Astro Girl

Astrid has always loved the stars and space."I want to be an astronaut!" she says.While Mama is away, Papa and Astrid have fun acting out the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission - eating food from a tube, doing science experiments, living and sleeping in near-zero gravity. Astrid can do it all!Then it's time to meet Mama at the airbase. But where has Mama been?

Nominated for CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2020 (UK)

"Gorgeously illustrated and beautifully paced, this empowering and heartwarming story delivers a wonderful surprise at the end."

"Delightful and educational."

"A diverse and aspirational picture book, radiating positivity and parental love...All the elements of this book will be sure to get Early Years children excited. A great read-aloud to the class for those looking for a bit more to discuss."

"This delightful story brings space travel up close for young children, and has a special surprise ending!"

"This lovely early-years picture book explores Astrid’s passion within a domestic sphere as she explores the every day with her father, thinking about how what they are doing relates to outer space – eating meals, discussing gravity, science experiments and more. There’s a neat twist at the end – the mum comes home from her job as an astronaut. Black-outlined colourful illustrations set this book firmly within preschool territory, with a lovely timeline of women in space at the back."

"A story full of tenderness and adventure...This gentle picture book with distinctive earthy illustrations is a lovely read-aloud for Reception/Year 1 with a wonderful inclusive message at its heart, supported by the mini fact-files about female and BAME astronauts at the end."

"A very encouraging story, and Ken Wilson-Max’s illustrations, with their textured look, are as delightful as ever."

"Seek this book out, it's great...an enjoyable, diverse read."

"Lovely story."

"This book will enable children and parents to talk with each other and build stories an pictures around all sorts of space travel."

"A delightful combination of imaginative play and inspiring role model from a much-loved author-illustrator."

"Lovely, big, bold illustrations."

"With bold, strong pictures this story has a surprise for its reader...and has plenty of interesting facts... A delight to read."

"Simply and beautifully told...A smashing book for young space enthusiasts and perhaps to share on Father's Day."

"A delightful and educational book for young readers interested in space travel, with colourful illustrations, large-print text, fun facts, diverse characters and heartfelt father-daughter interactions."

"A wonderful picture book for encouraging children to believe they can do anything. It's a beautifully tender portrait of a father-daughter relationship, with lots of playful games and activities to share - and an empowering ending."

"Astro Girl is an incredibly lovely story, featuring a family dynamic and historical references (both to women in history but particularly to black women in history) that I’d personally love to see more of in children’s literature. A fantastic celebration of #BlackJoy #strongwomen and #supportivedads"

"A simply told but inspiring picture book for all young and aspiring astronauts. Astrid truly believes she is capable of anything an astronaut does and spends her days dreaming of what can be. With the most inspirational hero in her life, maybe her dreams will come true."

"This picture book is an exploration of a young child’s connection to space travel, enhanced by educational facts about female astronauts. Lovely use of close-ups, perspective, colour and humour conveys emotion, joy and togetherness. The honest and tender storyline is complemented by eye-catching details and bold backgrounds. It's a great book for little STEM explorers."

KEN WILSON-MAX was born in Zimbabwe. He came to the UK to study design and ended up working in children's publishing. His first book was published in 1993 and since then there have been many, including The Big Yellow Taxi, Little Red Plane, and the Lenny and Max series. As well as being a leading graphic designer, he is the publisher of Chicken! a newspaper which introduces current affairs to primary school children. He spends much time visiting schools and libraries, creating workshops and delivering exhibitions. He calls this "a great part of my job, the place where I learn the most". Ken Wilson Max lives in north London.

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