The Littlest Airplane - by Brooke Hartman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A rhyming picture book about how sometimes it's not the biggest, strongest, or the fastest, but the littlest who can get the job done!

At a landing strip in the far north, a little bush plane watches quietly as bigger, stronger, faster planes take off for adventure. But when a storm hits and hikers are stranded on the mountain, who will come to the rescue?

Told in rhyming verse with bright illustrations, The Littlest Airplane soars high with heart and excitement.

"Charming, entertaining, and original, The Littlest Airplane is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4-7."
--Midwest Book Review

"This is a really cute story about a plane that is smaller than all the others. He feels inferior because he can't do what the big planes can. But when people get stuck in a storm and call for help, the big planes are too big to land to rescue the people, the little plane can reach them and he saves them. The illustrations were cute; I love the expressiveness of the planes. . . 4 stars."
--Youth Services Book Review

"The text clearly stands out against Joseph's wonderful illustrations, which work in tandem with the text to convey exactly what's happening in the story. These scenes are big and colorful, making it easy to see all aspects of the picture, even from a distance--perfect for story hours. . . Altogether, Hartman has created another wonderful ride of a story. A great rhyming read aloud for little learners to introduce different types of planes and spot light the oft-forgotten bush plane."
--School Library Journal

"The story told in lilting rhyming text is brought to life in colorful illustrations featuring personified airplanes with expressive faces and beautiful Alaskan scenery. Facts about bush planes and a labeled diagram of a plane appear in the back pages. Young children identify with being small and wanting to be important. They will recognize this story as a good companion to The Little Engine That Could."
--Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

"Alaska Northwest Books wings into spring with... The Littlest Airplane by Brooke Hartman, illus. by John Joseph, in which a storm necessitates calling a mighty little bush plane to rescue people stuck on a mountain in the snow."
--Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children's Sneak Previews

Review Quotes

"The Littlest Airplane is a story of the importance of specialized transport for emergency situations that is cloaked in cuteness. Further informational text about different types of planes is included in the back matter. I was very pleasantly surprised, and I recommend it, especially for little kids who like airplanes, mountains, adventures, and rescues."
--Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk

"The story helps us realize that we all have strengths and weakness, but it is important not to let other people's expectations limit your potential. Believe in yourself and don't underestimate your own worth. With courage and determination, everyone could find their place to shine and succeed, which may in turn gives them more confidence and a sense of fulfillment. Meanwhile, we should be aware of the danger of complacency and learn to appreciate others' unique gifts. In sum, it is a small book with big values."
--Icefairy's Treasure Chest

"This is a sweet book that teaches a bit about airplanes as well as the lesson of trying and thinking you can."
--Crafty Moms Share

"There's nothing more charming than a classic children's picture book! These books always have wonderful writing and illustrations that have IT! The Littlest Airplane definitely is headed for the status of classic, because it has both adorable writing and illustrations."
--Lisa's Reading

"If you know a young child who adores vehicles of all sorts, or planes in particular, then pick up a copy of this book to share with them. Up, up, and away!"
--The Fairview Review

"This is a story that kids can relate to as they try to figure out what they can accomplish even being the littlest or the smallest in their family. This book encourages a positive self-esteem and developing your strengths."
--Life Is What It's Called