Airport Adventure

Many airports are now huge and very busy places with the result that lots of us find them quite overwhelming. Let me introduce you to Mo T, the Airport Guy who is the UK’s Aviation Ambassador and author of this very helpful hardback. Mo is an award-winning educational influencer and succeeds in this book at explaining to young people how airports work. The narrative follows a family of four: Layla, Adam and their Mum and Dad as they prepare for going on holiday by aeroplane. 

The Contents Page clearly lays out the format of this handbook from sections about ‘Getting ready’ and ‘Checking in’ to ‘Arrivals’ and ‘On holiday’ plus every stage in between. Also we meet Dino, Adam’s soft toy who gets lost somewhere in the baggage process! The author manages to present myriad pieces of information in manageable chunks. There are lots of details between the covers of this story, such as how e-gates work (p. 15), what to do at the Gate (p. 20) and how the pilot prepares for Take-off! (p.35). Although I have worn glasses most of my life, I usually need a reminder to remove them as I go through e-gates. I was delighted to see that on page 14 there is a female passenger who remarks that she needs to take her glasses off for the camera! This is a small but important piece of information, and this publication is full of handy hints.  

Near the back of the book is a double spread devoted to various airport jobs which I am certain will inspire some youngsters into considering possible careers. The inclusion of both a clear Glossary and Index complete the professional look of this book.

Well done to the illustrator here as the brightly coloured drawings are plentiful and clear to match the text. Whilst this book is highly recommended for 5-year-olds up to grown-ups I think it would work best when shared with an adult for those at the lower end of the age range.