The Jumbo Jet

Jumbo: The Making of the Boeing 747
Written & Illustrated by Chris Gall
Age Level: 5-8 Years
Published August 4, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books of 2020

Grab your boarding pass

I never thought I’d miss flying with my kids, but this book has me longing for the moment when I can gate check a stroller again.

This spectacularly illustrated book details the making of the Boeing 747, the world’s largest passenger jet. Focusing on the history of air travel, the mechanics of flight, and the creation of the 747 “jumbo jet,” this book is a dream come true for airplane lovers. Less a linear story than a collection of facts and information, you’ll still be completely fascinated and awestruck by the tremendous feat of engineering that the plane represents.

“Finally, after twenty-eight months, and with the help of thousands of people, the mighty plane was ready to be shown to the public. But it was not ready to fly.”

An airplane book is not a “boy book,” and knowing that there would be female readers, the author and illustrator included a special surprise ending. Many illustrations throughout the book include a young red-headed girl. In the end, she is shown as an adult positioned in the cockpit and revealed to be Lynn Rippelmeyer, who in 1984 became the first woman to captain the Boeing 747. This truly is an outstanding book to read to your future pilot.