Cromwell Dixon's Sky-Cycle

by John Abbott Nez

In the years and decades following the Wright Brothers' famous first flight, an obsession with aviation gripped the nation. Thousands caught the bug. In an era of innovation and invention, scores of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399250417
• ISBN13: 9780399250415
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.1" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Full of Gumption!

From Icarus to the Wright Brothers, mankind's fascination with human flight has proven to be a continual driving force for innovation, invention, and flights of fancy. Prolific children's book creator John Abbott Nez has flipped back through the pages of the early days of American aviation to bring to new life the story of Cromwell Dixon, a 14-year-old lad who earned for himself the title of "America's Boy Aeronaut" by successfully building and flying an unusual flying bicycle. In the year 1907 Cromwell Dixon's Sky-Cycle took off in a cross between a hydrogen balloon and a bicycle. This mechanically minded boy with "more gumption than a gopher" took his passion for flight and together with a supportive mother carved out a reputation for himself in the freewheeling world of aeronautics. Nez's muted palette and crisply outlined illustrations bring Dixon's progress from vision, through obstacles, and on to success to the printed page for a new generation of readers. The charming cover image hearkens back to vintage billboards, advertisements, and signs, revealing the care with which Nez has labored to keep the book's appearance evocative of an earlier age. Dixon and his mother are drawn from actual photographs of the pair, adding an additional level of realism. In all honesty, my house full of girls can take or leave this title; their ambitions revolve around making jewelry, tea parties, and dress-up. Despite their rather tepid reception, I'm entranced by the potential this picture book holds for ambitious boys. In a marketplace that often seems slanted towards writing for female readers, Nez's contribution is a title to check out for the boys in your life. Furthermore, in an age in which young men are so often wasted on video games and senseless pursuits, this sharply drawn portrait of a boy who acts to bring his dream to life, and hone skills in order to meet his goals, will prove an amazing encouragement to young fellows with gumption everywhere. Moms, be forewarned, if you pick up this title for your son, he'll soon be expecting you to back up his adventurous schemes and inventions as did Mrs. Dixon. Prepare for adventure!

The amazing but true story of Cromwell Dixon

This book tells the story of early aviator Cromwell Dixon, who participated in the 1907 St Louis Airship Carnival in an aircraft he designed and built himself, even though he was only a teenager. The book is very good at communicating the excitement of the early days of aviation and Cromwell's passion for inventing things. After some early setbacks, Cromwell manages to build a pedal-powered airship with a propeller and takes it on a successful, if hair-raising, voyage. The book is presented as a children's story, so I was not sure while reading it whether it was true or not. However, there is an appendix with a photograph and biographical sketch of the real Cromwell Dixon and his ever-supportive mother. After reading this book, I was keen to find out more about the young pilot. I was glad that the author omitted mentioning the upsetting fact that Cromwell Dixon died at a very early age in an aviation accident. John Abbott Nez is an excellent storyteller and my two five year old girls and I found this book fascinating.

Enchanting Review: Cromwell Dixon's Sky Cycle

CROMWELL DIXON'S SKY-CYCLE JOHN ABBOT NEZ Children's Historical Rating: 4.5 Enchantments Based on the true story of CROMWELL DIXON'S SKY-CYCLE, this fun and brightly illustrated children's book details young Cromwell's journey to making his dream of flying through the air a reality. With the help of his mother and unwavering drive to make his dream a reality, despite at least one horrendous set back when part of his sky-cycle catches fire before he has a chance to fly, Cromwell makes his goal a reality. I really enjoyed CROMWELL DIXON'S SKY-CYCLE. Filled with charming and colorful illustrations that richly accompany the story, kids will no doubt enjoy following along as Cromwell begins his journey from inventor to first boy to fly through the air on bicycle. Based in reality, it was a nice touch to see a photo of the real Cromwell and his mother at the end of the story. My favorite scene is when the first version of the sky-cycle meets with a mishap and Cromwell is forced to start all over again, vowing to make it better then the first was. CROMWELL DIXON'S SKY-CYCLE will appeal to kids and adults alike. John Abbot Nez has made more than fifty children's books of all sorts. He lives in Seattle with his wife and two children. Visit his website: It has more details about my bookmaking and illustrations at [...] to learn more about his bookmaking and illustrations. And learn more about him and his artwork at [...] Lisa Enchanting Reviews November 2009

A fun story for all children

I bought this book for my nepphew and he loves it! The illustrations are a delight and the story is a great one to read aloud. The story is about a boy who loves to invent things, and one day he decides he wants to fly. What's amazing is that it's based on a true story. It goes to show what wonderful things kids can do when they are inspired and given encouragement. I'd definitely reccommend this book and think it would make a great gift especially for boys.

A fascinating era...

As the author & illustrator of Cromwell Dixon's Sky-Cycle, I suppose I might be a bit biased when it comes to reviewing this book. But keeping that in mind, it was a unique opportunity to create this book in words and pictures. I think the main inspiration for this book was trying to capture the age of 100 years ago. I am fascinated with certain aspects of history. Jules Verne, Santos Dumont, the Wright Brothers, dirigibles and 1907 and flying... they're all topics that fascinate. 1907 was an amazing time in the history of America. The changes of that time were remarkable, even compared to the changes in our current digital age. People could fly for the first time in history. It's easy to be taken in by it all. This is the backdrop of the amazing story of Cromwell Dixon who built his own flying bicycle in 1907. I've made up a small website about this amazing story. It has more details about my bookmaking and illustrations at cromwelldixonsskycycle.com And there's lots more about me and my artwork at johnnez.com Hope you enjoy the book! :0) John Abbott NezCromwell Dixon's Sky Cycle