Big Skies. Big Feelings. A Different Flight Plan.

Some planes takeoff fast and pull up right through the clouds. Others take their time, need more runway, a little more patience, and a slightly different flight plan. This is a series inspired by real flights and a daughter that sees the sky in her own beautiful way.

Ava the little airplane smiling as she flies over green rolling hills

Book 1: Ava Takes Flight

Navigating Tricky Skies, One Story at a Time

Adventures with Ava was born at the intersection of a lifelong love of flight and the real-world journey of parenthood. Flying both professionally and for fun, I’ve spent countless hours navigating the skies—but nothing compared to watching our firstborn daughter grow. As I watched her unique brain process the world and noticed her facing challenges other kids weren't experiencing, airplane analogies naturally started filling my head. The decisions, balance, and patience required in the cockpit mirror life's moments in such a profound way.

Reading together has always been our sanctuary. Every single night, no matter where aviation takes me—even screen-sharing storybooks on an iPad from a hotel room on the road—we read. This book series was created for her, and for every parent and child navigating life’s tricky skies together. We are so excited for Ava to take flight!

4–8

AGES

Series

IN PROGRESS

Picture

BOOK FORMAT

The Art Behind the Journey

Every plane, cloud, and emotional beat in the series is brought to life through original artwork by lead illustrator Engin. Combining classic aviation detail with whimsical storybook character design, the illustrations give Ava and her sky-bound friends their expressive, warm charm.

Concept to Canvas

Click each stage to see how Ava’s world takes shape.

Early pencil sketch of Ava the airplane on a design grid

Initial Pencil Sketch

Meet the Fleet

Three little flyers, one very big sky.

Ava

The Little Plane With Big Feelings

Sensitive, observant, and full of heart, Ava experiences flying differently than the other planes. Every engine vibration and subtle wind shift reaches her deeply. With patience, inner strength, and encouragement from her hangar family, Ava discovers that even the scariest skies are full of beauty when you find your courage.

SensitiveObservantCourageous

Behind the Scenes

Pencil sketches, paint in progress, and the real flights that started it all.

The Spark for Ava
Where aviation meets fatherhood—early days on the ramp that inspired a storybook journey.

The Moment Ava Came to Life
The initial visual study defining Ava's spirit—facing big, stormy skies with brave, wide eyes.

Blueprint & Proportions
Mapping Ava's profile, proportions, and signature colors over the design grid.

Meeting Barnaby
Developing key character relationships and bringing vintage aircraft warmth to life in color.

Layout & Text Integration
Testing page typography and composition to ensure story text flows seamlessly with the art.

A Living World
Expanding the airfield with colorful characters, active runways, and vibrant scenery.

Join the Flight Crew

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