The alphabet format is a device for presenting 26 different kinds of airplanes in full-page, clear, color illustrations, and bits of information about the history of flight. There are no jets here, but aviation buffs will enjoy browsing, whether their interest is in the Piper Cub, the Spitfire, or the Yak. (Reviewed February 1, 1997)

The letters of the alphabet introduce historical and contemporary airplanes, combined with other information about aeronautics. Realistic illustrations position the reader up with the aircraft in sunny, stormy, and quiet skies. Dates of manufacture and use are not included, making it difficult to trace the historical development of airplane technologies, and the occasional coy remarks are annoying.

An ABC book powered by aircraft. B is for B-17, H for Hercules Flying Boat, J for barnstorming, loop-the-looping Jenny, M for the dogfighting Messerschmitt, R for Lindbergh's Ryan, the Spirit of St. Louis. Each airplane is given a solid little history that evokes the personality of the craft (while the fighting planes featured might raise hard questions about wars and why they're fought). Pallotta and Stillwell cover the gamut, from Orville and Wilbur Wright's planes, planes that land on water and those that take off vertically, experimental jets, and ultralights. They also explain various technical terms: hangar, fuselage, cockpit, control tower, etc. Bolster's accompanying artwork is paintbox bright, suffusing the planes with character and purpose. (Picture book/nonfiction. 3-8)"

Realistic illustrations and informative, informal text take readers on a whirlwind tour of flying machines,"""" said PW. All ages. (June)