This is a non-fiction picture book about Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian who is credited with being the first person to fly a self-propelled airplane. In contrast to the Wright Brothers, Dumont is considered the first to build, take off, fly, and land without the use of catapults, high winds, launch rails or other external assistance. Griffith paints a wonderful picture of a man who was dapper and flamboyant.

The facts are true (he went shopping in a dirigible along the fashionable streets of Paris, for instance!), and the story is both entertaining and informative. He was also a friend of Louis Cartier who created a wristwatch especially for Dumont to use while flying dirigibles (as he needed to use both hands to guide the craft.). Until that time, only women wore wristwatches; men had pocket watches.

A beautifully illustrated picture book that will enlighten young children about who really flew the first plane, \"The Fabulous Slying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont\" includes an author\'s note about Santos-Dumont and photos of him and his flying machines.