This is a lovely little book and is the second in an on-going travel series for children. Author Anna Othitis, originally from Zimbabwe and now living in America, introduces us to her son, Captain Frankie of Angelic Airlines and the story sees him fly us around the World to visit our planet's "seven natural wonders".
These span all four continents and whilst I had heard of some of them (for example, Mount Everest in the Himalayas and Australia's Great Barrier Reef), others I had not (Paricutin Volcano in Mexico) or would not have thought of (The Grand Canyon in Colorado, USA).
Written as if Captain Frankie is talking to us over the plane's intercom, each wonder is introduced by a poem and then there is some age-appropriate factual information, together with a simple quiz for the children to do. At the end of the book Captain Frankie asks the children to name out loud the seven natural wonders they have just visited. There are also pictures of the countries' national flags at the beginning of the book and then again as a test at the end.
I have to say that I learned quite a bit. I did get my Geography 'O' Level (remember them?!) but aside from the fact that there were lots of orange groves in California and Ox bow lakes were quite easy to draw, I find my geographic knowledge is slightly sketchy! The Husband, of course, gets to fly around the World quite regularly (although he claims he only sees airport lounges and hotel rooms). We have not yet ventured abroad with the kids but they already have their suitcases packed in anticipation!
For example, did you know that the Victoria Falls water drops 354 feet down? Or that the Paricutin Volcano stands at 1353 feet, which is higher than the Empire State Building in New York? What about that there are 1500 species of fish in the Great Barrier Reef or that the Grand Canyon is 18 miles wide?
I particularly liked the environmentally friendly emphasis - we are reminded to take care of our earth and the way that Anna's books can be used as teaching aids to encourage conversation between parents and children. Captain Frankie's light, friendly tone makes you feel as if he really is talking to you.
This is a great way to teach our kids about the wonders of the Earth in a fun and engaging way. I'll be checking out the rest of the series for Caitlin and Ieuan.
Scroll down for the author's giveaway - $50 Amazon.com giftcard or PayPal cash (winner's choice).
Follow Captain Frankie on his adventures...
Are you ready to take to the skies?
Then welcome to Angelic Airlines!
Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to the Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Books.
This is Anna Othitis’s second trip with Captain Frankie and the crew. Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her home port is now Wanaque, New Jersey, and she has flown across the world in her travels.
Book available at
"Beautifully illustrated, amazing little 'first travel' adventure book for children. A great way to get children interested in the geography of the world and the delights of travel." - review from Amazon
"Another gem from this consistant author. She is making quite a name for herself. You will not be disapointed!!" - review from Goodreads
"This book is in its simplest form: fun, educational and informative, which plays an important part in connecting our children with our world. So come on and fly the skies with us on Angelic Airlines to some popular world destinations with your friendly Captain Frankie"
Check out the other My First Travel Books...
My First Travel Book (My First Travel Books) (Volume 1)
Are you ready to take to the skies?Captain Frankie welcomes you on board.
Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world.
Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Book.
Book available at
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble
The Seven Wonders of the World (My First Travel Books) (Volume 3)
Are you ready to take to the skies?Then welcome to Angelic Airlines!
Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to the Seven Wonders of the World. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Books.
This is Anna Othitis’s third trip with Captain Frankie and the crew.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her home port is now Wanaque, New Jersey, and she has flown across the world in her travels.
Book available at
About the Author
I lived and was raised in the beautiful land and country of Zimbabwe, Africa (home will always be home). We relocated to Wanaque, New Jersey, USA, our new home and where our younger son, Frankie, took up his “American Dream”.My husband George, sons Johnny, Elia and Frankie encouraged me to write my first children’s book titled My First Travel Book, which was inspired by Frankie (Captain Frankie). Given a wonderful opportunity, he graduated in his Masters degree in Aeronautical Science, and is successful in his career as a professional pilot. My favorite saying is: “Be Bold Be Brave”.
My dream is to be given the opportunity for my book to reach each and every less fortunate child who will have the opportunity to fantasy travels through our book to see our lovely world destinations, and to one day to give back and assist the needy in Africa and beyond, to keep giving care and love to the less fortunate. Whilst in Zimbabwe I was involved with many charitable organizations and groups where my greatest passion and love was with the primitive, simple people of Zimbabwe, Africa and will still continue to reach out to the many beautiful children of the world.
Now living in the USA, after having traveled some short and some long journeys, to get to our final destination, we realize how small this world really is, yet is also so big and so beautiful in each and every corner. Still so much is untouched by humans, which will hopefully remain sacred in many areas. We have to cherish every and all beautiful things that our planet earth has to offer to us.
Find the author on the following sites...
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
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