Astra in Hollywood - (Astra the Lonely Airplane) by Julie Whitney

About the Book

In her new LA hangar, Astra the airplane learns you don't need to be the fastest, strongest, or bravest to be important. It's being a good friend that makes you a star!

Book Synopsis

Astra the lonely airplane never has to be lonely again! Her new hangar in sunny LA is home to three amazing new friends: Lana, a sleek, beautiful Learjet; a giant cargo plane named Hank; and Helen the crime-fighting helicopter.

In fact, they're all so cool that Astra soon starts to wonder if she's cut out for life in Hollywood! But when Lana, Hank, and Helen are each faced with unexpected problems, Astra discovers that you don't need to be the fastest, the strongest, or the bravest to be important. It's being a good friend that makes you a star!

Review Quotes

"I am delighted to endorse Julie's latest book, Astra in Hollywood, the second installment in the delightful Astra the Lonely Airplane series. Julie's storytelling is captivating, effortlessly holding students' interest and sparking their curiosity. Astra and Captain Dan become relatable and endearing companions on their journeys. The illustrations in this book are truly exceptional, skillfully bringing Astra's unique personality to life. Every image captures her essence, making her adventures truly come alive. I wholeheartedly recommend Astra in Hollywood and its predecessor, Astra the Lonely Airplane, to families, teachers, and libraries everywhere."

-Patrick Dubbs, Director of Secondary Curriculum and College/Career Readiness, Goshen Local Schools, Goshen, OH

"I've been working in the aviation gift business for over twenty years, and I've never read anything like Astra in Hollywood. It's refreshing to read something new and creative for children with an aviation theme that's not been replicated. The illustrations really help the reader relate with Astra, and the details of the plane are impressive! I'm glad our youth has an aviation book like Astra in Hollywood to inspire future pilots for years to come."

"Astra in Hollywood is so realistic and engaging for children to understand how life is always changing but navigable. A career as a charter pilot, or a corporate pilot, was just wrapped up into an engaging little story that helped my grandson understand why I sometimes need to grab a bag and run out the door. Astra has an adventure that includes moving to strange surroundings, but finding out along the way that she can adapt and be helpful. Flying aside, the most important part of the story is the willingness of strangers to step up and help those in need, regardless of their sacrifice. Astra in Hollywood is a great sequel to Julie's first book, Astra the Lonely Airplane, and will not collect dust sitting on a shelf. It is a very well-written story that incorporates illustrations that captivate the moment and are sure to keep the attention of readers both young and old."

"You are cleared for takeoff! Like Astra and Captain Dan, I flew a corporate jet and helped other friends who needed a ride or a part in order to fix their broken airplane. Astra in Hollywood is a delightful story about Astra's new home and new friends in LA. Julie has written a delightful sequel that all future pilots will love!"

"Astra in Hollywood is a beautifully written and captivating sequel to Astra the Lonely Airplane. Parents, teachers, and children will LOVE the connection to the original. The story is perfect for introducing new children or students to a group or a classroom. In Astra's ever-expanding world, author Julie Whitney demonstrates that everyone can contribute and has great value in their own, unique way."