Books About Airplanes · 97 titles considered

The Best Airplanes Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about airplanes? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Airplanes

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1987

Hatchet

By Gary Paulsen · Book #1 in the Brian's Saga series

A boy survives a plane crash and must endure the wilderness with only a hatchet.

Newbery Honor (1988)

186 pages· 42,458 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 463,020 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Brian faces the ultimate test of survival after a plane crash leaves him stranded in the Canadian wilderness. With only a hatchet and his wits, he must learn to fend for himself. As he battles nature's challenges, Brian discovers resilience and courage he never knew he had. Can he overcome the wild and his inner turmoil to find a way back to civilization? This gripping tale of endurance and self-discovery will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2015

Maisy Goes on a Plane

By Lucy Cousins · Maisy series

Experience the excitement of a first flight with a curious mouse.

32 pages· 354 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 389 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Join Maisy as she embarks on her first plane journey to visit her friend Ella. From airport check-in to making new friends on board, every moment is an adventure. Will Maisy enjoy the thrill of takeoff and the wonder of landing in a new place? Discover the joys and surprises of flying with Maisy as your guide.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Summary: In a bustling Chicago airport, a TSA incident sparks chaos, intertwining the lives of twelve young Asian Americans. As their paths cross, they face challenges of friendship, courage, and identity. Amidst the turmoil, a blue Stratocaster guitar holds unexpected significance. Will they find belonging in a world that questions their identity? Discover the power of words and the courage to listen in this compelling exploration of contemporary Asian American life.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Thirty Minutes Over Oregon

By Marc Tyler Nobleman, Melissa Iwai (Illustrator)

A WWII pilot returns to the U.S. decades later seeking forgiveness.

Orbis Pictus Honor (2019)

40 pages· 1,717 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 737 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: During WWII, Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita bombed Oregon, the only enemy to do so. Twenty years later, he returns to the U.S. to apologize. This true story explores the power of reconciliation and healing after conflict, as Fujita faces the community he once attacked. Can forgiveness bridge the gap between past enemies?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Across the Desert

By Dusti Bowling

A girl races against time to save a stranded pilot in the Arizona desert.

320 pages· 50,664 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,747 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Jolene's life changes when she witnesses her friend Addie's plane crash during a livestream. With no one to help, Jolene must brave the harsh Arizona desert to rescue Addie before it's too late. Armed with only a hand-drawn map and a stolen phone, Jolene's journey is fraught with danger and hope. Can she save the Desert Aviator and find strength within herself? This gripping tale of survival and friendship will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Kindness Counts

By Jan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears Living Lights: A Faith Story series

A bear's kindness sparks unexpected rewards.

32 pages· 1,277 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,007 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Brother Bear learns that kindness can come full circle when he helps young Billy with model airplanes. As Brother shares his skills, he discovers the true value of generosity and grace. Will his small act of kindness lead to something greater? Dive into this heartwarming tale where traditional values and unexpected friendships unfold, teaching young readers the power of compassion and the joy of giving.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2020

Wood, Wire, Wings

By Kirsten W. Larson, Tracy Subisak (Illustrator)

A self-taught engineer strives to design a working airplane in the early 1900s.

48 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 310 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Emma Lilian Todd, a self-taught engineer, faces the daunting task of designing a functional airplane in the early 1900s. With a mind always soaring, she dissects clocks and imagines flying machines, determined to turn her dreams into reality. Despite numerous failures, Lilian draws inspiration from nature and her setbacks, pushing herself to create a design that can truly fly. Will her persistence and ingenuity lead to success, or will her dreams remain grounded? Discover the journey of a pioneering spirit in a world where the sky is the limit.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1991

Fly Away Home

By Eve Bunting, Ronald Himler (Illustrator)

A homeless boy finds hope in an airport when a trapped bird gains freedom.

32 pages· 1,046 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,850 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Living in an airport, a homeless boy and his father navigate life unnoticed, moving from terminal to terminal. Amidst their struggles, a trapped bird's escape offers a glimmer of hope. Will this newfound freedom inspire change in their lives? Discover how a simple act of liberation can transform despair into possibility.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Explorer

By Katherine Rundell

Kids stranded in the Amazon discover a map leading to a hidden secret.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2018)

352 pages· 59,079 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 9,612 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Stranded in the Amazon after a plane crash, Fred, Con, Lila, and Max must navigate the wild to survive. With their pilot gone, hope seems lost until Fred stumbles upon a mysterious map. This discovery leads them to a forgotten city, hinting at secrets that could change everything. Can they unravel the mystery before the jungle claims them? Adventure and danger lurk at every turn in this gripping tale of survival and discovery.

Those Magnificent Sheep in Their Flying Machine

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2014

Those Magnificent Sheep in Their Flying Machine

By Peter Bently, David Roberts (Illustrator)

Sheep embark on a global adventure in a flying machine after a mysterious ZOOM overhead.

32 pages· 611 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 248 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: When a mysterious ZOOM disrupts their peaceful hillside, a flock of sheep decides to investigate. Their curiosity leads them on a thrilling, globe-trotting adventure in a bright yellow flying machine. What wonders and challenges await them in the skies? Will they uncover the source of the mysterious sound, or find something even more extraordinary? Join these daring sheep as they explore the world from above, encountering unexpected surprises and unforgettable experiences along the way.

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Browse by age

Airplanes Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about airplanes for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$599

Tractor Mac Plane Jane's Journey

Ages 2–5 · 2017

A plane's adventures end with a comforting return home.

Sale price

$799

Angela's Airplane

Ages 2–5 · 1988

A child's button-pressing adventure leads to an unexpected airplane takeoff.

Sale price

$1999

Jumbo

Ages 5–8 · 2020

Discover how the Boeing 747 revolutionized air travel despite initial setbacks.

Sale price

$899

Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering!

Ages 1–4 · 2016

Discover the wonders of flight, from birds to rockets, in a baby's world.

Sale price

$599

Things That Go!

Ages 0–2 · 2017

Discover indestructible books that introduce babies to vehicles that fly, drive, and sail.

Sale price

$799

Planes Soar

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Embark on a high-flying adventure with this plane journey.

Sale price

$799

Richard Scarry's Busy Busy Airport

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Join a thrilling airport adventure with planes, cars, and trucks.

Sale price

$995

Good Night Planes

Ages 2–4 · 2015

Explore the skies and discover the world of aviation through a pilot's eyes.

Sale price

$699

Plane

Ages 0–3 · 1995

A plane soars high, revealing towns below. The sky's the limit.

Sale price

$499

Richard Scarry's Planes

Ages 0–3 · 1992

Explore the skies with whimsical planes and flying machines.

Sale price

$999

Flight

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Mix vehicles to create your own flying machine adventure.

Sale price

$895

Busy Airport

Ages 1–+ · 2005

Explore a bustling airport with interactive tabs.

View all airplanes board books

Browse by age

Airplanes Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about airplanes for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

On This Airplane

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A family moves, meeting diverse travelers on a plane.

Sale price

$1799

Little Smokey

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A firefighting plane faces a blaze only she can conquer.

Sale price

$599

Richard Scarry's A Day at the Airport

Ages 3–7 · 2001

Explore the airport with Huckle Cat and friends on a thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$1799

Bearplane!

Ages 2–5 · 2022

A bear cub's first flight leads to a heartwarming family reunion.

The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont

Sale price

$1795

The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A Brazilian aviator races to be the first to fly a self-propelled plane.

Sale price

$1799

Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy Town

Ages 3–6 · 1992

Explore a bustling town and discover the secrets of everyday life.

Sale price

$899

The Glorious Flight

Ages 5–8 · 1983

Witness the daring first cross-Channel flight that changed aviation history forever.

Sale price

$999

Fred and Ted Like to Fly

Ages 3–7 · 2007

Two friends go on a trip and have various adventures.

Sale price

$1899

Jack Knight's Brave Flight

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A pilot braves a blizzard to save the US Air Mail Service. Can he succeed against the odds?

Sale price

$1699

I am Amelia Earhart

Ages 5–8 · 2014

A young girl defies expectations and pursues her dream of flying.

Sale price

$799

Too Much Stuff!

Ages 3–8 · 2010

A girl defies her mom's rule, sneaking all her toys onto a plane, sparking joy among fellow young passengers.

Sale price

$999

Airport

Ages 3–5 · 1982

Experience the magic of airports from arrival to takeoff.

View all airplanes picture books

Browse by age

Airplanes Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about airplanes for developing and independent readers.

I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937

Sale price

$599

I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937

Ages 7–10 · 2016

A young boy and his family board the Hindenburg airship to travel from Germany to America, but their journey is disrupted by a mysterious spy and a catastrophic event