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Wonder Kids
Astro Girl
The stars are the limit for a little girl who acts out her wish to be an astronaut -- inspired by a very special person.
Astrid has loved the stars and space for as long as she can remember. "I want to be an astronaut!" she says to everyone who will listen. While her mama is away, Astrid and her papa have fun acting out the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission -- like being in zero gravity ("I can do that all day long!" she says), eating food from a kind of tube, and doing science experiments with the help of cookie sheets. When at last it's time to meet Mama at the air base, Astrid wears her favorite space T-shirt to greet her. But where exactly has Mama been? Channeling a sense of childlike delight, Ken Wilson-Max brings space travel up close for young readers and offers an inspiring ending.
Astrid has loved the stars and space for as long as she can remember. "I want to be an astronaut!" she says to everyone who will listen. While her mama is away, Astrid and her papa have fun acting out the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission -- like being in zero gravity ("I can do that all day long!" she says), eating food from a kind of tube, and doing science experiments with the help of cookie sheets. When at last it's time to meet Mama at the air base, Astrid wears her favorite space T-shirt to greet her. But where exactly has Mama been? Channeling a sense of childlike delight, Ken Wilson-Max brings space travel up close for young readers and offers an inspiring ending.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2019
4 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Ken Wilson-Max
123 books23 followersKen Wilson-Max was born in 1965 and raised in Zimbabwe and studied design in the U.K. He is the author-illustrator of many children’s books. He says that he has always believed that people are more similar than different, and that that is worth celebrating. Ken Wilson-Max lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 8, 2019
Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-Max has everything I love about picture books. Everything! We get…
--Big, colorful illustrations.
--Sweetness and heart.
--And a strong, inspiring message.
Plus facts! I learned something new here. Hope you do too.
Highly recommended. It inspires young readers to reach for the stars!
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March 31, 2020طبق قرار لینکداینی، ناسا در طول هفته قراره یه جوری ما رو در خونه موندن همراهی کنه. اینجوری که کریستینا در اون لباس آبی قشنگش هر روز برامون توی اینستا لایو خودش کتاب بخونه.
اولین کتابمون هم این بود ^-^
@
astro_christina
اولین کتابمون هم این بود ^-^
@
astro_christina
October 27, 2020
Astrid has dreamed of space for as long as she can remember and her bedroom is full of items that celebrate this passion. She tells her best friend Jake that one day she could love to be an astronaut and she promises him that she'll bring him back a piece of asteroid when she becomes one.
When she shares this passion with her dad, he throws her around the room and lists all the things she'll need to be able to do if she really wants to be an astronaut: fly around Earth; eat food from packets; float in zero-gravity. Nothing phases Astrid though and she accepts the challenges! Why? The answer becomes clear when both her and her dad go and pick up mum from work. With a big hug at the end of the day, Mum cuddles her daughter straight after she leaves her space rocket.
I love Ken Wilson-Max's illustrations in all his work. Heavy, thick acrylics fill the pages and draw the reader in (I especially loved the black dog). It's lovely to see a story in which girls have great aspirations and Wilson-Max builds on this with a spread at the end about space and other famous female astronauts. I also liked Dad being the primary carer whilst mum went to work. Although not a complaint, I wish the dedication had been 'to all children' who dream of exploring the stars rather than 'just girls': then you really would be normalising the idea.
When she shares this passion with her dad, he throws her around the room and lists all the things she'll need to be able to do if she really wants to be an astronaut: fly around Earth; eat food from packets; float in zero-gravity. Nothing phases Astrid though and she accepts the challenges! Why? The answer becomes clear when both her and her dad go and pick up mum from work. With a big hug at the end of the day, Mum cuddles her daughter straight after she leaves her space rocket.
I love Ken Wilson-Max's illustrations in all his work. Heavy, thick acrylics fill the pages and draw the reader in (I especially loved the black dog). It's lovely to see a story in which girls have great aspirations and Wilson-Max builds on this with a spread at the end about space and other famous female astronauts. I also liked Dad being the primary carer whilst mum went to work. Although not a complaint, I wish the dedication had been 'to all children' who dream of exploring the stars rather than 'just girls': then you really would be normalising the idea.
November 24, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a great story, I found myself enjoying it immensely. You learn about Astrid and her dreams before finding out what her mom does for a living. I pleasantly surprised and can imagine young female readers will experience this too.
The sentences are short, but dialogue is prevalent and may trick up new readers, so I would push this book toward a more advanced reader group of picture books. The paragraphs are short too. The book is large and can easily fit into a little reader's lap.
The illustrations are not something I'm overly thrilled with. The colors are dark at times and seem oppressive. The items in the book are almost too big, or bulky and didn't fit the story for me. The one-dimensional art style just didn't rock the book for me and I would have liked seeing a more delicate style applied with bright colors and strong strokes. It's probably just me.
I did like the informational section at the back that introduces more female astronauts to the reader. There's a few facts included that I wasn't aware of and appreciated.
I enjoyed the story so much because of the topic materials and diversity shown that I only took off 1/2 a star for the clunky art.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a great story, I found myself enjoying it immensely. You learn about Astrid and her dreams before finding out what her mom does for a living. I pleasantly surprised and can imagine young female readers will experience this too.
The sentences are short, but dialogue is prevalent and may trick up new readers, so I would push this book toward a more advanced reader group of picture books. The paragraphs are short too. The book is large and can easily fit into a little reader's lap.
The illustrations are not something I'm overly thrilled with. The colors are dark at times and seem oppressive. The items in the book are almost too big, or bulky and didn't fit the story for me. The one-dimensional art style just didn't rock the book for me and I would have liked seeing a more delicate style applied with bright colors and strong strokes. It's probably just me.
I did like the informational section at the back that introduces more female astronauts to the reader. There's a few facts included that I wasn't aware of and appreciated.
I enjoyed the story so much because of the topic materials and diversity shown that I only took off 1/2 a star for the clunky art.
December 21, 2019
I loved the story and the fact that Astrid's mom is also an astronaut, and a role model and heroine for her young daughter. It's also wonderful to see her father staying home and caring for her while her mom is the one working - in space! The joy they share as they go through their daily tasks while talking about the stars and space travel and zero gravity is palpable. The illustrations are bright and bold and the storyline is easy to understand for even the youngest readers.
My only quibble is a factual misprint, and I hope this is edited in future reprints/editions from Candlewick. The information section in my copy states that Shannon Lucid "set an early record for the longest time spent in space by a women (188 days in 1966)." It was actually 1996.
My only quibble is a factual misprint, and I hope this is edited in future reprints/editions from Candlewick. The information section in my copy states that Shannon Lucid "set an early record for the longest time spent in space by a women (188 days in 1966)." It was actually 1996.
January 7, 2020
Loved so many elements of this book! From the characters to the plot to the surprise ending- would definitely recommend for a classroom library!
October 1, 2019
There is this little girl who wants to be an astronaut. Her name is Astrid and she moves happily through the day with her dad talking about her biggest wish. She's loved stars ever since she can remember, the story says. Her dad swings her round and round as he asks if she can survive going round and round the earth in a spaceship. He continues to tease with eating from a box or living with zero gravity, to which she answers, "I can do that all day long." The colorful black-lined illustrations show a loving home with Dad and a dog. And the turning: "At last it was time to go get Mama." There is a lovely surprise for readers as they arrive at the space center and three people are shown in silhouette, one of which is Mama! She is an astronaut!
Ken Wilson-Max has added some extra information at the back about space exploration, most exciting is the timeline of women in space! What a delightful book for young readers, just beginning to know about astronauts and space and beginning to wonder what they'd like to be when they grow up.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy.
Ken Wilson-Max has added some extra information at the back about space exploration, most exciting is the timeline of women in space! What a delightful book for young readers, just beginning to know about astronauts and space and beginning to wonder what they'd like to be when they grow up.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy.
October 10, 2019
Ken Wilson-Max does it again! I love his illustrations, but the clear and lovely text really knocks this one out of the park. The story is totally readable for basically any age story time, but I think it would be awesome to use in playgroup for babies and toddlers.
September 3, 2019
This is a sweet story about a girl who wants to become an astronaut just like her mother.
November 9, 2019
Some information about space without too much detail to be overwhelming but also some suggested names for future reading.
Positive images for girls.
Positive images for girls.
April 9, 2020
Astrid loves space and wants to be an astronaut just like her hero, her mom. So, her father helps her practice the things she will need to do like move in zero gravity, preform experiments, and eat pre-packaged food for when she is a real space explorer. When her mother returns, Astrid is ready for both the reunion with her working mother and going to space someday herself!
Celebrated British picture book writer and illustrator Ken Wilson-Max has created another beautiful and embraceable story for an early childhood audience. Presented in an oversized case that allows for an amazing view of the acrylic paintings, the images will draw you in from the astonishing front cover to the satisfying hug at the end. In the images you can see details both big and small like the brushstrokes and color gradations. The story is told in simple oversize text but is rich in language and movement so that children will be enthralled and engaged with the plot. A two-page extra spread at the end presents simple facts about space, food and training tidbits, and short bios of 5 women astronauts written in a way that appeals to young children. With both the characters and extra bio information, Wilson-Max has also presented an own voices picture book that features non-white main characters and celebrates the diversity of both the U.K. and North America.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Celebrated British picture book writer and illustrator Ken Wilson-Max has created another beautiful and embraceable story for an early childhood audience. Presented in an oversized case that allows for an amazing view of the acrylic paintings, the images will draw you in from the astonishing front cover to the satisfying hug at the end. In the images you can see details both big and small like the brushstrokes and color gradations. The story is told in simple oversize text but is rich in language and movement so that children will be enthralled and engaged with the plot. A two-page extra spread at the end presents simple facts about space, food and training tidbits, and short bios of 5 women astronauts written in a way that appeals to young children. With both the characters and extra bio information, Wilson-Max has also presented an own voices picture book that features non-white main characters and celebrates the diversity of both the U.K. and North America.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
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October 7, 2020Astro Girl is written by Ken Wilson-Max. This book describes a small glimpse of Astrid's life as she is declaring she wants to be an astronaut. When she first tells her friend, he asks her to bring back an asteroid. Then, throughout the book her dad challenges her with tasks that astronauts have to perform/execute-- like, going around the Earth in the spaceship, eating food out of a tube, getting used to zero gravitiy, science experiments, and sleep among the stars. Finally, they go to pick up her mom and Astrid wears her favorite space shirt. And then she sees her mom!
I loved this book. The relationship with her father is very sweet in that he is very supportive of her wanting to become an astronaut. Also the relationship Astrid has with her mother is also very tender. I can sense from the book how much this little girl looks up to her mom. She wants to be just like her when she grows up! The pictures are very beautiful and sweet.
I would definitely use this book in my classroom! I could use it when referring to space or even just as a female role model. This can be used when asking the students what they want to be when they grow up. You can do anything you set your mind to. The world is limitless! Be creative! Be unique! Do what YOU want to do! Be whoever YOU want to be.
I loved this book. The relationship with her father is very sweet in that he is very supportive of her wanting to become an astronaut. Also the relationship Astrid has with her mother is also very tender. I can sense from the book how much this little girl looks up to her mom. She wants to be just like her when she grows up! The pictures are very beautiful and sweet.
I would definitely use this book in my classroom! I could use it when referring to space or even just as a female role model. This can be used when asking the students what they want to be when they grow up. You can do anything you set your mind to. The world is limitless! Be creative! Be unique! Do what YOU want to do! Be whoever YOU want to be.
October 8, 2022
Astro girl is a fiction picture book that talks about a young girls dreams of becoming an astronaut. Astrid has always had a passion for space and throughout the book shows her determination and commitment to her dream. With each challenge her supportive Father proposes she responds with determination and enthusiasm.
The illustrations in the book are simplistic yet capture true joy in the characters faces when Astrid is reunited with her mother. The simplicity of the story draws attention to the themes embedded in the story. The book looks to challenge many stereotypes with Astrid being a young black girl who lives with her father whilst her mother is at work in space. This book acts as a truly inspirational text for young girls who resonate with Astrid and have dreams of a career in STEM. The book also deviates from the stereotyped family dynamics and shares the wonderful connection Astrid and her father share.
Whilst being a fiction text, the book concludes with a child friendly reference text, filled with facts about space. I think this is a lovely touch to conclude the story on, not only educating children about space and astronomy but also helping to solidify the possibility of a career in this field. With facts focusing on women from a range of ethnicities this book is highly inclusive and should have a place within every classroom.
The illustrations in the book are simplistic yet capture true joy in the characters faces when Astrid is reunited with her mother. The simplicity of the story draws attention to the themes embedded in the story. The book looks to challenge many stereotypes with Astrid being a young black girl who lives with her father whilst her mother is at work in space. This book acts as a truly inspirational text for young girls who resonate with Astrid and have dreams of a career in STEM. The book also deviates from the stereotyped family dynamics and shares the wonderful connection Astrid and her father share.
Whilst being a fiction text, the book concludes with a child friendly reference text, filled with facts about space. I think this is a lovely touch to conclude the story on, not only educating children about space and astronomy but also helping to solidify the possibility of a career in this field. With facts focusing on women from a range of ethnicities this book is highly inclusive and should have a place within every classroom.
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September 13, 2020Summary: In this fiction book written by Ken Wilson-Max a little girl, Astrid, and her Papa act out her dream of being an astronaut while her mother is gone. Astrid has wanted to be an astronaut as long as she can remember, which was inspired by a very special person. The illustrations seem to show each aspect or characteristic of what it is like being an astronaut.
Analysis: I liked the illustrations in this book because of the colors and execution of each picture. I loved how Astrid was portrayed in the book and how adventure seeking she was. I believe that can be very encouraging to children these days. The whole idea of the book teaches children they can do anything and to set their goals high. I also loved how there was more information in the back of the book talking about astronauts and how they train and important astronauts.
How I could use in classroom: I could use this book to talk about important people in each students lives and see who they look up too. This book could also be used to talk about what they want to be when they grow up. I think another good use for this book would be to discuss goal setting and how no goal is too high. But another way this book could be used is to talk about astronauts and the galaxy.
Analysis: I liked the illustrations in this book because of the colors and execution of each picture. I loved how Astrid was portrayed in the book and how adventure seeking she was. I believe that can be very encouraging to children these days. The whole idea of the book teaches children they can do anything and to set their goals high. I also loved how there was more information in the back of the book talking about astronauts and how they train and important astronauts.
How I could use in classroom: I could use this book to talk about important people in each students lives and see who they look up too. This book could also be used to talk about what they want to be when they grow up. I think another good use for this book would be to discuss goal setting and how no goal is too high. But another way this book could be used is to talk about astronauts and the galaxy.
November 14, 2020
This book is about a young girl, Astrid, who has decided that she wants to be an astronaut. She loves looking at the stars with her friend Jake, and always talks about becoming an astronaut. Her father reminds of all the responsibilities she will have as an astronaut, but Astrid knows she could handle them. At the end of the story, Astrid and her father go and pick up her mother, who's an astronaut! She wants to grow up to be just like her mother.
This book is such an enjoyable read, and so inspiring for young girls. The illustrations are so cute, and the story is very sweet. I love that it talks about different things that kids may not know astronauts have to do, and at the end of the book, there are several facts and women astronauts listed. Great book!
This would be such a great book for children who want to be astronauts and young girls who are seeking to be in a male-dominated field. This is also a great book for children who are interested in space and may like the facts at the end of the book. Great option when teaching space lessons!
This book is such an enjoyable read, and so inspiring for young girls. The illustrations are so cute, and the story is very sweet. I love that it talks about different things that kids may not know astronauts have to do, and at the end of the book, there are several facts and women astronauts listed. Great book!
This would be such a great book for children who want to be astronauts and young girls who are seeking to be in a male-dominated field. This is also a great book for children who are interested in space and may like the facts at the end of the book. Great option when teaching space lessons!
December 6, 2019
A beautiful but simple picture book about a young girl of color wanting to be an astronaut. Astrid shares this with her friend who is not at all surprised but wants her to bring back an asteroid for him. She also shares this with her father, who mentioned that the food might be different and throws her up in the air to get used to zero gravity. Papa also asks Astrid if she can handle the science experiments while they are making rocket ship cookies. Both of them are pictured buckled in to get her mama who turns out to be an astronaut herself.
The last spread has information about the word astronaut, the first astronauts and in particular women astronauts.
Illustrations are colorful and have bold brush strokes.
R
Oral
Pre-Kindergarten
The last spread has information about the word astronaut, the first astronauts and in particular women astronauts.
Illustrations are colorful and have bold brush strokes.
R
Oral
Pre-Kindergarten
November 14, 2020
A lovely story of a little girl who wants to be an astrounaut. The story follows her and her dad as he asks her if she would be happy doing lots of things astronauts have to do like eating out of packets and sleeping among the stars. At the end of the book, they go to pick her mum up in the car and you find out her mum is an astronaut and has inspired her daughter's love of space. A beautiful book of positive stereotypes of black women in STEM careers.
The book could be linked to discussions about what the children want to be when they grow up. This could lead to questions such as 'Can girls be astronauts?' or 'Can boys be dancers?' to break down gender stereotypes the children may hold.
The book could be linked to discussions about what the children want to be when they grow up. This could lead to questions such as 'Can girls be astronauts?' or 'Can boys be dancers?' to break down gender stereotypes the children may hold.
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January 27, 2022Young Astrid has a goal of one day becoming an astronaut. She and her father discuss all of the things that astronauts have to go through such as eating out of packages, performing science experiments, and sleeping amongst the stars. At the end of the book we learn that Astrid wants to become an astronaut because her mom is one. I liked the theme of this book, and I enjoyed it for the most part. I do wish that it went into a little bit more detail and was more than just the conversation with her dad. I would use read this book in a classroom if we were talking about different careers or in a unit about space.
October 22, 2019
This sweet picture book shares a story that lets young readers enjoy a special relationship between a father and his daughter and also shares the message that everyone, including girls, can reach for the stars. Astrid dreams of one day being an astronaut. She spends her free time studying the stars and planets. Her father encourages her by imagining what meals in outer space would be like, moving around in zero-gravity, and sleeping among the stars. When it's time to go pick their mother up to come home, readers will see that Astrid wants to follow in her footsteps.
September 14, 2021
Great story, featuring a little girl who dreams of going to space. As she goes through her day, she thinks about challenges she will face as an astronaut.
I particularly enjoyed the way she is spending time with/interacting with her father in the story.
A good story for pre-k-2nd featuring a curious girl, a supportive father, and a STEM professional mother.
They include some fun facts and introduce the readers to some female astronauts, which is a big plus in my enjoyment.
Recommended for primary grades and as a read together for younger.
I particularly enjoyed the way she is spending time with/interacting with her father in the story.
A good story for pre-k-2nd featuring a curious girl, a supportive father, and a STEM professional mother.
They include some fun facts and introduce the readers to some female astronauts, which is a big plus in my enjoyment.
Recommended for primary grades and as a read together for younger.
January 11, 2022
This was one out of the three books that fell under the family theme. I felt this story was quite moving and you could visualise what was happening as you followed along with the story. There were definitely strong family connections and it showed that even though some of your family is not there all the time there is still a strong relationship. I would read this to any age group as it can show that support from people around you can help you grow and become anything you want to be. It is also very inspiring and informative about female astronauts.
January 28, 2022
"Astro Girl" depicts a story of a little girl wanting to be an astronaut. Her dad goes through and asks her if she's capable of the various tasks that astronauts have to do to be successful. After answering yes to all of her father's questions, he takes her to the space center to pick up her mom, who is an astronaut. I really loved this book. I thought that the author did a fantastic job building up to revealing that her mom was an astronaut. I also really enjoyed the illustrations. I would use this book in either a talk about future careers or in a space unit.
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September 6, 2019This adorable picture book shows a little girl excited to become an astronaut one day as she and her daddy talk about the things astronauts have to do, like science experiments and living in zero gravity. Back matter includes short bios on a handful of female astronauts from around the world. This is a great women-in-STEM title for the youngest readers. Pair with MAE AMONG THE STARS for another story of girls dreaming of the stars.
October 24, 2019
A little girl wants to become an astronaut, so does astronaut activities all day with her dad; making rocket cookies, being thrown in the air to experience zero G, and more. At the end of the day her mom comes home and it is revealed she wants to become an astronaut to be just like her mom.
This book can help inspire girls and people of color to join STEM fields and helps to represent career mothers and stay-at-home dads.
This book can help inspire girls and people of color to join STEM fields and helps to represent career mothers and stay-at-home dads.
November 19, 2019
A little girl loves the stars and aspires to be an astronaut.
With her father she "practices" for being in space -- eating packaged food, flying through the air in "zero g", etc. She thinks about what it would be like to be away from family like astronauts have to be.
At the end, they go to meet her mother, who has been away (in space!).
This book shows both love for all things space and a special relationship between father and daughter.
With her father she "practices" for being in space -- eating packaged food, flying through the air in "zero g", etc. She thinks about what it would be like to be away from family like astronauts have to be.
At the end, they go to meet her mother, who has been away (in space!).
This book shows both love for all things space and a special relationship between father and daughter.
January 7, 2020
This is a really nice book about a young child who dreams of being an astronaut so her dad shows her all of the things she’d need to do, like having zero gravity and eating out of a packet. It’s a really nice book to use for a space topic to show what astronauts actually have to do in space but it wasn’t the most inspiring book i’ve ever read. Although the facts about space in the back are a nice addition.
September 23, 2019
This is a clever story - about a little girl who wants to be an astronaut! Her Dad asks her questions about all of the things she will have to do as an astronaut and she gives him a reason every time of why she can do it! In the end - the great surprise is that they get to go see an astronaut - her mom! Endearing story.
December 8, 2019
I had heard about this book on social media so I kind of knew what was coming. I started crying about midway through because it’s just so important for our young girls, and our young girls of color to know they can do great things, that opportunities exist and not to let anyone tell them they can’t achieve amazing things in this world.
November 1, 2021
I really liked that this book portrayed a female in a STEM role, something that is of great importance for practitioners to demonstrate to their pupils. Being an astronaut is not just a job for males. Although it was predictable, it was lovely to see that Astro Girl looked up to her mother as her role model and wanted to follow in her footsteps.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews