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Frequently Asked Questions:
A Travel by Air
What is A Travel by Air about?
Zainu is taking his very first airplane trip to visit his grandfather. Readers follow him step by step through the airport (check-in, security, and the departure lounge), then up into the sky above the clouds, through a little turbulence, and on to a smooth landing and a joyful reunion with Grandfather.
What age group is this book for?
It’s written for children ages 3 to 6. It’s perfect for reading aloud, and early readers can enjoy it on their own.
Is this a good book to read before a child’s first flight?
Yes, that’s exactly what it’s made for. The story gently explains each part of a real airplane journey, so children know what to expect, from getting a boarding pass to walking through security and feeling the plane take off.
Can it help children who feel nervous about flying?
Yes. Zainu feels a little nervous too, but his father explains each new experience calmly, including turbulence, which he describes as a normal, gentle shake when the plane flies through different air currents. Seeing Zainu stay brave helps children feel confident and reassured.
Is there anything scary in the story?
No. The story is calm and positive. Every new experience is explained in a friendly, comforting way.
What can children learn from this book?
Children learn what happens at an airport and during a flight, and why steps like security keep everyone safe. The story also celebrates courage, curiosity, and family love, as Zainu travels to see his grandfather.
Can teachers use this book in the classroom?
Yes. A Travel by Air works well in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary classrooms, for circle time, a read-aloud, or lessons about transportation, travel, and community helpers.
Classroom activity ideas:
Pretend airport: set up a check-in desk, a “security” line, and rows of chairs as airplane seats, and let children act out the journey.
Make a boarding pass: children design their own boarding pass with their name and a dream destination.
Above the clouds: children draw what they think the world looks like from an airplane window.
Retell the story: children put the steps in order: packing, check-in, security, boarding, flying, landing, and meeting Grandfather.
Teachers interested in using the book with their class, or in arranging a school or library reading, are welcome to contact R. Suleman.
Who is Zainu?
Zainu is a curious, kind-hearted young boy who loves adventure. Children can join him on more journeys in A Day at the Beach and Zainu Goes to a Lake.
Who wrote the book?
A Travel by Air was written by R. Suleman, a former fighter pilot and award-winning author whose stories for children, teens, and adults explore courage, kindness, and hope. His storybooks began as homemade bedtime tales for his own grandchildren.
Is the book illustrated?
Yes. Every page features bright, colorful illustrations of Zainu, the airport, the airplane, and the view above the clouds.
What format is the book available in?
A Travel by Air is available as an ebook, which you can buy and download instantly from this website.
How do I receive the ebook after buying it?
After checkout, you’ll receive an email with a secure download link. The link stays active for 24 hours after your first download, so save the file to your device.
Can I read the ebook on a tablet or phone?
Yes. It can be read on tablets, phones, and computers. It’s a perfect story to read together at the airport or during the flight itself.
Are there other books for young readers by R. Suleman?
Yes. Explore more picture books such as A Day at the Beach, Zainu Goes to a Lake, Dream World, Facing the Dinosaurs, and Camping in the Hills in the Kids Books section.
Questions to talk about after reading (for parents)
Where would you like to fly on an airplane, and who would you visit?
How did Zainu feel when the plane shook a little? What helped him feel brave?
What do you think the clouds look like up close?
Would you like to be a pilot someday, like Zainu? Why?
