Almost Underwear How a Piece of Cloth Traveled from Kitty Hawk to the Moon and Mars

Combining cartoonlike illustrations with photographs and facts, Roth presents readers with the story of a piece of cloth. Originally intended to be used to make undergarments, the cloth was purchased by Oliver and Wilbur Wright to be used as the wings on their glider--the Wright Flyer. The cloth had the privilege of being a part of the first airplane flight. Later the cloth ended up in a museum before a piece was taken to the moon by Neil Armstrong in `969. That wasn't the end of it either, another piece of the muslin cloth went to Mars with the Perseverance in 2020. Not only is this story an interesting introduction to how far humankind has come when it comes to flight but it also adds an entertaining look at the power of connection and memory. The back matter includes an author's note, glossary of Perseverance instruments, and a selected Bibliography. A delightful book perfect for inspiring children by combining history and science into an intriguing tale. The combination of photographs with Roth's illustrations works well and makes for some eye-catching and discussion-worthy moments. Putting the Wright Brothers on Mars as the Ingenuity helicopter takes off seems appropriate as one contemplates how far humans have come and how far there still is to go in the world of flight. Highly recommended. Read more

This book is perfect for young readers! The art work is excellent - interesting and colorful! The story provides characters that are fun and imaginative! They can be playmates. It's based on a true event which can encourage a deeper look at the Wright Brothers first flight!. I recommend this to every young child. Libraries should provide it! Read more

What a fantastic book! It's a wonderful journey of a piece of cloth that takes incredible journeys. Great for kids of every age. Incredible illustrations. Read more

I am always on the lookout for books appropriate for grandchildren. Because it seemed so very different from the fiction I typically browse, I decided to buy this unusually titled non-fiction, Almost Underwear, the true story of a humble piece of muslin normally used for women's underwear in the early 1900's! By chance, this particular swatch was purchased by the Wright Brothers and went on to become part of the muslin covering on the wings of the first airplane flown at Kitty Hawk in 1903. The cloth was preserved in a museum and was personally selected by Neil Armstrong to travel with him for the first human landing on the moon in 1969. This little swatch finally went on to Mars in 2021 attached to the Perseverance land rover. Readers will also learn the science behind aerodynamics that enables planes to fly, all in one simple sentence. Finally! Almost Underwear is filled with such introductory information on flight and space presented in a clear and engaging way. The cloth, illustrated with human facial features, becomes a warm and friendly guide through the text and NASA photos. Almost Underwear will spark the interest and entertain many youngsters on a subject certain to continue rapidly expanding throughout their own lives. And this grandmother had a lot of fun reading it! Read more

This book was a hit with the young ones and even the older ones. Read more

This is a great picture book for kids of all ages. An incredible story about the history of flight and space travel. Humorous and fun! Read more

Highly enjoyed this book! An interesting story, with illustrations that are a combination of photographs and cute drawings. Highly recommend for all ages! Read more

This unique story will delight both children and adults with its celebration of the history of flight. Soars beyond a typical children’s picture book. Read more