The most important thing we can do is inspire young minds and to advance the
kind of science, math and technology education that will help youngsters take
us to the next phase of space travel.
---John Glenn
In 1999 there was a televised tribute to John Glenn. My son, Aaron was 9 years old and John Glenn was his astronaut hero. In one of those meant to be moments, his best friend's aunt happened to be the
coordinator
of the event and invited him to participate. He was among a handful of children that were on the stage during the tribute of John Glenn's actual space suit that he wore when he walked on the moon. The children were given blue space jump suits to wear and keep. You can imagine our excitement when they told us John Glenn would sign his name in black sharpie on every child's jumpsuit. This was a shining moment in my nine year old's life, it is one of his prized possessions still today. It was his dream to go to space camp and he did go that very next year. When Aaron was in the 4th grade he begged his teacher to let him do a presentation about space to the class. She finally agreed and was so impressed she sent him to present his "take on space" to the other 4th grade classes as well. Ironically, one of the other teachers was the daughter of the man that invented the steering wheel for the space shuttle. She came up to me afterwards and said, "I thought I knew a lot about space but Aaron taught me some things I didn't know". And that was a mom's shining moment.
Don't we just love it when our children are really excited and interested about something? So, if Space is your place here are some books to look for:
A fun book for the little ones is Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle. Can he do it, well maybe but Papa needs a really long ladder
to get there.
MOON by Steve Tomecek. illustrations by Liisa (not a typo there are 2 i's) Chauncy Guida This is a National Geographic book so as you would expect it is interesting and easy to understand. The book begins... A long time ago, many people had strange beliefs about the moon. Some thought that the moon had evil spirits that caused people to act strangely. Back in the year 1609, many of the false ideas about the moon began to change. A scientist named Galileo used his telescope to take a close-up look at the moon.
There is Another National Geographic book that is just as informative and simple to understand titled, STARS also written by Tomecek but this time illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa. Also, in the back of each book is a related activity to reinforce and illustrate the information you just read. It visually looks like a picture book but is packed with facts.
How Many Stars in the Sky? It is written by Lenny Hort. I love this book because it's about encouraging your child to find for themselves the answers to their questions. The illustrations are actually beautiful paintings by
James E. Ransome.
Moon Dreams by Ruth Martin illustrated by Oliver Latyk is a whimsical book that you might want to read to your little one that is always asking you questions about the moon. It is about Luna who had always loved the moon, but she wondered where does it go during the day.
To Space & Back by Sally Ride with Susan Okie. U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride shares the adventure of outer space clearly and interestingly. This is about the nuts and bolts of being an astronaut. The pictures are excellent.
AND then there is the "mother-load" of one of the best space books ever...Find the Constellations (second edition) by H.A Rey (recognize the name, it's the author of Curious George but above that level of reading) It is packed with star facts, charts, drawings and quizzes. This book would also be a great resource for teachers.
The reason for a second edition is sadly because of the loss of Pluto
as a full sized planet.
So, let me conclude with...
At night time, when the stars are out, the sky all of sudden becomes a huge picture book. You can look up and see a lion and a whale, an eagle, a swan, a dog, a hare and a lot of other pictures; that is of course, if you know how to find them. (From Find the Constellations)
AND let me also say Thank You to Neal DeGrassee Tyson who reminds us to look up and enjoy the sky every time we go outside.
I'm sure you will then be inspired to read your copy of "Winnie the Pooh" or "The House at Pooh Corner" which I'm sure is sitting on your book shelf. I know I am!
