Links & Resources - Recommendations

Archive of Bobbi's favorite new books: Space exploration

When we were writing Thinking Big, Learning Big, Marie and I frequently commiserated about the lack of good, new books for young children on outer space, especially since that’s a topic that is so appealing to Marie and Tim’s preschool classes. Happily, about the time of the 40th anniversary of the moon landing in 2009, new books about space exploration appeared on library shelves. While the target audience is often students at the elementary school level, the following books contain dynamic photos and illustrations sure to spur curiosity. Apollo astronaut and lunar explorer Buzz Aldrin added author to his credits with his book honoring the teamwork behind the historic missions. Robert Burleigh offers another excellent account of those memorable moments when there were real men on the moon.

Cars on Mars: Roving the Red Planet by Alexandra Siy
The incredible story of the "little rovers that could" comes alive in Siy’s fact-filled account. Illustrated with the extraordinary photos taken by Spirit and Opportunity, the text is long but lightened with humor.  Ages 5 – up

Look to the Stars by Buzz Aldrin
Apollo Project astronaut and moon-walker Buzz Aldrin presents his personal perspective on man’s attempts to lift off from our home planet. Paintings on each page, a brief history of flight and prospects for future advances in space exploration add to his tribute to everyone who took part in the missions.  Ages 5 – up

One Giant Leap by Robert Burleigh
Highly descriptive language and realistic paintings capture the excitement and tension of the first moon landing as well as the exuberance of the first bouncing steps taken by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on July 20, 1969.  Highly recommended.  Ages 4 – up

You Are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O’Brien
Dedicated to his son, the author/illustrator uses an intrepid boy to represent "you" taking a realistic looking, step-by-step mission to explore Mars. Accompanied by adult astronauts, you reach Mars via a yet-to-be-invented space vehicle, arriving at the habitat you explore the surface and encounter various robots at work. Ages 4 – 8