Miss Todd and Her Wonderful Flying Machine

Based on the authors' stop-motion animated short film, this story about Lily Todd, the first woman to design and build a plane, is illustrated with photographs of paper puppets in model sets. Growing up at the turn of the 20th century, Todd developed an early fascination with flight and, at her Grandpa Joe's urging, learned everything she could through books and model-making. After Todd was rejected from universities because of her gender, philanthropist Olivia Sage gave her space to build a full-size flying machine. The photographed scenes dominate, sometimes divided into panels to graphic-novel-like effect. Skillful use of shadow and lighting gives the scenes theatricality, while the puppets themselves evoke powerful emotions. Despite the restrictions Todd faced, the collaborators emphasize her passion and perseverance: "When she was soaring high above the clouds, flying free with the wind in her hair, she knew that nothing could hold her down--not even gravity." An invented scene in which Todd sneaks onto her plane after being denied the chance to fly it, which the book fails to identify as fiction, is the only strike against this richly imagined tribute. Ages 4-up. (June)

K-Gr 3—Inspired by the Student Academy Award-winning short film Miss Todd, this book tells the fictionalized story of Miss E. Lilian Todd, the first woman in the world to build and design an airplane. Set during the turn of the century, this tale follows Miss Todd's many trials and errors. Stills from the film make up the illustrations, which are presented in panels, giving the story an episodic feel. The strength of this work is its depiction of the scientific method and the heroism of its main character, who doesn't allow society to define her dreams. The road to a successful flying machine was long, and this tale emphasizes the physical, mental, and emotional toll the process took on its creator. The action builds to the dramatic events of the world-famous Long Island Flying Competition, where Miss Todd makes the bold decision to pilot her flying machine, despite being told, "No girls allowed in the sky!" The use of period photos and dioramas make readers feel they're truly walking in Miss Todd's world. Profiles of the real people behind the story are included in the back matter, as is information about the film that preceded this volume. VERDICT A great selection, especially for libraries that support classroom units about inventors and inventions.—Samantha Lumetta, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH