Lighter than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot

If they ever make a movie about a real female balloon pioneer, it would most likely be about Sophie Blanchard. She was incredibly brave and accomplished many amazing things as a balloon pilot. She was world-renown during her time and well-deserving of her celebrity.Review: This is a good book to introduce children to a heroic woman. While the writing is average and the art ranges from average to very good, it's still worth reading or giving to your child. Her high-flying deeds will send your child's mind soaring.

A delightful book with beautiful illustrations that I bought as an Easter gift for my 8 year old niece. I am trying to provide books for her that will empower her sense of self worth and encourage her to set her goals high, and know that she can achieve anything, regardless of her gender. My daughter and son's girlfriend both read and loved it before I even wrapped it up to give to my niece. Lol. I would say it was a hit.

I love, love, love Sophie Blanchard and this book is a delight to read.

This picture book biography tells the story of Sophie Blanchard, the first woman to fly on her own. In the 18th century, France was filled with “balloonmania.” Every balloonist was male and they were breaking records. Meanwhile, a girl was growing up by the seaside and dreaming of flight. When she met the famous balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard, the two realized they had a shared passion for flight. They were soon married and started flying together. After two shared flights, Sophie went up alone and became the first woman to fly a balloon solo. Her husband died from a heart attack and fall from a balloon and Sophie stopped flying for awhile. Eventually, she flew again and earned a living with her flight. Napoleon made her Aeronaut of the Official Festivals and Chief Air Minister of Ballooning.Smith offers exactly the right amount of detail in this picture book. The dangers of ballooning are mentioned but not dwelled upon, just like the death of Jean-Pierre. Sophie’s own death in a balloon is only mentioned in the Author’s Note which also speaks to how little is actually known about her despite her accomplishments. Her childhood, in particular, is unknown and Smith created some of the details himself. Throughout the book, it is the wonder of human flight that is the focus and that unites Sophie’s adult life with her childhood dreams.Tavares has illustrated this picture book with period details that capture the balloons and the fragility of the baskets. In other illustrations, he captures the sky and the expanse that Sophie is flying into. Two illustrations mirror one another with darker skies as Sophie dreams as a girl of flying and when she returns to flight after her husband’s death.An important picture book about a brave and groundbreaking woman who refused to be limited by the rest of the world. Appropriate for ages 6-8.

LIGHTER THAN AIR is a non-fiction children's book that tells the story of Sophie Blanchard, the first woman pilot. The book begins in 18th century France where the country is taken up with balloonmania. Sophie grows up and meets one of these pilots, Jean-Pierre, and the two are married. They share flights together, but eventually Sophie flies alone. Ballooning, especially at this time, was extremely dangerous and the book doesn't gloss over those dangers. The end of the book has notes from both the author and illustrator. Overall, a very well written and illustrated children's book about a woman that much of history has forgotten.

I loved this book Lighter Than Air. It is such a celebration of Sophie Blanchard and such a spectacular celebration of the contributions of a woman/women. I am intrigued with the choices the author made of what to include after all his research (beautifully selected). His writing is inspiring - he captures the awe, the danger, and the excitement with succinct depth. Along with Matt Tavares, Matt Clark Smith has created a book with evocative scenes. Thanks to both the author and illustrator for an empowering book, empowering for young girls and women and boys and men, for anyone who has a dream and likes an adventure.

Brilliant picture book I used this book for guided reading with my Year 5 children