First Flight

by David McPhail

A boy obeys the rules of safe and appropriate behavior on his first flight, while his toy bear hilariously reveals his nervousness

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Aviation, Transport

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

David was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. While there, he began illustrating. He is now an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 200 books beloved by children, parents and librarians across the United States. McPhail has garnered many prestigious awards, including a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year for Mole Music in 2001. McPhail’s other books include First Flight, which the New York Times praised as “hilarious and helpful”; and Lost!, which was chosen as an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

McPhail has four children, three stepchildren, and is a proud grandfather. He is married to Jan Waldron, with whom he has written and illustrated several books. He lives in Rye, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Katie]

Utterly gorgeous picture book, about a little boy going on his 1st flight on his own. He copes well but his teddy bear that is pictured as a big bear, doesn't at all.

The bear does all the things that the little boy doesn't - wails at the movies, spills his food everywhere.

It is gorgeous - the bear especially.

Would be really useful to help a child go for a flight. Still accurate enough for today even though it was published in 1986.

[Jess]

One of my favourite books from childhood. Reading it as an adult I understand how helpful and touching a story it is.

[Danni]

this book was fun because my dad is a pilot.

[Marilyn]

Too preachy for me! Alissa liked the wings the pilot gave the boy.

[KhiN’Millie Friesen]

It is ok to be a little bit nervous when you go on planes. I like that book because it shows you the plane. That was good the bear was there too - Khi 3