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While the survey sample size was small and unscientific, my twin 10-year old grand daughters, the review of the flying exploits of Stick & Rudder is solid. The newly released books, with the adventures of two loveable characters, are from the family-run Born Aviation in Indianapolis, Ind.

“We came up with the Stick & Rudder characters and story ideas one night while attending a trade show in New York City, David Born said. “The people at the little Italian restaurant wondered about us when we asked to take the paper tablecloth when we left,” he chuckled. That tablecloth contained the creative doodling which lead to a “ Stick & Rudder Coloring and Activities” book and three illustrated stories.

Stick & Rudder books are designed with a central point in mind: entertain young readers while showing the fun and versatility of aviation. Parents and grand parents will find them entertaining when they read them to younger children. For children in 3 rd through 5 th grade the stories are interesting and instill a positive message.

“I learned that you can work together, take turns, and that you do not have to show anyone you are better than them,” Kelsey Harris noted after reading “ The Great Race.” For her sister Katie it was in reading “ Popcorn” she learned “on a hot day never pack popcorn in a hot space (like a DC-3 Gooney Bird).”

The third Stick & Rudder book is “ Tall Tales.” Between the two characters they recount flying history with a vivid imagination that places them in the cockpit. Of course, they weren’t there and the truth comes out in a manner that subtly sparks flying history interest.

Stick & Rudder really are “exaggerations of our flying family and friends,” Born says. “Stick is our straight arrow pilot who flies a Stearman and does everything by the book. Rudder flies by the seat of his pants in his Waco with a jet engine strapped to the bottom,” he explains. The duo also flies a DC-3 in their cargo business. Two other characters make-up the supporting cast: Belle and Bolts. Belle flies a helicopter and takes care of the office while Bolts is the mechanic who keeps the airplanes in shape even before the annual inspection is due.

Educational aspects aside, Stick & Rudder are characters that make great reading. The stories creatively weave the Born family’s love of flying in an entertaining and interest-holding manner. Stick & Rudder bring smiles to faces of fliers and intrigue to the minds of those we’d all like to encourage. Stick & Rudder books are available at museums, gift shops and online. To learn more about Stick & Rudder and find a merchant: www.stickrudder.com.

 

Lee Harris, a retired broadcast and public relations professional, owns Tri-Nail Media Relations in Indianapolis.