Canadian commercial pilot, owner of a publishing company, mother of two and author of the Violet the Pilot children's book series, Bettina Bathe has a talent and energy for today's youth. I think this aviation adventure fiction series is appropriate for children aged between three and eight years old.

Her children's book series focus during one season in one country at a time, though the adventures in each book are widely different and involve a various aircraft. Starting in Canada, Bettina's main character takes three passengers in a floatplane for a camping/fishing trip during the spring. Her second book has Violet the Pilot taking two young French passengers on a hot-air balloon ride to a site where the pair can start a bike tour adventure and enjoy fall's beautiful colors. Bettina's third book in the series is centered on the Hawaiian Islands during the summer season, where two young passengers desire a scenic tour of the islands in Violet's helicopter. In this book, there is an unexpected adventure when the three were called upon to rescue a stranded baby whale.

These books could be considered educational tools as the illustrator, Barbara Fortin, incorporates well-designed scenery depicting the countryside, wildlife, clothing and food that are found in each country. Bettina uses educational information about aviation and the

various aircraft that are used in her books. The use of maps and other interesting images including each country's flag - will certainly give the reader tools for further interaction with the children.

Clearly, Bettina's series of children's books are designed to not only educate children about their world and the various aircraft technology, but are also written with the intention to inspire aviation dreams in young girls. The author's website (www.violetthepilot.com) offers ongoing contests and awards for readers.

Violet the Pilot in Canada - published October 2004 - ISBN# 1-4120-3215-6 Violet the Pilot in France - published July 2005 - ISBN# 0-9738290-0-1 Violet the Pilot in Hawaii - published January 2006 - ISBN# 0-9738290-1-X

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