Violet the Pilot Children’s Book Series - Review

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

Living in Darkness - Book Review

Award winning author John Roynesdal, is a retired English teacher who has written for more than 15 years and produced 3 books for his Phillip Michael Carnegie Mystery series. Throughout the series, John focuses on issues that prevail on mankind: greed, prejudice, poverty, dysfunctional families and the conflict between traditional and modern societies. Living in Darkness, a 265-page mystery novel, is the third book in this series.

Here, we have a serial killer at large. Detective Carnegie and his coworkers Paul and Nick are out to solve the case. Clues point to many possibilities and keep the team working hard. Is it the work of a homophobe? Or a case of mad revenge? Or pointless youth rage? Juliana, their insightful and caring friend has often aided in cases in the past – and this one is no different. Inspired by the work of another man, Juliana is attempting to open a safe house for runaway gay children but she is obstructed by zealous religious leaders.

The boss, "Fats", wants to see the serial killer case closed and it seems that it should be – but Detective Carnegie feels something is not quite right. He continues the investigation without consent and stumbles on some clues that change everything.

This book promotes freedom and a willingness to live and let live regarding sexuality. Good points were made about prohibition making various sexual urges into something secretive and devious. I felt that John did a wonderful job depicting the stresses of the homosexual. Readers are shown the stigma that is placed on them as soon as they are known as "gay". The reaction of employers and family was interesting and the prejudice homosexuals endure was enlightening. The story line definitely brings awareness to the hateful and disgusting crime of gay-bashing.

ISBN#: 1411626702
Author: John A. Roynesdal
Publisher: Lulu Press

Violet the Pilot in Hawaii - Review

Violet the Pilot in Hawaii is the third book of a children’s series written by author Bettina Bathe. One of the very first striking aspects of this book is the illustrator’s use of bright colored fish and birds, a flowery helicopter, tropical scenery and agriculture within the Hawaiian Island region. The illustrations by Barbara Fortin (www.bellocchioillustration.com) also reveal lush forest and wildlife scenes including a myriad of creatures that dwell in the waters surrounding the islands.

This adventure begins when two Hawaiian youth, Kimo and Malia, request a scenic tour ride in Violet’s purple helicopter. As always, safety comes first for Violet, and they spend a few moments discussing air currents and looking at maps before starting out.

Violet and her passengers are accompanied by as they fly above tropical forests, a beautiful waterfall, interesting volcanoes and agricultural fields. The adventure is interrupted when they are called upon to help rescue a baby whale. Thanks to Violet’s confident pilot skills and her loyal animal and insect friends, the frightened whale is returned to her pod. These unlikely heroes arrive to their destination safely and celebrate with a Luau and a feast. This is no ordinary feast – the table is laden with all kinds of Hawaiian foods. And later, they are entertained by Hula Dancers and Violet plays her Ukulele.

The author incorporates real life terms in her books, yet she is able to explain things in a way that young people can clearly understand. The last page has an illustration with all three of the flags from the countries Violet has worked in so far. These could be excellent teaching and memory tools for the reader to use with children. However, Violet the Pilot in Hawaii offers more than entertainment and education - the author has also dedicated a portion of the sales of this book to the Canadian Red Cross. Additionally, Bettina’s website (www.violetthepilot.com) offers contests and awards for young readers for her young readers to enjoy.

ISBN#: 0-9738290-1-X
Author: Bettina Bathe
Illustrator: Barbara Fortin
Publisher: Violet the Pilot Enterprises, Inc.
Published: January 2006

Violet the Pilot in France - Review

Violet the Pilot in France is the second book in children’s series written by author Bettina Bathe. This adventure involves a hot air balloon trip in Provence, France. Proud Canadian author and commercial pilot, Bettina Bathe was certain to include a Canadian flag patch on her main character’s shoulder. However, Violet the pilot also embraces the country she is working in by placing that country’s flag patch on her other shoulder.

Two young French passengers who want to take a balloon ride to a desirable location for their bike tour adventure, hire Violet’s aviation services. The ride is interrupted with weather problems, but Violet saves them all with her confident and quick-thinking maneuvers. Violet’s animal and insect friends are the ground crew who has their own adventure just trying to keep up to the balloon. After a lovely picnic feast, Violet serenades her departing passengers with a song on her violin.

Illustrations by Barbara Fortin depict rural France, including interesting French architecture, agriculture and fashion. These bright, bold pictures are full of subtle information.

The book uses a few French words and the reader is encouraged to bring interest in the globe and navigation methods in children through useful maps and illustrations. Readers will learn how a hot air balloon is flown - from the pre-flight set-up, testing the wind and flying techniques to landing a hot air balloon. However, Violet the Pilot in France offers more than entertainment and education - the author has also dedicated a portion of the sales of this book to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Additionally, Bettina’s website (www.violetthepilot.com) offers contests and awards for young readers.

ISBN#: 0-9738290-0-1
Author: Bettina Bathe
Illustrator: Barbara Fortin
Publisher: Violet the Pilot Enterprises, Inc.
Published: July 2005

Violet the Pilot in Canada - Review

Violet the Pilot in Canada is the first in the series of children’s book series written by commercial pilot and mother of two, Bettina Bathe. In this book, Grandpa Cliff along with young Chantel and Mathias are going on a camping and fishing trip in Ontario, Canada.

Violet the pilot and her trusty animal and insect friends are hired to take the three tourists to their destination in her violet-colored floatplane. Violet teaches her passengers about the floatplane, takes them through initial flight procedures and delivers the tourists safely to their destination. For Violet, safety always comes first as she instructs the tourists how to exit the plane, protect themselves against the damaging sun reflected off the water and more.

Beautifully illustrated scenery with Canadian wildlife tucked into the images here and there will allow for more interest in the pictures. The illustrator, Barbara Fortin, creates an excellent depiction of rural Ontario’s well-known "Cottage Country" area.

Violet the Pilot in Canada offers more than entertainment and education. The author has also dedicated a portion of the sales of this book to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Additionally, Bettina’s website (www.violetthepilot.com) offers contests and awards for young readers.

ISBN#: 1-4120-3215-6
Author: Bettina Bathe
Illustrator: Barbara Fortin
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Published: October 2004