This large, beautifully illustrated book invites children (and their parents) to discover how humans dreamed, designed, and finally took to the skies. It includes a thoughtful mix of facts, cartoons, and imaginative scenes from aviation history. Moms will appreciate the educational content, while kids will love the pictures and fun facts.
by Esther Aardsma
Humans have dreamed of flying since the beginning of time. Now that transcontinental air travel is common, flight is often taken for granted. Sky High: A Soaring History of Aviation by Jacek Ambrożewski traces the grand story of humanity's pursuit of flight, beginning with ancient legends passed down through cultures and ending with the historic journey of the solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 in 2015–2016. Originally published in Poland in 2022 in Ambrożewski’s native Polish, Sky High was released in the U.S. in 2023 following a translation by Zosia Krasodomska-Jones.
Sky High is a large-format book, approximately fourteen by twenty inches, containing 106 thick, durable pages. Although packed with facts that could easily overwhelm, the book remains engaging through whimsical cartoons and simple diagrams presented in soft, basic color palettes. Ambrożewski’s illustrations strike a balance between informative detail and playful levity—even when exploring topics like warplanes and military technology.
Ambrożewski briefly covers evolution, dinosaurs, and “millions of years.” He also explores various cultural myths and legends about flight, including Camazotz, the Mayan bat god of the underworld; Bladud, a king who allegedly leapt from a tower wearing wings; witches’ broomsticks and magic carpets; and Sumerian King Etana, who is said to have ridden an eagle to gather herbs from the gods.
A few illustrations show a man with his arm around a woman. One section depicts a muscular man working while wearing only shorts. Another frame shows a pilot using a specially designed toilet seat, with a newspaper concealing all but his hairy knees. A separate passage explains how modern flight suits include sponge systems for pilots needing to relieve themselves mid-flight.
Dogfights are mentioned throughout, and the illustrations show smoking planes spiraling to the ground, though they are bloodless and do not show close-ups of pilots. The Hindenburg disaster is briefly addressed, noting that “many people died and the disaster meant the end of the line for giant airships.” The accompanying cartoon shows the burning dirigible in the background behind a distressed man.
Two pages focus on the devastation caused by bombs dropped from planes, especially during World War II. One panel shows an atomic bomb explosion; others depict sorrowful figures amid ruined, smoldering cities. “While the history of aviation has led to an incredible amount of progress,” Ambrożewski writes, “it’s important to remember that it also has a dark side.” This wartime content, however, is a small portion of the overall book, which continues with captivating stories of technological breakthroughs in cargo planes, passenger jets, paragliders, helicopters, ultralight airplanes, and more.
This is a book to get pleasantly lost in for hours. Any child—and many adults—interested in air travel will enjoy Sky High. There is plenty to read for older kids and grown-ups, and pre-readers will find the illustrations fun and engaging. Even readers who aren’t plane enthusiasts may find their imaginations taking flight.
Esther Aardsma, a Champaign County native, currently resides in Thomasboro with her busy family. When she can, she pursues her passion for creativity, especially with words--and shares that love through editing, coaching one-on-one, and teaching classes.
Tagged: children's illustrated aviation history book, Jacek Ambrożewski Sky High review, flight myths and legends for kids, aviation books for curious young readers, translated Polish children's books 2023, books for kids who love airplanes and history
