One of the very best parts of this aerial book tour has been the people I’ve met along the way. Flying in the Air Race Classic this year, I had the joy of meeting Robin—better known to many as BG Barnstormer—and let me tell you, she is every bit as fun and inspiring as her name suggests.
Robin is not just a talented pilot, but also a gifted storyteller. Her book, Yucky Weather, has become a personal favorite in our home. In fact, my six-year-old proudly shows off his autographed copy to anyone who will listen. (He thinks it’s pretty awesome that “Jojo’s pilot friend” is also a real-life author!)
Why
Yucky Weather Stands Out
Children’s books have a way of planting ideas that stick with us for a lifetime, and Robin’s does exactly that. Instead of treating gray skies and stormy days as gloomy, she flips the script—teaching kids (and honestly, us adults, too) to look for the beauty and possibility in what others might call “yucky.” From puffy clouds to the rhythm of thunder, she makes weather an invitation to wonder.
As someone who spends a lot of time in the cockpit, I couldn’t love that message more. Aviation has taught me that skies—no matter the shade—always hold adventure, perspective, and a chance to grow. Robin captures that magic in a way that kids can understand and treasure.
A Shared Journey
What I admire most about Robin is how her life in aviation and motherhood blend seamlessly into her work. She writes from her lived experience, whether it’s flying airplanes or traveling the world with her family. Like so many of the incredible women pilots I’ve met through racing, she’s leaving a legacy both in the air and on the page.
Getting to meet women like Robin on this journey has been a reminder that this community is about more than competition—it’s about connection, storytelling, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.
Where to Find Yucky Weather
If you’re looking for a great read for the young dreamer in your life, you can grab an autographed copy directly from Robin’s website: bgbarnstormer.com/product/yucky-weather
Or find hardcover and softcover editions on Amazon.
I promise, it’s a book that will brighten even the stormiest day.
On a personal note: This weekend, Robin will be inducted into the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas—a place that honors those who’ve made contributions to aviation and aerospace. It feels extra special to be celebrating fellow women aviators like her, who are making their mark not just in the skies, but in the hearts of future flyers through their words.
