Despegamos (Let´s Take Off)

In this picture book, 3 friends (Coco the Crocodile, Leo the Lion and Panda) set off on their first trip on an aeroplane. The book takes us through the whole process of travelling by plane, from packing their bags and getting the tickets ready, to check-in and security, as well as the flight itself. Leo in particular is very nervous about flying to begin with but his friends reassure him that everything is alright, and all of the animals are generally fascinated by the whole experience. In the end, they arrive at their sunny holiday destination to begin the exciting holidays ahead of them.

The book includes many flaps and other interactive elements, with something for children to engage with on almost every spread. At the beginning, Coco is holding a map of the world which the reader can unfold; at the airport, you can open up the signs hanging from the ceiling to find out more about each area; and when the animals are boarding, a pop-up paper aeroplane unfolds across the central spread.

This book is very much aimed at children, aged between approximately 18 months – 4 years, who are about to go on holiday, perhaps flying for the first time. It serves this purpose very well – it would be ideal for a parent to read with a child before going on holiday, to prepare them for the trip ahead, as well as to keep the child entertained during the journey itself. The illustrations, by prolific illustrator and graphic designer Jose Antonio Blasco, are bright, lively and relatable. Each with their own distinctive features (with a special mention for Coco the Crocodile’s cool glasses), the animal friends are fun to accompany on their journey. It’s great to see them at the end in their oversized pink sunglasses, about to start their next adventure!

… from the point of view of a fun and practical children’s guide to flying with ingenious interactive elements and delightful, engaging illustrations, it hits the nail on the head.

From the reader´s report by Catherine Mansfield [1]