Books at 30,000 Feet: How I Swapped Tablets for Tales as a High-Flying Nanny

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If you've ever traveled with high-net-worth families, you know the drill. You pack the sleek rolling suitcase that magically unfolds into a bed for a toddler. You organize a rainbow of fidget toys. You prep an army of snacks, a pile of sticker books, and of course, bring the Holy Grail of child entertainment: the tablet.
The tablet. Glorious in its glow. A portal to a dozen seasons of Bluey, full access to Octonauts, Daniel Tiger, and whatever else helps us all survive that 4-hour flight. We hand it over with reverence. It buys us quiet. It buys us peace. It buys us survival.
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But somewhere along my nanny journey, I started wondering... what else could buy us wonder?

In my third nanny position, I was young, eager, and maybe a little too into the library. One day, I picked up a stack of picture books for my nanny kids at 11 a.m. We were done by 2:30 p.m. Finished. Every last one. 'Well,' I shrugged, 'I guess we're going back to the library.' And we did.
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We'd curl up in the TV room, not watching TV, but flipping through silly and slightly morbid Roald Dahl tales. We read until my voice cracked and I had to call it quits. 'No more witches today,' I'd say. 'My vocal cords are begging.' Still, those afternoons are some of the most beautiful moments I've shared with children.
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Back then, I thought, 'We can't just sit and read all day. Let's go play!' But even our play started to echo the books we read. We named each other after characters from My Weird School as we walked for ice cream. We played like Christopher Robin and Pooh, letting books shape the world we created together.

I also had to get creative during chores. (You know, nanny chores: groceries, car washes, meal prep, and the stinky laundry.) That's when I discovered audiobooks. Long chapter books on CD became our secret weapon. The kids would build LEGO castles, draw wild monsters, or race Hot Wheels through twisty tracks, all while listening to Magic Tree House or Charlotte's Web. 

Calm. 

Engaged. 

Fully immersed.
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'Nanny Miss Monique,' they'd plead as I turned off the CD player. 'Just five more minutes? Please?'
'Well... okay. But then we're going bike riding. Copesh?'
'Copesh.'

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That's when I realized: stories weren't just better than screens, they were everything. They gave kids space to imagine, to dream, to slow down. They were fun. They were funny. They were full of heart.

Sure, I still use screens sometimes. Starfall.com is a staple in my toolbox. But nothing beats the magic of a good story. Especially when it's shared.

So when I see rows of kids on airplanes today, all locked into their tablets or switches, zoned out with glowing eyes, I get a little sad. Not judgmental. Just sad. Because I've seen another way.

These days, when we pack for a trip, yes, I bring the tablet. But I also bring Harry Potter. Wonder. Magic Tree House. And sometimes, just sometimes, those books beat the iPad. They win. The kids devour them.

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'They didn't touch their screens once,' a mom recently told me. 'They just read and read.'

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Music to my ears. And honestly? To my soul.

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On another adventure, I worked for two New York Times best-selling authors, and the mom shared a brilliant idea with me: the Airplane Fairy. She’s a whimsical little friend who delivers small surprises every 30 minutes during a flight. The gifts don’t need to be extravagant, just thoughtful little items like a puzzle, a fidget toy, a sticker sheet, or a piece of candy. I added my own twist by wrapping a few books into the mix.

Before takeoff, I did my usual prep: packed for the kids, picked out cozy outfits, and helped them get excited for the trip. I also talked them through small challenges, like how to handle ear popping, nothing a special piece of gum couldn’t fix.

To make the Airplane Fairy feel truly magical, I handed the wrapped gifts, books, stickers, a coloring book, and a few treats to the flight attendant as we boarded. Every half hour, she’d deliver one, right on cue. The child lit up each time, eyes wide with wonder. And yes, I always ask the crew ahead of time. They usually say yes, especially if you offer a small thank-you like a coffee gift card. That little gesture turned the entire flight into something special, something we all looked forward to. It made the journey just as exciting as the destination.

For the Inquisitive Child

We all know that child, the one who’s fascinated by how things work. The kid who loves garbage trucks, the mailman’s route, and every part of a fire truck. For that inquisitive child, why not bring along a book that breaks down all the different parts of an airplane? Books like My Little Golden Book About Airplanes by Michael Joosten, Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton, and Richard Scarry’s Planes are perfect choices. These books not only explain how airplanes work but turn the flight into an interactive adventure.

And don’t forget the joy of a toy airplane in their hands! Letting your child 'fly' their own little plane, like the Melissa & Doug Wooden Airplane, brings the stories to life. To make it even more fun, turn it into a game: as they spot items from the book on the actual plane,the cockpit door, the drink cart, the wing, they get to put a sticker on your face. It’s hilarious, engaging, and helps build vocabulary while making the flight a story all its own.

The Baby Traveler’s Trick

If you’re a nanny who reads board books to your little one, this tip is for you. Board books are usually short and repetitive, and if you’ve read them enough, you’ve probably memorized them! For example, Sandra Boynton’s “The Going to Bed Book” is a classic, and reciting lines like, “The sun has set not long ago, now everybody goes below, to take a bath in one big tub, with soap all over—scrub scrub scrub!” can be incredibly soothing for a fussy baby.

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When the baby gets restless, try reciting their favorite board book from memory. The familiar words and rhythms can work wonders. And to make it even more fun, once the seatbelt sign is off, gently bounce the baby and walk down the aisle, reciting those lines. The baby you bounce might even drift off to sleep, and you’ll find yourself rocking them quietly in your seat, savoring the sweetest moment. As the passengers around you smile and relax, you can whisper those final soothing lines from “Goodnight Moon”: “Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere.”

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A First Class Moment

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One memorable flight, I was working for a family traveling in first class. The mom asked me to download endless episodes of Cocomelon and Sesame Street, the usual toddler favorites. Instead of tapping play on the playlist, I pulled out a copy of *Grandma’s Purse* by Vanessa Brantley Newton and *Pinkalicious* by Victoria Kann, two of her favorites. She cozied up in my lap, and we read and read. Before we knew it, we were at our destination. It was magical, being up in the air, sharing stories, and seeing the wonder in her eyes.

Of course, as a nanny, there’s always that initial worry that we might bother other passengers,the businessperson behind us, the flight attendants, or anyone quick to give a judgmental glance if a child gets fussy. But here’s the thing: kids are people too. When they whine or cry, it’s just their way of showing discomfort, they don’t have the same ability to express themselves as adults do. They’re just little humans, deserving of our respect and a bit of grace. And when we remember that, it’s easier to turn a potentially stressful situation into a magical experience, one where we’re looking out the window, cozied up with a good book, and making the journey just as wonderful as the destination.

Flying Private With Kids: Calm, Classy, and Quiet Thanks to Audiobooks

Flying private is glamorous, sure but if you're bringing kids on board, it takes a little planning (and a lot of intention) to make sure the experience feels elevated, not chaotic. Whether it’s your first private flight or your fiftieth, there are a few things I always recommend as a longtime nanny who’s traveled with ultra-high-net-worth families across the globe.

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First, dress the part. And I’m not just talking about you. Children should arrive polished and comfortable. This doesn’t mean stiff suits or itchy dresses—it means well-fitted, clean clothing that aligns with the tone of the trip. A Gucci dress and tiny Christian Louboutin shoes? Absolutely, if that’s their usual wardrobe. Those can fly just fine without getting dirty if the child is engaged and calm. (Pro tip: a hairbrush and a pack of wipes in your bag never hurt.)

Now let’s talk about behavior. No one expects children to act like adults, but they should be calm, respectful, and quiet on board. That doesn’t mean giving them unlimited screen time. Honestly, I’ve seen what 90 minutes of Disney’s Descendants on loop does to a child’s brain—and it's not pretty.

Instead, lean into audiobooks. They’re my secret weapon. They keep kids entertained, engaged, and grounded. Whether they’re listening to The Babysitters Club, Harry Potter, or Because of Winn-Dixie, it’s an easy, screen-free way to bring stories on board. Wireless headphones, a downloaded audiobook on a Kindle or tablet, and you’re set.

Want to go next level? Try a Toniebox or Yoto Player. Both are audio storytelling devices designed for children. Tonies are great for toddlers to elementary schoolers. Yoto is more flexible, perfect for kids ages 2–12 and compact enough to toss into your carry-on. One of my girlfriends has five children (yes, five), and every single one listens to their own Yoto card on flights. The kids sit quietly, totally absorbed, while she and her husband sip champagne in peace.

Flying private doesn’t mean chaos with kids. It just means thinking ahead. Dress them well. Feed them well. Engage their minds. And let great stories do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the ride.
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A Final Thought

So the next time I’m flying, walking quietly down a dimly lit aisle. I hope to see the soft glow of a book light instead of the harsh flicker of a screen. Because there’s something deeply beautiful about a child lost in a story at 30,000 feet, their mind soaring even higher than the plane itself.

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Books That Travel Well

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Whether you're taking off soon or staying grounded, these books offer young readers a trip around the world, no suitcase needed.

• Zamzam by Karen Leggett Abouraya Follow a young girl as she makes a special pilgrimage to Mecca and discovers the cultural and spiritual meaning behind the Zamzam well. Ages 6–9 · Reycraft Books
• Aya and Pete in Paris by Serena Minott and Asha Gore Aya and her stuffed lion Pete explore the City of Light with wide eyes and big questions. Ages 4–8 · Ashima Publishing
• Knuffle Bunny Free by Mo Willems Trixie goes on her first big trip—by plane, all the way to Holland. Ages 3–6 · Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)
• Lola Levine and the Vacation Dream by Monica Brown Lola’s family vacation to Peru brings new adventures and culture shocks. Ages 6–9 · Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Ame Goes to Japan by Mami Bacera A stylish cat named Ame guides kids through Japanese landmarks and customs. Ages 4–8 · Rounded Specs Publishing LLC
• The Airport Book by Lisa Brown A detailed look at what really goes on in an airport, from check-in to baggage claim. Ages 3–7 · Roaring Brook Press
• Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha! by Barbara Park Junie B. heads to Hawaii and keeps a photo journal full of laughs. Ages 6–8 · Random House Books for Young Readers
• On the Plane (Shine-A-Light Series) by Carron Brown Shine a flashlight behind each page to discover what happens during a flight. Ages 3–6 · Kane Miller
• Fly, Girl, Fly! by Nancy Roe Pimm Based on the true story of pilot Shaesta Waiz, from refugee to aviator. Ages 6–10 · Beaming Books
• The Timekeepers: First Flight by SJ King A time-traveling mission to witness the Wright brothers’ first flight. Ages 7–10 · DK Children
• Daniel's First Airplane Ride by Haley Hoffman A simple look at what to expect on a flight, through Daniel’s eyes. Ages 2–5 · Picture Window Books (Capstone)
• Summer Island by Deborah C. Mortimer A dreamy beach getaway with vibrant scenes and a little magic. Ages 5–8 · Leap Forward Publishing
• Natsumi's Song of Summer by Robert Paul Weston A poetic story of cross-cultural connection in Japan. Ages 5–9 · Tundra Books (Penguin Random House Canada)
• Planes by Radka Piro A nonfiction introduction to airplanes with simple diagrams and fun facts. Ages 3–6 · Twirl Books

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