My fascination with airplanes took flight during a journey from TP HCM to my maternal grandparents' hometown. I vividly recall that morning: the airport, though bustling, was filled with a sense of joy. Stepping onto the aircraft, my heart pounded with anticipation. The plane gradually taxied along the runway before accelerating swiftly, soaring into the vast sky.

Peering through the small window, I watched the city below recede, appearing like miniature toys. Above, soft white clouds drifted serenely, resembling colossal cotton candy. The scenery was enchanting, as if lifted from a fairy tale. From that moment, a dream ignited within my young heart: to one day sit in a cockpit, navigating an airplane across the expansive sky.

Following that memorable flight, the Covid-19 pandemic emerged. Streets grew quiet. I could no longer play outside or visit the airport with my mother as before. Days at home stretched endlessly. Often, I would stand by the window, gazing at the sky, hoping to catch sight of familiar airplane silhouettes.

Recognizing my burgeoning passion, my mother gifted me the book, "Kham pha the gioi may bay" (Exploring the World of Airplanes). From the moment I held it, I was captivated by its vibrant cover, adorned with dynamic airplane illustrations. Each page I turned felt like an invitation into a boundless aerial world.

Cover of "Kham pha the gioi may bay" (volume 1), by Addline, translated by Phuong Anh, published by My Thuat Publishing House in association with Tan Viet Books. Photo: Tan Viet Books

The book clarified that an airplane's ability to fly stems from the intricate collaboration of its many components. I was particularly struck by the page illustrating the internal structure of airplane wings with clear, cutaway diagrams. This explanation helped me grasp why wings are curved and generate lift, allowing aircraft to maintain stable flight. I revisited that page multiple times, finding it utterly captivating.

The book also presented various types of airplanes, such as: passenger planes, cargo planes, and rescue planes. Each type serves a distinct purpose, broadening my understanding of aviation's vast and engaging scope. Through its pages, I recognized that pursuing a pilot's career demands not just passion, but also diligent study, unwavering perseverance, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Each time I read, I envisioned myself in the cockpit. Before me, a brightly lit control panel, and beyond, the deep blue sky with its drifting clouds. This book not only imparted knowledge but also fostered my aspirations, providing daily motivation for my studies.

Since discovering this book, my interest in airplanes has intensified. I enjoy observing and memorizing the names of different aircraft as they traverse the sky, even referring to myself as a "young spotter".

Driven by my passion for aircraft, I actively sought out more aviation-related books. In my 2nd grade year, I received an encouragement prize in the 7th school-level "Reading Culture Ambassador" contest. My happiness was further amplified when my article, "Giac mo phi cong" (Pilot's Dream), was published in Bao Nhi Dong. I had the privilege of addressing the entire school to share my aspiration.

To me, this book about airplanes is a special companion, consistently opening up a sky of dreams before my eyes. Through its pages, I understand that every dream begins with modest steps, and reading is a powerful means to bring us closer to realizing those dreams.

I wish to convey a message: "Don't just watch planes fly by; learn how it flies." And I firmly believe that my journey toward achieving my sky-high dreams has indeed commenced with these initial pages.

Nguyen Thai Ha

3rd grade student (article submitted with parental support)