I rate this book highly because of its early literacy capabilities. It was the winner of the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy "write" category. And indeed, when teaching my early literacy classes, that is how I use this book!

It's the story of Little Plane who is learning his "arc, dives, and loopity loops." (which think about it, most writing of letters can involve these three things). However, he is having some struggles. (and what child cannot relate to the hardships that come with writing!) But his friend, the moon, helps him get better.

It is a rudimentary book; it is very basic. It also does appear to end abruptly. BUT the ways you can use this book definitely outweighs using this book as a storytime tool. ( )

Stephen Savage tells a really cool book about a plane learning how to write in the sky. Little Plane enjoys attending Flight School and zooming through the air. But as he works on his skywriting and loops in the air certain letters leaves him feeling dizzy. Finally at night he sees the moon and carefully traces around it and makes an O. Little plane eventually learned to write. The author did great with the Illustrations as well. ( )

Age Appropriateness (Primary, Intermediate, Middle School): Primary (K-2)
Review/Critique: This book is about a plane that finishes flight school and learns to fly independently. This book explores the different situations where the plan has to fly and incorporates many sight words for young students.
Comments on Use: I originally picked up this book because of the illustrations. I think this book could be really appealing for young students who are interested in flying. I would only use this book for young readers because it is very basic and not complex.
Media: digital media ( )

simple story ... ( )

Little Plane is eager and willing when he enters flight school, excited to learn to write his message across the big blue sky. But although he excels at ARCS and DIVES, he simply can't master LOOPITY-LOOPS. How will he write, if he can't produces the letter O? Then one night the bright full moon shows him the way, and after some practice, he finally masters that last skill he needs...

Although long aware of Stephen Savage's work - his stories about various vehicles (Supertruck, Little Tug, etc.) are quite popular at work, as are his Where's Walrus? picture-books - I hadn't picked up any of his titles until Little Plane Learns to Write popped up on my radar. The narrative here is simple but engaging, and will find a receptive audience with young children, particularly those who also struggle, like the flying hero in Little Plane Learns to Write, to master new skills. The artwork, which was created digitally, is colorful and appealing, in a cartoon-like way. Recommended to young plane lovers, and to all young children who are themselves learning to write. The letter O can be a challenge! ( )