Up, Up, and Away: The History of Aviation by Tomas SMOT Svoboda

This large non-fiction book is an engaging and light-hearted look at the history of aviation. With a personal introduction from Grandpa Edward and with his two curious grandchildren, Molly and Simon in tow, readers are taken on a fascinating journey about flight from the appealing cover to the stunning endpapers and the accessible information on every page. 

Separated into nine chapters beginning with Icarus and ending with a historical timeline of the most important ‘bits’ of the aviation journey, this well presented book will entertain new readers and the most avid enthusiasts. Each chapter is clearly set out with blocks of text in different colours with large detailed illustrations labelled when needed. Pages 17-19 provide excellent coverage of the history of the hot air balloon as well as how it works. The chapter titled Celestial Giants shares interesting information about airships including their history, construction, the zeppelin and more modern airships.

Throughout this book, the colourful illustrations enhance the text and provide a visual hook for readers. In the final pages there is a quick recap which is a valuable infographic of information with dates, important events and figures of history who were instrumental in the development of flight. 

Up, Up, and Away: The History of Aviation would be an excellent gift for a flight enthusiast. 

Themes: Aviation, STEM, History, Aviators, Science, Flight.

Kathryn Beilby