By the time she's two years old, Violet Van Winkle can fi x nearly any appliance in the house. And by eight she's building elaborate fl ying machines from scratch-mind-boggling contraptions such as the Tubbubbler, the Bicycopter, and the Wing-a-ma-jig. The kids at school tease her, but they have no idea what she's capable of. Maybe she could earn their respect by winning the blue ribbon in the upcoming Air Show. Or maybe something even better will happen-something involving her bestever invention, a Boy Scout troop in peril, and even the mayor himself!
A classic underdog story full of humor and sweetness and retro pizzazz, Violet the Pilot is both endearing and adorable. It'll fl y right into your heart.
K-Gr 3- An engaging story of a spunky girl who follows her dreams. A precocious child, Violet could fix household appliances at age two. At four, she could take apart and reassemble a grandfather clock. Her mechanical skills were amazing; her social skills were not. At age eight, Violet creates elaborate flying machines using parts from her family's junkyard, but still has no friends. Other kids find her strange and make fun of her, and her only companion is her dog, Orville. When she sees a poster for an upcoming air show, she hopes to win acceptance by participating with one of her homemade contraptions. She builds a magnificent aircraft, but on her way to the show, she passes over a river and spots several Boy Scouts who are floundering in the rapids. She stops to rescue them and misses the event. Violet thinks she has lost her chance for approval, until the townspeople declare her their hero. Done in watercolors, acrylics, and Photoshop, the lively cartoon artwork evokes a nostalgic setting. Violet's various inventions are clever and amusing. Children will be inspired by her ability to find happiness with herself, despite the rejection of her peers. Violet is a terrific role model and her story would enhance most collections.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.Jenna0797
Posted September 14, 2012
My son and I borrowed this book from our local library several times before we "just had to have it." The story of Violet, an industrious and exceptionally creative young character is both imaginative and inspiring, and the illustrations are fun! A wonderful lesson for children whose individual gifts, which may lead others to target them unkindly, can also lead to the promotion of flexibility and community, and to self fufillment.
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Posted March 11, 2012
My niece loves having her very own Violet the Pilot. We read it every day at nap time.
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Posted September 13, 2009
Wonderful story and fantastic illustrations!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 27, 2009
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Overview
By the time she's two years old, Violet Van Winkle can fi x nearly any appliance in the house. And by eight she's building elaborate fl ying machines from scratch-mind-boggling contraptions such as the Tubbubbler, the Bicycopter, and the Wing-a-ma-jig. The kids at school tease her, but they have no idea what she's capable of. Maybe she could earn their respect by winning the blue ribbon in the upcoming Air Show. Or maybe something even better will happen-something involving her bestever invention, a Boy Scout ...