feel as though an incredible opportunity was completely missed here, likely because the author probably isn't that involved in aviation to the point that they would be aware of this alphabet or would want to introduce it to young kids who are interested in planes. It's not enough for me to say that the book is bad, as it was a really wonderful story about a female pilot that simultaneously went through the regular alphabet. But I do feel that a lot of potential for this book was lost on account of the exclusion of the pilot's alphabet.

The artwork was beautiful and pleasant to look at. I can definitely see a lot of children really engaged with this book. I don't think that I would buy it, personally, as I genuinely do feel that I would prefer a book like the one I was anticipating. And, who knows, perhaps I'll even write that one myself?

I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little alphabet book is so Canadian. It's also surprisingly good, and will probably appeal to kids who can't wait to get up into the clouds.

The rhyming text goes through a whole alphabet of aircraft, from the Avro Arrow to the Zeppelin. The illustrations are done with cut-paper collage, and I really like the look of the whole book. As a bonus, each of the twenty-six aircraft is profiled in the back.

I'm not sure about the title of this one, since we only get to read Alis's story at the end. This is really an alphabet book that adds a little bit of a biography of a pioneering woman aviator. But it's still quite strong, and I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.

[Jennifer Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alis the Aviator is an ABC book that features Canadian flying machines for each letter of the alphabet. I learned about many new-to-me types of planes from reading this book. Since it is an alphabet book, the text is short. However, some words will be beyond a reader looking to read independently. In fact, the first page of an Arrow plane had me confused because the character is flying paper airplanes, but in the rest of the book, she is flying in real planes.

There is a glossary at the back that provides more details about each plane. There is also back material about the real Dr. Alis Kennedy. Other than the back material and an obvious girl on each page, the reader wouldn't know who Alis is from the story itself. She has certainly led an adventurous life as a veteran and pilot with multiple doctorate degrees, volunteering in 11 different organizations, and receiving the Eagle Feather Award as an Indigenous woman. It's a shame her life story is not interwoven with the alphabet story.

The artwork is the real strength of the book. The cut and shaped paper gives enough detail to differentiate the planes, but also makes them look three-dimensional, fun, and bold.

Young readers and families with ties to aviation will appreciate this celebration of different types of planes.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cut-paper illustrations are absolutely stunning and eye-capturing! The text leaves a lot to be desired. The rest of this book is confusing - is it supposed to be a biography or an ABC book? From the title and description, I was expecting this book to be about Alis (did not realize at first Alis was a real person). Nothing is told about her until the end of the book, in a separate All About section. The alphabet format of the book would be ok if more information was included. I was so confused when I read the first page, for Arrow, as I had no clue what the arrow the author referred to was. I finally caught on that these were types of planes. It would’ve been better to include the info from the glossary with each letter, even if it meant the book didn’t rhyme. For someone who loves planes (and is familiar with Canadian aviation), this book would be great.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explore all sorts of aircraft from A to Z with Alis the Aviator. (And then in the back of the book learn more about the real Alis who inspired this book, and more about each type of aircraft featured.)

This is a picture book my brother would have LOVED as a child since he was obsessed with just about anything that flew through the skies. The book introduces all sorts of planes along with a few other things, like gliders and zeppelins, and does so in very well done rhyme. The artwork is an impressive 3D paper collage style that obviously took a while to do so well. The artwork also transports the reader all over Canada. The information about the real Alis who inspired the book, Dr. Alis Kennedy, was fascinating. She seems like quite an amazing woman! Hand this to curious readers and the ones obsessed with things that fly.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ABC book that is going in two different directions. It features Alis Kennedy, an indigenous Canadian woman who is a pilot with multiple college degrees. It doesn't really tell anything about her (other than showing her as girl who likes to fly) unless you read the author's notes. For a non-aviation person, this book was a bit confusing. Each letter tells about a different kind of plane using simple rhyming text, but there's so little information about each kind of plane (until you get to the notes at the end of the book) that I was left flummoxed. I guess if you really like airplanes (or have more background information than I do) it would be good.

[Crystal Sissons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book! It is Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail's first and hopefully not her last! The illustrations with paper folding by Kalpna Patel are wonderful! Having the detail about the planes described in the back of the book allows for children to read it multiple times and learn more as they age. The information on Dr. Alis Kennedy is excellent and is an important contribution to the history of Métis women's contribution to aviation history!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali's the Aviator is a delightful children's book that skillfully employs the alphabet to showcase various forms of aviation throughout history. It serves as an excellent educational tool for young children to learn about different aircraft. Surprisingly, even adults reading it to their children can discover new insights. Special gratitude to LibraryThing for providing the opportunity to explore this engaging book—I eagerly anticipate sharing it with my granddaughter.

[Mark Moxley-Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little alphabet book about airplanes. Specifically, Canadian airplanes. All the classics, plus a few I didn't know. My daughter had fun reading it and learning about the planes (and their names.) Sort-of realistic drawings of each plane, a little rhyme about each, and a short paragraph in back telling more about them. Also a short bio of the real Alis. Highly recommended.

[Dana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great kids book about aviation. I love anything about aviation. Would love to see the finished product the picture book I think would be amazing. Not a book younger than 7 could read themselves. Thanks for the chance to read

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ABC book is all about aviation. The cut paper art is part of the charm of this unique book, but for young readers who love airplanes they will learn the A to Z of different kinds of aircraft. A must have for future pilots.

[Dedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun ABC book about various types of airplanes. I liked that our narrator was a female aviator. The other characters in the book were diverse. The glossary at the back that gave more information about each plane was a nice addition. End papers are paper airplanes--- loved this!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

An A to Z alphabet featuring several types of flying machines. A grand aviation tour for anyone who loves the education and adventure. A more detailed explanation of each aircraft listed at the rear of the book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an alphabet book that names all different kinds of planes from A-Z. Inspired by Dr. Alis Kennedy, one of the first indigenous female commercial pilots in Canada, this is a fun book for young airpane lovers.

[Elizabeth Seibel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you #netgalley for giving me a copy of Alis the Aviator to review. A good book for kids who want to know more about different types of planes. The illustrations were cute.

[Frederique Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visually beautiful, well-written poem that also teaches the ABC’s to kids through the eyes of a girl aviator! It’s absolutely charming!

[Anna Nesterovich · Rating 2 out of 5]

X is for experimental? Really?

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful cut paper illustrations, and a wonderful ABC featuring Canadian aircraft and Indigenous pilot Alis B. Kenney.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good ABC book for kids who love planes and flight in general!

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb!

Alis the Aviator is a superb addition to the wide assortment of alphabet (ABC) children's books. Metcalfe-Chenail opens a unique window onto the vast landscape of engineered aircraft. With names like the "Fairey Swordfish" and the "Chipmunk" these planes are sure to add to the interest level for children. The cut paper artwork by Kalpna Patel is simply stunning. The collages are perfectly executed and beautifully composed with humor and life. The "About Dr. Alis Kennedy" section is a great addition to the text and the glossary was a must and is very helpful.

I would have appreciated a pronunciation guide for the name Alis. Is this simply Alice (rhymes with palace)? Or does it rhyme with please as in A-leez? Or perhaps there is another way to say it. I also think it would have been helpful to have the glossary information included on each letter page even though this would have blocked some of the beautiful artwork.

5 Airplanes (Stars) for this excellent picture book.

---------------------------------------

Thank you, LibraryThing.

Thanks to Tundra Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers, a Penguin Random House Company.

Thanks also to Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail (www.daniellemc.com) and Kalpna Patel.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The text was simple and rhyming. The picture were colorful. It was an ABC book, but I wasn't sure how some of the words they chose to represent the letters related to aviation. I did like the glossary in the back that had aviation terms. I think young kids will like it, but it's only a 3 from me.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, the title is a little misleading- this is primarily an alphabet book, rather than a biography, though it does include biographical information about Alis Kennedy, a groundbreaking indigenous female pilot from Canada. What an interesting woman! I'd love to have lunch with her and listen to her stories! Now, as for the book- I really enjoyed this one, the art was gorgeous, with detailed paper collages illustrating an aircraft for each letter of the alphabet, with the exceptions of P for parachutes (and parapups! I never knew there were parapups!). As the illustrations progress, we watch young Alis grow up, join the military, and become a pilot herself- I enjoyed that touch! After we've gone through the alphabet, we get a short bio of Alis Kennedy, the inspiration for this book, and a glossary detailing all the aircraft covered. A lovely book, I learned a lot!

[***Book Lady *** · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's book with Alis the aviator doing her ABC's with the names of different planes and rhyming descriptions. This is a non-fiction book with information on the pilot Alis at the back of the book. The artwork in the book was paper cutouts, cute and different. This book is perfect for a budding lover of planes and flying.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun alphabet book. It is about different types of planes. The paper pieced illustrations are masterfully done. The make each air transporter stand out from the others. The cadence of the alphabet works wonderfully. All in all this was a great lesson about planes (mainly from Canada) and one interesting pilot Alis.