The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont

You know how sometimes they say truth is stranger than fiction? That's definitely true of The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont, which we received this past week. Most people think of the Wright brothers as having invented the airplane, but there's a lot of evidence to show that Santos-Dumont was actually the first (the Wright brothers used a track to launch their airplane; Dumont's had wheels and was capable of taking off on its own power, which is an important distinction with some experts).

Santos-Dumont is also associated with the dirigible -- he didn't invent these lighter-than-air vessels, but he did love them so much that he spent much of his time in one, floating above the streets of 19th century Paris, only descending for lunch at an outdoor cafe or to buy a new hat. (He's also associated with the wristwatch -- apparently, S-D popularized them, they were easier to check than a pocketwatch while steering his flying machines).

I really appreciate it that author Victoria Griffith has written a book that is enjoyable for both parents and kids, and I appreciate it too that she's shown us another layer of a familiar story. I also love Eva Montanari's oil pastel drawings of Belle Epoque Paris, especially the ones done from a bird's eye view, with here and there in the crowd a face looking up in wonder at the sight overhead. Put the story and illustrations together, and you have a dreamy, whimsical story that A. and I keep coming back to.

What are you and your kids reading lately?

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions in this post are my own.