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Astronaut Handbook
DO YOU HAVE what it takes to be an astronaut? Meghan McCarthy blasts readers off to astronaut school in her new, young, nonfiction picture book. Take a ride on the "Vomit Comet" and learn how it feels to be weightless. Have your measurements taken—100 to be exact—for your very own space suit. Meghan McCarthy has created the perfect book to share with children who want to be astronauts when they grow up.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2008
About the author
Meghan Mccarthy
29 books69 followersChildren's book author of many wonderful fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the below following. Meghan's books have won the IRA-CBC Children's Choice, ALA Notable, Kirkus Reviews Reviewer's Choice, Booklist Best Books, NYPL 100 Best Books, SLJ Best Books, and so on. Blah blah blah, what Meghan really wants to do is drive really fast and jump in really long grass until she gets grass stains. She'd prefer to remain child-like because children don't have to pay bills.
The Wall Street Journal described Meghan’s art as “goofy yet somehow dignified.” Meghan is much the same way. By the age of 40 she plans to wear a boa at all times and on all occasions.
The Wall Street Journal described Meghan’s art as “goofy yet somehow dignified.” Meghan is much the same way. By the age of 40 she plans to wear a boa at all times and on all occasions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 11, 2008
Back up! Back up swiftly now, because I don't know how much longer I can hold her in. She's coming out, I can feel it. Yes... YES... It's the return of Curmudgeonly Old Lady and there's nothing I can do to stop her tirades! Flee for your very life!
Why when I was a mere wisp of a girl of four or five do you know whom every girl my age wanted to be? No, not Mary Lou Retton (though that would be a strong guess). It was Sally Ride. Every child my age knew exactly who Sally Ride was. First American woman in space? How awesome was that? And because I'm talking about the height of Sally Ride fever, we kids spent a lot of time thinking about outer space and what it would be like to travel to the moon. The moon landing was a mere fourteen years before and the Challenger tragedy would happen when I was eight. Basically, space stuff was in the news and incredibly important. Now look at these young `uns today. Do they have the same space fervor of my generation? We're almost prepped to go to Mars, but do they care? Well, probably a lot of them do. But where are the books out there meant to feed their fever? The titles that make traveling in space sound fun and interesting? And not the older stuff for the ten-year-olds either. I'm talking picture book non-fiction titles for five-year-olds that make outer space out to be really cool. Well, there's probably one or two titles out there already in existence, but I doubt that many of them are as enjoyable and visually arresting as author/illustrator Meghan McCarthy's latest. A specialist in the realm of the fun informational picture book, Ms. McCarthy presents the reader with four kids bent on becoming astronauts. If ever there was a space-related whistle whetter, this would be it.
Fact meets the ultimate childhood fantasy as Meghan McCarthy tells you just exactly how to go about becoming an astronaut in this day and age. After determining what kind of astronaut it is that you would like to be (would you prefer to fly the shuttle, perform scientific experiments, or do repairs?) it all comes down to studying hard in school and doing well. Being an astronaut means keeping fit, getting along with others, and then the real work begins. McCarthy covers everything from the Vomit Comet and food in outer space to astronaut's toilets, the mechanics of a space suit, and liftoff itself in simple words and phrases. Young kids will get a big kick out of this child-based tutorial on what it takes to reach the stars.
It's funny. You might think that a book that extols the virtues of hard work, exercise, getting along with other people, etc. would come off sounding preachy or at least a little didactic. Oddly it isn't like that at all. It takes a good writer to deliver stereotypically "boring" information in a manner where kids might actually listen, particularly when that info is true and good. McCarthy sort of perfected this technique with her picture book biography of Charles Atlas in Strong Man, where she emphasized the importance of exercise and hard work. Astronauts are simply the natural next step.
When you read a children's book as an adult you have all this mental ephemera floating around your brain that sort of keeps you from viewing the book as a child would. It is remarkably difficult to think like a kid, but there is one part of this title will suck everyone in, old and young. Admit it. You've always wanted to know how toilets work in outer space, haven't you? Haven't you? Of course you have.
Ms. McCarthy's thick paints are the joy of her books. Here is a lady unafraid to slap down some serious looking brushstrokes. The design of these pages is broken up in a variety of different ways, sometimes in small separate pics on a white page, sometimes in vertical views of liftoff that require you to turn the book. Some professional reviewers have been getting a bit confused as to whether the people in this book are kids or adults. It's a pretty easy thing to determine, though. McCarthy's kids have round faces and short little bodies. Her adults are elongated in comparison (a fact evident when paging through the section on the different kinds of astronauts). That brings up the question of why kids would be traveling to outer space, but the whole point of the book is that it's a kind of child wish fulfillment. Understand that and you won't find it confusing in the least.
One of the things I just love about McCarthy's books is that no matter how young her intended audience might be, she always goes the extra mile when it comes to factual backmatter. The backmatter in this book will prove to be of particular interest too since she includes clarification on a number of matters that both kids and adults will want to know. How do astronauts keep clean in outer space? What happens to the human waste? How long does it get to reach orbit? What is an astronaut's average age? And did you know that "Astronauts see sixteen sunrises and sunsets every day that they are in orbit"? I was particularly intrigued with the portion that attempts to lure our good men and women of the teaching field into the world of space travel. A small section notes that NASA is looking for applicants that have B.A.'s in various sciences and teaching experience. A Bibliography at the end contains a lists of books, web sites, videos, and places to visit, though unfortunately it's hard to read much of this information due to the deep, almost black, blue background the works to obscure the black of the font.
Informational books for young children often begin with Gail Gibbons and end with Byron Barton with very little wiggle room in between. Now I Want to Be an Astronaut has a more sophisticated and enticing companion for those star struck children just itching to travel up up and away. Astronaut Handbook offers the facts you want in the format you need and is a heckuva lot of fun along the way. If I've ever harbored any fears that kids today don't have adequate books to feed their love of space, those fears can now be put to rest. A must have purchase for any library system.
Ages 4-9.
Why when I was a mere wisp of a girl of four or five do you know whom every girl my age wanted to be? No, not Mary Lou Retton (though that would be a strong guess). It was Sally Ride. Every child my age knew exactly who Sally Ride was. First American woman in space? How awesome was that? And because I'm talking about the height of Sally Ride fever, we kids spent a lot of time thinking about outer space and what it would be like to travel to the moon. The moon landing was a mere fourteen years before and the Challenger tragedy would happen when I was eight. Basically, space stuff was in the news and incredibly important. Now look at these young `uns today. Do they have the same space fervor of my generation? We're almost prepped to go to Mars, but do they care? Well, probably a lot of them do. But where are the books out there meant to feed their fever? The titles that make traveling in space sound fun and interesting? And not the older stuff for the ten-year-olds either. I'm talking picture book non-fiction titles for five-year-olds that make outer space out to be really cool. Well, there's probably one or two titles out there already in existence, but I doubt that many of them are as enjoyable and visually arresting as author/illustrator Meghan McCarthy's latest. A specialist in the realm of the fun informational picture book, Ms. McCarthy presents the reader with four kids bent on becoming astronauts. If ever there was a space-related whistle whetter, this would be it.
Fact meets the ultimate childhood fantasy as Meghan McCarthy tells you just exactly how to go about becoming an astronaut in this day and age. After determining what kind of astronaut it is that you would like to be (would you prefer to fly the shuttle, perform scientific experiments, or do repairs?) it all comes down to studying hard in school and doing well. Being an astronaut means keeping fit, getting along with others, and then the real work begins. McCarthy covers everything from the Vomit Comet and food in outer space to astronaut's toilets, the mechanics of a space suit, and liftoff itself in simple words and phrases. Young kids will get a big kick out of this child-based tutorial on what it takes to reach the stars.
It's funny. You might think that a book that extols the virtues of hard work, exercise, getting along with other people, etc. would come off sounding preachy or at least a little didactic. Oddly it isn't like that at all. It takes a good writer to deliver stereotypically "boring" information in a manner where kids might actually listen, particularly when that info is true and good. McCarthy sort of perfected this technique with her picture book biography of Charles Atlas in Strong Man, where she emphasized the importance of exercise and hard work. Astronauts are simply the natural next step.
When you read a children's book as an adult you have all this mental ephemera floating around your brain that sort of keeps you from viewing the book as a child would. It is remarkably difficult to think like a kid, but there is one part of this title will suck everyone in, old and young. Admit it. You've always wanted to know how toilets work in outer space, haven't you? Haven't you? Of course you have.
Ms. McCarthy's thick paints are the joy of her books. Here is a lady unafraid to slap down some serious looking brushstrokes. The design of these pages is broken up in a variety of different ways, sometimes in small separate pics on a white page, sometimes in vertical views of liftoff that require you to turn the book. Some professional reviewers have been getting a bit confused as to whether the people in this book are kids or adults. It's a pretty easy thing to determine, though. McCarthy's kids have round faces and short little bodies. Her adults are elongated in comparison (a fact evident when paging through the section on the different kinds of astronauts). That brings up the question of why kids would be traveling to outer space, but the whole point of the book is that it's a kind of child wish fulfillment. Understand that and you won't find it confusing in the least.
One of the things I just love about McCarthy's books is that no matter how young her intended audience might be, she always goes the extra mile when it comes to factual backmatter. The backmatter in this book will prove to be of particular interest too since she includes clarification on a number of matters that both kids and adults will want to know. How do astronauts keep clean in outer space? What happens to the human waste? How long does it get to reach orbit? What is an astronaut's average age? And did you know that "Astronauts see sixteen sunrises and sunsets every day that they are in orbit"? I was particularly intrigued with the portion that attempts to lure our good men and women of the teaching field into the world of space travel. A small section notes that NASA is looking for applicants that have B.A.'s in various sciences and teaching experience. A Bibliography at the end contains a lists of books, web sites, videos, and places to visit, though unfortunately it's hard to read much of this information due to the deep, almost black, blue background the works to obscure the black of the font.
Informational books for young children often begin with Gail Gibbons and end with Byron Barton with very little wiggle room in between. Now I Want to Be an Astronaut has a more sophisticated and enticing companion for those star struck children just itching to travel up up and away. Astronaut Handbook offers the facts you want in the format you need and is a heckuva lot of fun along the way. If I've ever harbored any fears that kids today don't have adequate books to feed their love of space, those fears can now be put to rest. A must have purchase for any library system.
Ages 4-9.
January 3, 2020
A simple but informative text, and cartoon-like acrylic illustrations are paired to great effect in Meghan McCarthy's Astronaut Handbook, which offers a fun, fact-filled look at a common childhood dream: traveling to outer space! For the young reader who had wondered what qualifications they need, to become an astronaut (study hard, children, and learn to be a team player!), or what the training process involves (space food! the "Vomit Comet!"), this title will fill them in, allowing them to follow four young space cadets through the process.
A book that reminds me a bit of Faith McNulty's similar If You Decide to Go to the Moon , which offers a picture-book advice manual for space-bound youngsters, Astronaut Handbook captures the excitement of space travel, and the allure of the stars. I don't know that the style of illustrations is really my cup of tea, but it works well with the simple text, and I imagine that young readers will find it very fun. All in all, an entertaining look at a perennially popular topic, one I recommend to all those youngsters who dream of walking on the moon, or exploring the stars...
A book that reminds me a bit of Faith McNulty's similar If You Decide to Go to the Moon , which offers a picture-book advice manual for space-bound youngsters, Astronaut Handbook captures the excitement of space travel, and the allure of the stars. I don't know that the style of illustrations is really my cup of tea, but it works well with the simple text, and I imagine that young readers will find it very fun. All in all, an entertaining look at a perennially popular topic, one I recommend to all those youngsters who dream of walking on the moon, or exploring the stars...
November 20, 2010
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I wasn’t in a good mood to read it and it’s been years since I was extremely intrigued by space travel, but this is a terrific non-fiction book about the subject. When I was young, I did enjoy the freeze dried blocks of Neapolitan ice cream, designed for space travel, and a bar of that makes its appearance in this book. I would also like to ride the vomit comet, also mentioned here, but only after heavily medicating with ginger or other travel sickness medicine, something I don’t think actual applicants are permitted to do.
While I knew the basics of what it takes to prepare to be an astronaut, I learned some things from reading this. I’d had no idea how very much the space suits weigh, for instance. I liked some of the details given of the different jobs available and some details of what it’s like to live in space. Kids will undoubtedly be fascinated by the bathroom facilities as well as the food and other specifics. Who knew that there were perils to typical sliced bread?!
The illustrations are very enjoyable. The facial expressions, designed mostly by the way the eyes are painted, and the off center mouths too, are just wonderful. All the pages have colored backgrounds; depending on how light or dark they are, the text alternates between black and white. The end result is a beautiful book.
In the back, there is a Fascinating Facts page, a bibliography, the NASA website, a list of videos, and a list of places to visit.
This is a book highly recommended for young children interested in the subject of space travel and recommended for almost all other children too.
While I knew the basics of what it takes to prepare to be an astronaut, I learned some things from reading this. I’d had no idea how very much the space suits weigh, for instance. I liked some of the details given of the different jobs available and some details of what it’s like to live in space. Kids will undoubtedly be fascinated by the bathroom facilities as well as the food and other specifics. Who knew that there were perils to typical sliced bread?!
The illustrations are very enjoyable. The facial expressions, designed mostly by the way the eyes are painted, and the off center mouths too, are just wonderful. All the pages have colored backgrounds; depending on how light or dark they are, the text alternates between black and white. The end result is a beautiful book.
In the back, there is a Fascinating Facts page, a bibliography, the NASA website, a list of videos, and a list of places to visit.
This is a book highly recommended for young children interested in the subject of space travel and recommended for almost all other children too.
November 10, 2010
Loved this one! It is all about "you" as the reader and it provides information about what you will need to learn, experience and do in order to become an astronaut, things you'll need to study, personality traits to cultivate, etc. So, it's more informative than bossy. The illustrations aren't the best I've ever seen, but they are FUN and some are very descriptive. I think many children will be especially intrigued by the illustration of the spaceship bathroom where everything is labeled (and, later on in the author's note, they might be excited to learn that scientists are trying to figure out a way to purify the astronaut's urine so it can be recycled!!!) But, it's all very informational and not pandering to "potty humor"--just, I think the author knows what kids like! ;-) And there's also a nice spread of the space food, which I know I was obsessed with as a kid. Also, the book is just REALLY interesting and so cool! It gives details, too, like the different types of astronaut you could become (pilot, researcher, mechanic) which I find lacking in most books on the subject and the Author's Note in the back has lots of really great information including some of the fields of study you need in order to become an astronaut. As the NASA slogan says, "We have space for you" ;-)
November 25, 2010
How cool is this book! It made me want to become and astronaut!
The book covers the basics of what it takes to become an astronaut, the types of astronauts there are, the training required, and then tidbits of what it's like in space, with a page devoted the parts of the spacesuit, and a page devoted to the workings of the space toilet. The illustrations are not totally my style, but they work, and certainly make space life look exciting. There's more information in the back matter, and suggestions for places to visit, books to read, etc. All in all, I simply adored this concept and the execution. I mean, the Vomit Comet and freeze-dried ice cream! What's not to love! :)
The book covers the basics of what it takes to become an astronaut, the types of astronauts there are, the training required, and then tidbits of what it's like in space, with a page devoted the parts of the spacesuit, and a page devoted to the workings of the space toilet. The illustrations are not totally my style, but they work, and certainly make space life look exciting. There's more information in the back matter, and suggestions for places to visit, books to read, etc. All in all, I simply adored this concept and the execution. I mean, the Vomit Comet and freeze-dried ice cream! What's not to love! :)
June 1, 2011
I'm digging Meghan McCarthy's take on nonfiction. Her pictures are fun, the text is straightforward and accurate, and she gets what appeals to kids. I especially appreciate that her astronauts are diverse. She includes a detailed picture of a space potty, which I'm sure that 2nd and 3rd graders will love inspecting.
April 12, 2012
This is a nice overview for children of what it takes to become an astronaut. There isn't a lot of text on most of the pages, but still quite a lot of information is conveyed.
My favorite parts were the pages towards the end that gave some very interesting bits of information - such as a labeled diagram of a space toilet and a space suit. The fascinating facts page at the end really was fascinating.
I had a hard time reading the information on the bibliography page because of the black text on the purple background. Even just a little lighter background would have made a huge difference - or a different font color.
As always, I loved Meghan McCarthy's illustrations. Something about her giant-eyed people just really appeal to me.
My favorite parts were the pages towards the end that gave some very interesting bits of information - such as a labeled diagram of a space toilet and a space suit. The fascinating facts page at the end really was fascinating.
I had a hard time reading the information on the bibliography page because of the black text on the purple background. Even just a little lighter background would have made a huge difference - or a different font color.
As always, I loved Meghan McCarthy's illustrations. Something about her giant-eyed people just really appeal to me.
May 25, 2016
This is an informative and fun book with eye catching illustrations. I'm thinking of incorporating it into an elementary aged astronaut training camp program at my library.
February 19, 2021
This was a fun and informative read on what you need to do to become an astronaut and what you do as an astronaut. The illustrations are cute, appealing to young readers. Among other things, you see how astronauts sleep in sleeping bags that are strapped down, what the toilet in the bathroom looks like with labels for the different parts necessary for outer space/zero gravity use, and learn why zero gravity is the reason for why astronauts have to exercise everyday. It's a great handbook to get young ones to dream of becoming an astronaut one day.
January 20, 2018
My 3yo asks ALL the questions when we read — and this is the first book we’ve encountered that answers all her questions moments after she asks them.
One of her questions (a common one) was, “For real or pretend?” which here means “Non-fiction or fiction?” The fact that this is full of real information and completely accessible makes it a fast new favorite at our house.
One of her questions (a common one) was, “For real or pretend?” which here means “Non-fiction or fiction?” The fact that this is full of real information and completely accessible makes it a fast new favorite at our house.
December 7, 2023
Really cute book that has great illustrations your young astronaut will love! I really liked the explanation of all of the preparation and training needed to go in to the space. The back page has fascinating facts that I thought were a nice addition to this book. Any child who is interested in astronauts will enjoy this one!
April 5, 2024
Detailed and cartoonish illustrations accompany straightforward text in this informative and encouraging nonfiction picture book about what one must do to become an astronaut and prepare to actually fly a mission in space. This is definitely appropriate for story time, but also as a one-on-one read with a kid who's really into space or astronauts.
October 19, 2017
This is a fantastic picture book for kids interested in space. I got it form the library but it is on my purchase list to have in my classroom. It goes through the training for being and astronaut and what life would be like, including a space toilet. Kids love the space toilet!
August 3, 2018
This is cute and has some information, but I'm not sure that it would work as a whole-school book for Reading Week. Also it's dated ... there's no more Space Shuttle program, but there IS a urine recycling system! I would love it if McCarthy wrote an updated edition.
May 15, 2019
This book is so cute! I love how the information is presented and, despite it aimed at younger children, I definitely learned a few new things myself. :)
It arrived as part of our Books in Space! BYL Family Reading Crate.
It arrived as part of our Books in Space! BYL Family Reading Crate.
August 19, 2022
This book has been read and reread for years now. It is a glorious peek into the world of astronauts for readers of any age. Love it! And the artwork is great. A must for getting kids interested in astronauts+space.
February 16, 2017
A great way to learn about what it takes to be an astronaut!
May 17, 2017
My second graders enjoyed this story. A fun way to learn information about what it takes to be an astronaut.
June 11, 2019
Probably too long for ST but I love it!
Read
October 10, 2019Great cute book for kids. Introduces a possibly not-so-exciting topic to kids in an exciting way. Funny pictures and a quaint storyline keep this book short and sweet.
November 7, 2019
An elementary and up picture book about steps one can take to become and astronaut. Cute illustartions.
November 17, 2020
Timely. Fun. I'm so glad it was on my shelves.
December 15, 2020
Fun but boy am I old. It’s got a lot about the space shuttle and nothing about Space X. The illustrations are cosy and the ambition is real.
December 16, 2020
Great walk through of steps to prepare for space.
January 8, 2021
This is a fun picture book read about some of what it takes to become an actual astronaut!
This is perfect for kids who want to be an astronaut when they grow up!
This is perfect for kids who want to be an astronaut when they grow up!
May 17, 2021
It was fun and we really enjoyed the fascinating facts at the end of the book. It was also cool to learn about the toilets on a spaceship.
July 2, 2022
The smiley face on the shuttle that's blasting off made me chuckle.
December 24, 2022
Picture book shares some of what it would take to be an astronaut along with some of what you might expect on a mission.
February 26, 2017
"Astronaut Handbook" is a nonfiction book for children ages 3-7. This book provides concise, informative, factual information on what needs to be done to become an astronaut. It discusses the required training, character traits, living situation, different types of astronauts and fun facts about being an astronaut. I rated this book five stars because I think this is a great nonfiction picture book for children interested in becoming astronauts or learning about astronauts, to read. I think that the book provides valuable, descriptive information for kids on everything they need to know about pursuing a career as an astronaut. The information is easy to understand and is presented in a fun and engaging way. I liked that the author stresses that it is hard work to become an astronaut with a lot of physical training and studying for school. But the author presents the information in a way that even though becoming an astronaut isn't easy, it is still a cool job and the readers can do it if they work hard and know everything they have to do. I also enjoyed that the author tells readers that they need to be a team player and be respectful of others because they will be living very closely to other people if they become an astronaut. What made the book even more effective for me is that the author is talking directly to the readers. The characters are there in the pictures to demonstrate each experience that a prospective astronaut must go though but they never actually talk. I also liked that at the end of the book there is a "Fascinating Facts" box at the end of the book. I learned new information and I think the facts will be interesting to children. My favorite part of the book was the illustrations. The illustrations are very colorful, cartoonish, silly, and fun. I also liked that the astronauts were diverse, for me this really shows that anyone can become an astronaut as long as they work hard and do everything required of the job. My favorite parts of the book were the pictures of the food packages in space and the picture of the space toilet. This book would be appealing to young readers because of the concise, easy to understand text and the pictures. I think children will especially like the pictures of the space toilet, space suit, and space food. I also think children will get a kick out of some of the fun facts like: bread is not allowed in space because the crumbs can harm sensitive equipment and float into astronauts eyes. When working with children this book could be used when discussing different types of jobs children can become when they grow up. I think this book would also be great to put in the science center of a preschool classroom or to read for a lesson if there was a space theme.
November 15, 2023
McCarthy, M. (2008). Astronaut handbook. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Citation by: Sarah Hope Tyler
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: 629.45 M1232a 2008
Content/Scope: This concise handbook introduces students to the career of an astronaut, from astronaut school to landing on the moon. It explains different aspects of required training, such as swimming while wearing the flight suit and sneakers, and desired character traits, such as being a team player.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: McCarthy includes a bibliography of books, videos, and the NASA website. The inclusion of NASA's official website in the bibliography provides validity to the handbook being an authoritative resource on astronauts and an accurate portrayal of their training and duties. Bias is undetectable, since the four astronauts featured in the illustrations, three men and one woman, are representative of three different ethnicities.
Arrangement/Presentation: The arrangement is sequential, and the presentation appeals to younger elementary students, since it reads like a picture book. The lack of an index or table of contents makes it impossible for users navigate to particular pages. Detailed and labeled full-page illustrations of a space toilet and a space suit are the only aspects that distinguish this title as a non-fiction handbook, rather than a fictional picture.
Relation to Other Works This title complements the collection's current holding of biographies on Neil Armstrong and Mae Jemison and the picture book I Want to Be an Astronaut by providing general information about the career.
Accessibility/Diversity: Recommended for students in kindergarten through third grade, the handbook is accessible to special education students and those whose first language is not English, because of the bright illustrations and minimal text per page. The seventeen fascinating facts at the end of the book extends the discussion of astronauts and can pique the curiosity of older elementary students and those who are gifted and talented. Students will be able to see themselves as possible astronauts in the four astronauts depicted throughout the handbook.
Cost: $16.99
Professional Review: Smith, M. J. (2008). Astronaut handbook. School Library Journal, 54(7), 90.
Citation by: Sarah Hope Tyler
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: 629.45 M1232a 2008
Content/Scope: This concise handbook introduces students to the career of an astronaut, from astronaut school to landing on the moon. It explains different aspects of required training, such as swimming while wearing the flight suit and sneakers, and desired character traits, such as being a team player.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: McCarthy includes a bibliography of books, videos, and the NASA website. The inclusion of NASA's official website in the bibliography provides validity to the handbook being an authoritative resource on astronauts and an accurate portrayal of their training and duties. Bias is undetectable, since the four astronauts featured in the illustrations, three men and one woman, are representative of three different ethnicities.
Arrangement/Presentation: The arrangement is sequential, and the presentation appeals to younger elementary students, since it reads like a picture book. The lack of an index or table of contents makes it impossible for users navigate to particular pages. Detailed and labeled full-page illustrations of a space toilet and a space suit are the only aspects that distinguish this title as a non-fiction handbook, rather than a fictional picture.
Relation to Other Works This title complements the collection's current holding of biographies on Neil Armstrong and Mae Jemison and the picture book I Want to Be an Astronaut by providing general information about the career.
Accessibility/Diversity: Recommended for students in kindergarten through third grade, the handbook is accessible to special education students and those whose first language is not English, because of the bright illustrations and minimal text per page. The seventeen fascinating facts at the end of the book extends the discussion of astronauts and can pique the curiosity of older elementary students and those who are gifted and talented. Students will be able to see themselves as possible astronauts in the four astronauts depicted throughout the handbook.
Cost: $16.99
Professional Review: Smith, M. J. (2008). Astronaut handbook. School Library Journal, 54(7), 90.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews