Keep your kids entertained and engaged during a flight with this feature packed Airplane Activity Book.From the airport to the airplane there are 100+ flying themed activities to keep them busy.Inside, young flyers start their journey by completing their own tickets and passport. Then, they can choose from over 100 carefully designed activities to keep them busy during their flight.6” x 9” Size Ideal for Travel — Fits On An Airplane Tray Table!ColourfulBespoke Airplane Themed ActivitiesColouringSpot the DifferenceDot to DotMazesWord SearchPuzzlesHow to DrawFree DrawingEducational and Entertaining Read more

By the summer of 1940, Great Britain watched as France succumbed to the might of Adolf Hitler's forces. Her forces driven off the continent, many rescued from capture at Dunkirk, only the Royal Air Force, supported by the country's newly established radar system, now stood in the way of the country being invaded. Herman Goering had promised his Fuhrer his air force would sweep the British skies of all opposition to allow Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of southern England, to commence. The intense aerial combat over the coming months across the English Channel and the countryside of southeast England would not reflect the optimism of Nazi propaganda.Researching and blending a diverse range of primary sources together (Luftwaffe air crews' personal letters and diaries), with official combat reports, and contemporary German newspapers, Victoria Taylor weaves a rich, multifaceted tapestry of the military, political, social and cultural influences that shaped the German air force's mentality and morale during the Battle of Britain.Eagle Days transforms the Luftwaffe's historical role during the RAF's 'Finest Hour' from a cartoonish antagonist to a multidimensional, flawed-yet-formidable opponent. The narrative contains not just the voices of the air crews who conducted the fighting, but uniquely never-before-translated primary source material of other contemporary eyewitnesses, (Luftwaffe's paratroopers, anti-aircraft gunners and air signalmen). Eagle Days will offer all fans of this period a refreshing, comprehensive and exciting new account of the Luftwaffe's real experiences during the Battle of Britain. Read more

Making Paper Airplanes doesn't feel like science. And it's not quite art. Near as we can figure, it's magic. Paper Airplanes fly because of good, old reliable physics. And it takes a sharp eye and a clean fold to make them right. But launching a regular old piece of paper into the sky so that it soars, loops and glides - that's pure magic.We present here a complete guide to folding aerobatic amazements.The ten airplanes in this book are the best we've ever seen: easy to make, forgiving of mistakes, attractive and flight-ready under all kinds of conditions.Clear instructions and step-by-step illustrations make even the most impressive planes kid do-able, while trimming and tweaking tips give basic principles of flight instant real-world relevance.This big book comes complete with40 sheets of flight-tested, ready-to-fold paper, printed on both sides in a variety of 20 colourful patterns, including leopard print, wood grain, hot rod flames and lose-it-on-the-lawn grass.It's everything you need to rule the skies.What is Klutz? Klutz is a premium brand of book-based activity kits, designed to inspire creativity in every child.Our unique combination of crystal-clear instructions, custom tools and materials and hearty helpings of humour is 100% guaranteed to kick-start creativity.Super-clear instructions Open-ended Creativity Rewarding Reading Skills to Build On Everything You Need.Klutz kits include everything needed to create exciting craftsEverything you need is included in a package that provides first-rate materials Read more

Introducing the interactive Little World series from Ladybird that makes our big world little.Little World is designed for curious toddlers, allowing them to explore familiar landscapes and faraway places, from cities and jungles to outer space and ocean depths.The gentle narrative is perfect for reading aloud, guiding children through the terminal as they check in bags, walk through security and board the plane. A novelty slide, push or pull on every spread will engage children and help to soothe any anxiety about airports and flying.Sam Meredith's bright artwork and charming characters encourage interaction and play, with lots to spot, see and enjoy on every spread.Introduces the worldBoosts motor skillsRecommended for children aged 2+Look out for other titles in the Ladybird Little World series:In the CityTo the MoonJungle JourneyUnder the Sea To the BeachShopping TripOn the Farm Read more

Beat the boredom and take time out from screens with this pocket-sized book packed with facts, photos and fantastic spots for hours of fun!Kids will have fun collecting points around the airport with more than 140 things to find. From tail fins to baggage trolleys, travellators to fuel trucks, they’ll learn all about aeroplanes and air travel. And once they’ve scored 1000 points, super-spotters can claim their official i-SPY certificate and badge.With more than 30 i-SPY books to collect, there’s something for everyone!For even more fun at the airport check out the i-SPY At the Airport Activity Book (ISBN 9780008392888). Read more

The astounding memoir of one of the great Spitfire pilots of World War Two.Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, the Channel Dash, North Africa, Sicily, Dieppe, D-Day, and the fight against the V1 menace — Group Captain Bobby Oxspring saw action in many of the most famous battles of the Second World War.His memoir of time as a Spitfire fighter is the perfect book for fans of First Light by Geoffrey Wellum, Samurai! by Saburo Sakai, and The First and the Last by Adolf Galland.Beginning in 66 Squadron, by the end of the Battle of Britain, he was already an ace with eight enemy aircraft destroyed: three Heinkel 111s, one Dornier 17, one Me110, and three Me109s. He then went on to become flight commander in No. 41 Squadron RAF and later took command of three more squadrons, leading his men through some of the most ferocious air battles of the war.His memoir, Spitfire Command, is a remarkable account of life as one of The Few, charting his journey through the war, flying all marks of the Spitfire — from the Mk I to the Mk XIV — right through to when he ended operational duty just a week before the war ended. Written vividly, Oxspring provides an authentic insight into the lives of the men who fought in the air. It is a fascinating and inspiring story of bravery, good humour, and sacrifice.‘Group Captain “Bobby” Oxspring, DFC and two Bars, was one of that select band of fighter pilots who flew throughout the Second World War, and in his excellent book he writes of the splendid characters he knew in the fighter squadrons.’ Air Vice Marshal ‘Johnnie’ Johnson CB, CBE, DSO (Two Bars), DFC (and Bar), DL Read more

A fascinating and detailed history of one of the great aircraft of World War II: the Beaufighter.Ideal for fans of Alexander McKee, John Nichol, and Martin W. Bowman.Developed to meet the RAF’s urgent need for a long-range fighter just before World War II, the Beaufighter was the most heavily armed aircraft of any type used in active service from 1940 until the late 1950s.Drawing on numerous original sources and meticulous research, Chaz Bowyer traces the Beau’s origins from planning, design, and factory floor through test flights, adaptations to meet service needs, and its remarkable and widespread use throughout the war. Bowyer includes many first-hand accounts from those who flew the plane in action and from ground crew who maintained it, giving readers a sense of the genuine affection felt for this formidable fighting machine.Ultimately, around 6,000 Beaufighters rolled off the production line, from where they were sent across the globe to serve in at least 77 squadrons of the RAF and Commonwealth air forces until they were finally retired from service in the 1960s. Bowyer recounts the aircraft’s many roles during the war—as a night and day fighter, reconnaissance vehicle, anti-shipping strike and torpedo bomber, ground strafer, and air-jungle rescue searcher, among many other uses. Through personal accounts and reminiscences, readers are brought vividly into the experience of piloting and supporting the Beau’s operations across vastly different theatres of war and environments, including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Burma, the Mediterranean, UK coastal waters, North Africa, and the Middle East.Though merely a machine, there are many who owed their lives to the strength and capability of the ‘Mighty Beau.’ Their stories serve as a reminder of the incredible sacrifice, bravery, heroism, and devotion to duty of those service men and women, and why this plane should be proudly remembered as one of the all-time classic British fighters. Read more

An in-depth chronicle of the jet aircraft that revolutionised military aviation during the height of World War Two.Essential reading for aviation enthusiasts, military historians, and anyone fascinated by the evolution of modern air combat.Debuting as the world’s first fully operational jet-powered aircraft in July 1944, the Gloster Meteor transformed aerial combat.How did this revolutionary plane come into being? Did it truly live up to its promise in the heat of battle? And how did it shape the evolution of modern aviation?Renowned aviation historian Chaz Bowyer charts the remarkable story of this jet — from its conception in the mind of Sir Frank Whittle, to experimental development and its first combat flights in the Second World War. For over a decade, the Meteor reigned as the RAF's premier fighter, capable of travelling over six hundred miles an hour, serving air forces around the world before it was ultimately outpaced by newer, more advanced aircraft.Gloster Meteor stands as a compelling tribute to one of aviation history's most groundbreaking aircraft. Read more

Discover the daring life story and astonishing adventures of Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown - Britain's greatest-ever pilot 'Winkle Brown's astonishing adventures make for fascinating reading' SUNDAY TIMES'[A] thumping great biography by Britain's leading aviation historian' DAILY MAIL, 'BOOK OF THE WEEK'*MARITIME MEDIA AWARDS BEST BOOK NOMINEE*--Small in stature but immense in reputation and talent, there was more to Eric 'Winkle' Brown than met the eye.From shooting down Luftwaffe bombers from the deck of a carrier in the Battle of the Atlantic and narrowly escaping death when his ship was torpedoed, to accumulating a never-to-be repeated litany of world records and firsts as a test pilot, his unparalleled flying career saw him take the controls of over four hundred different kinds of aircraft - more than any other pilot in history.A rival to Chuck Yeager and hero to Neil Armstrong, by the time of his appearance on Desert Island Discs' 1000th episode Winkle had become a legend in his own lifetime, and by his death, a national treasure.But despite his enormous fame, there have always been mysteries at the heart of Winkle's story.Now, drawing on previously unseen documents and unfettered access to Winkle's own personal archive, Paul Beaver uncovers the complex and enigmatic man behind the legend - the real story of Britain's greatest pilot.A story Winkle insisted could only be told after his death . . .----------'Compelling, fascinating and frequently jaw-dropping. A brilliant and revelatory biography' JAMES HOLLAND'Beaver recounts the story of a man he regarded as a mentor in unshowy but fascinating detail, and restores a British hero to his rightful place' OBSERVER'An excellent biography' PATRICK BISHOP, DAILY TELEGRAPH'The extraordinary story [of] a fearless pilot and decorated war hero. Epic' THE HERALD'A thrilling new biography' DAILY EXPRESS'A thumping great biography of the flying ace who made Top Gun look tame ... enthralling' DAILY MAIL'Riveting ... one of those must-read books, compelling and full of incidents that leave you gasping with surprise ... an incredible story' FLYER'An incredible life ... Brown took a secret to the grave that makes his story all the more remarkable' THE SUN Read more

'Utterly brilliant: a fantastically exciting book... This really does read like the best kind of thriller. His best book yet' James Holland, author of Normandy '44April 1982. Argentina invades the Falkland Islands.In response, Britain despatches a naval task force. Eight thousand miles from home, its fate hinges on just twenty Sea Harriers against the two hundred-strong might of the Argentine Air Force.The odds against them are overwhelming.The MoD's own estimates suggest that half the Harriers will be lost in the opening days of the conflict. They need backup. Within three weeks 809 Naval Air Squadron is reformed, trained and heading south, ready for war.Not since World War Two had so much been expected of such a small band of pilots. Read more

'A short but quietly devastating book, in which Overy adds new perspectives to a subject that has often been approached from a narrowly American angle... Overy's book is a sombre reminder that the border between civilisation and savagery is wafer-thin.' - Philip Snow, Literary Review A remarkable account of the terrible climax of the Second World War in Asia, published to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing.In the closing months of the Second World War hundreds of thousands of Japanese, mostly civilians, died in a final outburst of violence from the air. American planes were beginning to run low on plausible targets when it was decided to use two atomic weapons in a final, terrible flourish to try to end the war. Richard Overy’s remarkable new book rethinks how we should regard this last stage of the war and the role of the bombing. This book explores the way in which the willingness to kill civilians and destroy cities became normalized in the course of a horrific war as moral concerns were blunted and scientists, airmen, and politicians followed a strategy of mass destruction they would never have endorsed before the war began. But it also engages with the new scholarship that shows how complex the effort to end the war was in Japan, where ‘surrender’ was entirely foreign to Japanese culture. Read more

The saga of a squadron, a plane, and the action, triumphs, and tragedies they saw during World War II—includes photos.   No 9 Squadron of Bomber Command converted from the Wellington to the Lancaster in August 1942. W4964 was the seventieth Lanc to arrive on squadron, in mid-April 1943. She flew her first op on the 20th, by which time No 9 had lost forty-one of their Lancs to enemy action and another five had been transferred to other squadrons and lost by them. No 9 would soon lose a further thirteen of the seventy. All of the remaining eleven would be damaged, repaired, transferred to other squadrons or training units, and lost to enemy action or crashes—except for three which, in some kind of retirement, would last long enough to be scrapped after the war.   Only one of the seventy achieved a century of ops or anything like it: W4964 WS-J. Across all squadrons and all the war, the average life of a Lancaster was 22.75 sorties, but rather less for the front-line squadrons going to Germany three and four times a week in 1943 and '44, which was when W4964 WS-J was flying her 107 sorties, all with No 9 Squadron and all from RAF Bardney. The first was Stettin (Szczecin in modern Poland), and thereafter she went wherever 9 Squadron went—to Berlin, the Ruhr, and most of the big ops of the time such as Peenemnde and Hamburg. She was given a special character as J-Johnny Walker, still going strong, and on September 15, 1944, skippered by Flight Lieutenant James Douglas Melrose, her Tallboy special bomb was the only one to hit the battleship Tirpitz.   During her career, well over two hundred airmen flew in J. None were killed while doing so, but ninety-six of them died in other aircraft. This is their story, and the story of one lucky Lancaster. Read more

The essential history of the ships that revolutionised naval warfare: the aircraft carriers.This book would be perfect for fans of Ian W. Toll, James D. Hornfischer, and N. A. M. Rodger.The USS Enterprise, HMS Ark Royal, and the Japanese Zuikaku were some of the most important ships of the Second World War. But how did they originate? Why were they able to eclipse previous warships? And in what ways did they shape naval warfare during the Second World War?Donald Macintyre, one of the most successful convoy escort commanders and a renowned military historian, sheds light on how aircraft carriers rose to become rulers of the seas over the course of the war.Drawing upon a wealth of first-hand sources, Macintyre reconstructs how these ships — and the men who served aboard them — shaped the war in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and, of course, the Pacific. Key engagements, such as the Battles of Midway, the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf, are brought to life in fascinating detail, transporting the reader to the flight decks of these remarkable vessels during their most fearsome encounters.Aircraft Carrier is a compelling work that charts the evolution of these ships from their inception to the moment they became the dominant force in Second World War naval operations. Read more

‘Amazing . . . Intense suspense, shocks and scares plus chilling insider authenticity make this one very special’ LEE CHILD 'FALLING is the best kind of thriller (for me as a reader anyway). Characters you care deeply about. Nonstop, totally authentic suspense' JAMES PATTERSON‘Attention, please: T. J. Newman has written the perfect thriller!  GILLIAN FLYNN, #1 bestselling author of Gone GirlYou just boarded a flight to New York.There are one hundred and forty-three other passengers onboard.What you don’t know is that thirty minutes before the flight your pilot’s family was kidnapped.For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die.The only way the family will survive is if the pilot follows his orders and crashes the plane. Enjoy the flight. ***Praise for Falling*** ‘Think Speed on a passenger jet - with the cockpit dials turned up to supersonic’ Ian Rankin ‘Stunning and relentless. This is Jaws at 35,000 feet’ Don Winslow ‘The best thriller I’ve read in years. Buckle up’ Adrian McKinty ‘Attention, please: T. J. Newman has written the perfect thriller! ... Terrific and terrifying, a true page-turner.. A must-read for summer vacation' Gillian Flynn, #1 bestselling author of Gone Girl ‘A jet-propelled thriller that will have you in its grip from first page to last. A truly astonishing debut and an incredible work of pure suspense’ Steve Cavanagh 'Newman keeps up an extreme pace from the first page—a near-impossible task, considering that the hero is locked in a cockpit, unable to take action himself. This novel is like the films Die Hard and Speed on steroids, creating one of the year’s best thrillers' Library Journal ‘With characters you’ll root for and a plot that dips and bounces like a plane hitting turbulence, this thrill ride is impossible to put down’ Daily Mail ‘A scorching thriller’ Evening Standard 'Newman’s [flight attendant] background means Falling brings a freshness and depth to the genre' The Guardian 'A superlative debut . . . This tense, convincing thriller marks the arrival of an assured new talent' Publishers Weekly ' ...full of the kind of authentic detail that comes from personal experience' Literary Review ‘Gripping from the first sentence, this thriller is like no other’ OK! Magazine 'A remarkable debut' The Sunday Times '... a tense and claustrophobic read, the fast-paced action zipping along at an astonishing rate' Refinery29 Read more

A frightened boy pursued by racist bullies who grew up to become a trailblazing soldier in the British Army and then the SAS, Melvyn Downes was one of the first British-born Black men to join the elite regiment. During his 24 years of service, he was involved in secret missions across more than 50 countries and since leaving active duty has travelled to some of the world’s most dangerous places, protecting charity workers and journalists amidst natural disasters and in brutal conflict zones.In this gripping memoir, Melvyn takes us behind enemy lines and onto the front line of war, never shying away from the darker side of what he endured, such as losing friends, experiencing psychological traumas and facing racial harassment head-on. Yet, he believes that with the right willpower and mindset, anyone can overcome life's challenges.Melvyn wasn’t born fearless, strong or confident; these traits were forged through hard work, a willingness to learn from his mistakes and a desire to push himself out of his comfort zone. Inspired by the founding principles of the SAS – humility, integrity, humour, classlessness and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence – Melvyn embodies these values in every aspect of his life. And in Unbreakable, he shows that you don’t need to be a soldier to follow these ideas – we can all use them to build resilience when life throws us curveballs, and to live a life without limits. Read more

Liz McConaghy, from a small town in County Down, spent a total of seventeen years flying with the RAF’s Chinook Fleet. Aged just 21, she was the youngest aircrew member to deploy to Iraq and was also the only female ‘crewman’ on the Chinook wing for four years. In her astounding career Liz McConaghy completed two deployments to Iraq followed by ten deployments to Helmand province in Afghanistan in support of the enduring Operation Herrick campaign. Liz’s inspiringly honest story reveals the highs and lows that she witnessed at war, and the cost that came with that both, physically and mentally for those involved. During her deployments, she survived not only a near fatal wire strike onboard her CH47, but numerous enemy fire ‘contacts’ defending her crew by returning fire from both the M134 ‘Minigun’ and M60 weapons entrusted to her to operate. Her biggest honor of all her duties, however, was serving on the Medical Emergency Response Team, or MERT, flying ambulance as it was more commonly known. This involved recovering wounded soldiers from the battlefield, often under fire, and witnessing them both die and indeed come back to life at her feet in the cabin of her Chinook. Liz saw Camp Bastion grow from a barbed wire fence surrounding an area of tents in the sand to the huge Operating Base it became. She was also on the last 1310 Flight deployment there as the British forces withdrew 10 years later handing it back to the Afghan National Army. Very few Chinook crew members, if any, spanned the length of time deployed as Liz McConaghy did. This is a genuinely unique tale that only Liz could tell, which ends with her battling the memories that haunted her, long after she had left the battlefield. Her own war within took her to the point of suicide once she had left the service. Her survival from both the battles in foreign lands and in her own head led her to begin telling her story, in the hope she can help others win their wars. Read more

Have you ever wanted to pull up the curtain and look at what the US Army was really like during the Vietnam War?From enlistment through Basic, Officer, and Flight training, veteran pilot Richard Guay will take you on a journey many have never witnessed…Sit with Richard in the cockpit of the venerable UH-1 Huey helicopter as he maneuvers the sky to accomplish missions, protect his troops, and put to the test his years of training to stop the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia.Through a journey from steamy jungles to war-torn skies over battlefields, Richard’s raw and informative recollection is a story not only of war, but of brotherhood and the will to survive. Through countless helicopter flights, readers will experience both the fear and the excitement of war firsthand.Vietnam Warhorse is a thrilling memoir detailing years of US Army training, helicopter warfare tactics, and piloting techniques employed during actual enemy engagement. With a touch of humor, this is an intense and fresh perspective on the Vietnam War for anyone interested in history or aviation! Read more

'Gripping' ED CAESAR • 'Masterly' GEOFF DYER • 'Incredible' TIM HARFORD • 'A universal story that transcends time' NEW YORK TIMES • 'Superb' DAILY TELEGRAPH • 'We know what’s going to happen, but feel the suspense nonetheless' THE TIMES** THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER **** WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD 2024 **** WINNER OF THE KIRKUS BOOK PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024 **The definitive, dramatic, minute-by-minute story of the Challenger space shuttle disaster based on fascinating in-depth reporting and new archival research – this is riveting history that reads like a thriller.On the morning of 28 January 1986, just seventy-three seconds into flight, the space shuttle Challenger broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all seven people on board. Millions around the world witnessed the tragic deaths of the crew, which included schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe. Like the assassination of JFK, the Challenger disaster is a defining moment in twentieth century history – one that forever changed the way America thought of itself and its optimistic view of the future. Yet the full story of what happened – and why – has never been told.Based on extensive archival research and meticulous, original reporting, Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space follows a handful of central protagonists – including each of the seven members of the doomed crew – through the years leading up to the accident, a detailed account of the tragedy itself, and into the investigation that followed. It’s a compelling tale of optimism and ingenuity shattered by political cynicism and cost-cutting in the interests of burnishing national prestige; of hubristic ‘go fever’; and of an investigation driven by heroic leakers and whistle-blowers determined to bring the truth to light.With astonishing clarity and narrative verve, Adam Higginbotham reveals the history of the shuttle program, the lives of men and women whose stories have been overshadowed by the disaster, as well as the designers, engineers and test pilots who struggled against the odds to get the first shuttle into space. A masterful blend of riveting human drama, fascinating science and shocking political infighting, Challenger brings to life a turning point in our history. The result is an even more complex and extraordinary story than any of us remembered – or thought possible.Finalist for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction 2024A Daily Mail Best Science Books of 2024A New York Times Notable Book of the Year 2024A Washington Post Notable Book of the Year 2024One of the New Yorker’s dozen Essential Reads of 2024One of the Atlantic's Ten Best Books of 2024An Amazon Best Book of the Year 2024An Apple Best book and Best Audiobook of 2024A Spotify Best Audiobook of 2024Goodreads’ nominee for Readers' Favourite History and Biography 2024 Read more