Review: Maisy Goes by Plane

Maisy is off to visit her friend, Ella, who lives so far away that Maisy must go by plane. This book is a wonderful resource to introduce young children to the procedures of the airport and what it is like to fly on a plane. While Maisy titles generally use quite simple language to appeal to a very young audience, Maisy Goes by Plane is a little more text heavy and introduces readers to some bigger words specific to the plane/airport setting (security, departure, captain, aisle, runway etc).

Starting with being dropped at the airport by her friend Cyril, the reader sees Maisy go through the bustle and hustle of the airport, to check her luggage, go through security and board the plane. The simplicity of the story creates a sort of checklist for how a flight proceeds, from finding the correct seat number, using the seat belts, listening to the stewardess’ safety talk, and then taking off. As it is such a long flight, Maisy and her fellow passengers read, sleep and have refreshments from the trolley, before Maisy discovers the wonderful excitement that is the tiny plane bathroom and the long line to use it.

Finally, the Captain asks Maisy and her friends to return to their seats, and they go through the arrival process of landing, disembarking and luggage claim, after which we meet Maisy’s friend Ella (who, being a little Koala, I suspect lives in Australia!).

Maisy Goes by Plane is part of the A Maisy First Experiences Book series, which include new experiences that children may be anxious or unsure about, such as going to hospital, having a wobbly tooth, going on a sleepover, learning to swim and going to Nursery.

Title: Maisy Goes by Plane (A Maisy First Experience Book)
Author/Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Publisher: Walker Books, $16.99 RRP
Publication Date: 2015
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781406358728
For ages: 1+
Type: Picture Book