Airplane Adventure

My First Graphic Novel

by Cari Meister, Marilyn Janovitz (Illustrator)

Juan and Anna are flying to Mexico to visit their grandma. From the airport to the clouds, Juan and Anna are ready to take off on a fun flight.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Travel

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Cari Meister lives on a small farm in Minnesota with her husband, four sons, three horses, one dog and one cat. Cari enjoys running, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and yoga. She loves to visit libraries and schools!

Reviews

[Alexa Rodriguez]

While graphic novels are on the rise among many, Airplane Adventure is a great example of one. The story is about a young boy named Juan and his sister Anna who are on a mission to visit a special someone. When first reading the book I was highly impressed with actual setup of the book. It is very engaging for a reader.

A few literary elements caught my eye while reading this book. The book uses onamonapia. For example, if there was a car in the story, the word “vroom” would be found near the illustration. In addition, the book used repetition during different parts of the plot. This help readers become more comfortable with different vocabulary. As for the visual elements, the book used panels to show the story line. Reading from left to right you can see the way the plot moves. This helps connect what is being read with what is actually going on. Another visual element is that the regular words are in black print while the words which are actual sounds (vroom) are in boxed letters and are in color. This helps the readers distinguish between the different types of words.

The boxes really show the meaning of the graphic novel because you are actually seeing the plot move from panel to panel.

However, on a more constructive note, I would recommend maybe having flaps rather than just boxes. Flaps would be more engaging and would make it even more of a graphic novel. Overall it was a great read!

[Sierra]

“Airplane Adventure”, by Cari Meister tells the story of two siblings, Anna and Juan in graphic novel form. They are getting ready to take a trip to Mexico to visit their grandmother. The book illustrates as they pack for their vacation, go through security at the airport, and fly on the airplane. It is a fun and cute book, helpful for kids who may be unsure about flying an airplane for the first time. In the end of the book there are also discussion questions and a writing prompt to build on the story.

In the classroom, I might use one of the suggestions that the book provides. One of the writing prompts asks students to focus on sound and actions words from the books, and then create their own sentences from those words. The standard that this activity hits on is CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.1.B: Use frequently occurring nouns and verbs.

[Nicole]

awards: none

grade level: kindergarten-first grade

summary: This book tells the story of Juan and Anna as they travel on an airplane to visit their grandmother in Mexico. It depicts, through a comic-book style, the experiences they face on their flight.

review: I enjoy the way this book is written, using the comic-book style. I think it would be a great book to read to children to teach them about airplanes and the experience of flying. Some children may be apprehensive about this, and I think this would ease their nerves about the experience.

classroom uses: I would like children to draw their own experiences if they’ve ever been on a plane, and if they have not, how they think their trip would go and where they’d like to visit. Children would share their work with classmates in small groups.

[Cayla]

K-2

Juan and Anna take a trip to visit their grandma in Mexico. They learn about what to do at the airport, how to prepare for their trip and they experience flying in an airplane.

The graphic novel is simple and students can make up the story based on illustrations as they go. I like the graphic novel because the illustrations were not overwhelming and there are many other graphic novels in this series that students can read about other modes of transportation.

In my older grades I would do a writing activity where they can write about a time where they flew on a plane and/or where they take a plan to if they had the chance. Younger grades I can use my globe and point to a place, explain characteristics about that place and make a list as a class of what we would pack to go to that place.

[Taylor Ball]

Appropriate Grade Levels: Kindergarten-Second Grade
Summary: Juan and Anna are traveling to Mexico to see their grandmother. To get there, they must go through an airport. The two siblings learn all about airport security and planes.
Review: This graphic novel would be an excellent read for young children who are going on an airplane for the first time. Between the simple illustrations and the character's experiences, a young reader will learn a lot about what to expect at an airport and on the airplane.
In Class Uses: The beginning of this graphic novel provides directions on how to read and follow the graphics. This would serve as a great graphic novel to introduce this different genre to students.

[Karen Kessler]

Awards: None
Grade Levels: Kindergarten-Second Grade
Summary: Juan and Anna are going to travel by airplane to visit their grandmother in Mexico. The siblings provides information to the readers about the process of the flight.
Review: This is a great introduction of graphic novels for young children. The children can most likely relate to the text.
Activities: Point out the step-by-step directions and information that is present in the text. Have the chidren sort the directions in chronological order.

[Jake Passaretti]

1) No awards
2) K-2
3) This graphic novel is about two siblings, Juan and Anna, traveling on an airplane to visit their grandmother. They are very excited to go through an airport and on a plane together. They tell the reader about their experience.
4) I enjoyed this novel because of the illustrations. The pictures go well with the story and will be very engaging for the intended audience.
5) This book can be implemented into the classroom when introducing this type of novel. The graphics are supposed to follow the plot, as they do very well in this story.

[Sarah Harper]

This book is a good beginner book as it includes large numbers to steer children in the directing of which they should follow the box clips and story line. It teaches children to follow text structure along with a simple storyline and great visuals to hold a young readers attention. The theme is enjoyable, the text is simple, and the visuals are vibrant.

[Jessica Harnish]

Juan and Anna are flying to see their grandmother. They are very excited to fly on the airplane. This is a fun adventure for the siblings.

I enjoyed this book because I think it is relatable to some children. However, if children have never flown a plane before, Juan and Anna give them a great sense of what that might be like. It is an easy read and can be read with children of all ages. I also loved how it gave you instructions on how to read a graphic novel if you have never read one before.

I would probably use this book during my transportation unit paired with books such as Everything Goes: In the Air by Brian Biggs or Freight Train by Donald Crews.

Quote: "The airport is busy." (I liked the illustrations that went along with this text box: babies crying, people talking, machines beeping, etc.)

[Jennifer]

Airplane Adventure by Cari Meister is a story about two young siblings, Juan and Anna, who are traveling to Mexico to see their grandmother! Cari Meister and Marilyn Janovitz tell the story of their adventure through simple text and colorful illustrations in this beginner graphic novel.

Text-to-Self: Marilyn Janovitz's illustrations of the siblings' adventures were reminders of myself while growing up. My family traveled often by car or by plane, but we eventually learned how to travel. The way Cari Meister and Marilyn Janovitz present the information about airplanes and traveling would have made it so much easier for me to learn if I had this book when I was younger!

Text-to-Text: This book reminded me of a series I read when I was younger from American Girl called, "A Smart Girl's Guide to...", on various subjects like boys or middle school. Both of these books offer step-by-step guides with illustrations to surviving a "situation" like passing time on the plane or learning how to open a school locker. They both introduce students to different procedures and how to solve their problems in real life.

Text-to-World: This book is an engaging story with short text and simple illustrations. It might be a great resource for struggling readers or ESL students. In the beginning of the book, it includes a tutorial on how to read a graphic novel and how to read onomatopoeic words for sound effects which would allow readers to engage more in their reading. As a graphic novel, not only did it introduce the process of how to read it, but it included information about airplanes, airports, and traveling for kids to prepare themselves on a future trip.

[Courtney Brandriff]

Airplane Adventure by Cari Meister is a story about two young siblings, Juan and Anna, who are traveling to Mexico to see their grandmother! Cari Meister and Marilyn Janovitz tell the story of their adventure through simple text and colorful illustrations in this beginner graphic novel.

Text-to-Self: The illustrations of the siblings' adventures were reminders of myself while growing up, because my family traveled often by car or by plane, but we eventually learned how to travel by ourselves. I feel that the way the information about airplanes and traveling was presented would have made it so much easier for me to learn if I had this book when I was younger.

Text-to-Text: This book reminded me of a series from American Girl called, "A Smart Girl's Guide to...", on various subjects like boys or middle school. I feel that both of these books offer step-by-step guides with illustrations to surviving a "situation" like passing time on the plane or learning how to open a school locker. They both introduce students to different procedures and how to solve their problems in real life.

Text-to-World: This book is an engaging story with short text and simple illustrations. It might be a great resource for struggling readers or ESL students. In the beginning of the book, it includes a tutorial on how to read a graphic novel and how to read onomatopoeic words for sound effects which would allow readers to engage more in their reading. As a graphic novel, not only did it introduce the process of how to read it, but it included information about airplanes, airports, and traveling for kids to prepare themselves on a future trip.

[Maria]

1. Kindergarten to second grade.
2. Anna and Juan are on a journey to visit their beloved grandmother in Mexico. The lively illustrations and text take the reader through the process of going to the airport from getting one's ticket, going through security and finally, boarding the plane. The reader is introduced to airplane travel through the siblings adventure.
3. This is a great beginner graphic novel book for young readers. The text is not complex, allowing for students to understand and follow the plot at a pace that works for them. While maintaining the aspects of a beginning novel, it still have pictures to help keep children on tract with the story. I feel the story is very relate-able for many young readers which is another reason why I believe this book is great.
4. This book can be used to introduce students to more detailed in depth reading. This book may also be used to have children come up with a story in which they list step by step details and explain what they were doing.

[Britta Krueger]

This graphic novel is about two young siblings, Juan and Anna who was to travel to Mexico to see their grandmother. It's too far to drive or walk to they go on an airplane adventure. This novel takes them step by step through the airport, getting their tickets, going through security and boarding their plane. This book would be considered an introduction to graphic novels and would be geared toward a younger audience. Through its organization, it walks readers through how to read a graphic novel. There is an apparent beginning, middle and end that leaves some suspense for readers. The word choices are clear for the reader and able to follow. The author uses everyday words and phrases to make the writing sound real and clear. This is a book level of a 1.9 so I would recommend it to K-2.

[Nicole Voerg]

1. no awards
2. k-2nd grade
3. Juan and his sister Anna are traveling to Mexico to visit their grandmother. There traveling adventures are told through simple cute illustrations as a comic strip. It shows them going to the airport, getting their ticket, going through security, and getting on the plane.
4. I think this book is a good introduction book. The younger ones would like it and with the everyday phrases used makes it easy for the children to learn to read themselves. The illustrations are cute and I love the colors throughout the book.
5. This book can be used to introduce how to go through and read a graphic book. It can be used to form when, where questions and first, second, than, statements.

[Michelle Rosales]

Juan and Anna are going on a trip to Mexico to visit their grandma. Now it’s way too far to drive or walk, so they will go on an airplane adventure. They pack up their belongings, which include some snacks and some trinkets and then they are on their way. Step by step through airport, they get their tickets, go through security and board the plane. The airplane ride is a adventure all on it’s own. They get to watch a movie, see out the window and even use the tiny restroom. They land and get off the airplane, into the arms of their grandma.

[Allison Kramer]

Text-to-text: This book didn't remind me of just a certain book this graphic novel reminded me of all the beginner books I read as a kid. The books that helped me learn to read because this book is a beginner book to help kids read graphic novels.
Text-to-self: I loved the plot of this book because I just got back from Mexico and dealing with the airport!
Text-to-world: This book shows the world how to read graphic novels. It also shows kids that it can be fun to ride on planes and especially going alone.

[Barbara]

An introduction to graphic novels, this one follows Anna and Juan as they prepare to visit their grandmother in Mexico. After packing up the things they need, they go to the airport, follow various procedures in order to get on the plane, and then fly south. I like the simple text and illustrations, and how the title not only introduces readers to what's involved in airplane travel, but also how it walks readers through how to read a graphic novel.

[Elizabeth]

This book introduces children to graphic novels. It gives directions on how to read a graphic novel correctly. This book is about a brother and sister called Juan and Anna. They are going to visit their grandmother in Mexico. To get there they must fly on an airplane. It is about their adventure on an airport and airplane. It’s an excellent book.

[Jackie]

I chose this book because of the content. Growing up and realizing that a lot of people have never been in an airplane before was really odd for me. I think that this book introduces airplanes in a fun light.

[Tara]

This is a my first graphic novel.

[Logan Day]

Airplane Adventure by Cari Meister is a for young readers who are just beginning to read graphic novels.

[Elaine]

This is excellent to read with a child about to take his or her first trip on an airplane!

[Mandee Rayne]

This My First Graphic Novel explains the process of flying on an airplane. I traveled on them alone as a child and this book would have made me less afraid of those adventures. Like the rest in this series, it includes a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts at the end. An educational, fun intro to graphic novels.

[Leah Tomasetti]

-N/A
-grades K-2

SUMMARY:
Juan and Anna are on their way to go visit their grandmother via airplane. Their grandma lives in Mexico. Readers learn about their journey through the chronological graphics that tell this story.

REVIEW:
I loved that in the beginning of this book there was a section and directions on how to read a graphic novel. This is a great tool to have. Also I liked that at the end there were questions and writing prompts to spark further discussion about the book.

IN-CLASS USES:
1. learning about graphic novel books
2. independent read

[Sadija Zizic]

In this book, Anna and Juan are going to Mexico to visit their grandmother. I really enjoyed this book because it lists instructions for how to read a graphic novel, discusses questions and writing prompts at the end of the book. This book is very educational and would be a great book to read to students when learning how to read.

[Anastasia Pavlides]

1. No awards have been received for this book.
2. Kindergarten-2nd Grade
3. This book is about Anna and Juan visiting their grandmother in Mexico.
4. I like this book because it shows you how to read a graphic novel.
5. I would use this book when teaching my students how to read graphic novels.

[Erika Arrieta]

This book is full of great pictures!