Ladybug Launch: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space

by Melissa Trempe, Manuela Montoya (Illustrator), Natalia Ojeda

Based on a true story, this out-of-this-world picture book follows the exciting scientific journey of a chica and a chinita with sky-high aspirations—perfect for fans of Mae Among the Stars and What Miss Mitchell Saw.

Natalia is a chica, an ambitious girl with dreams of becoming a scientist. Luna is a chinita, an adventurous ladybug that dreams of visiting the stars. But neither dream is easy to reach. Ladybugs are meant to munch on garden pests. And no one from Natalia’s family has ever been to college. Still, both Natalia and Luna want más.

Then Natalia’s all-girl class designs an experiment. If astronauts want to live in outer space, they’ll need to grow food. Could chinitas go along to keep the pests away? The girls are eager to find out, and Luna is hungry to help. If their theory is correct, it’s a project worthy of NASA itself—and the stuff all dreams are made of.

This inspiring picture book is based on the real story of Chilean high school girls who convinced NASA to send ladybugs to space!

Genres: Picture Books, Space

48 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book to encourage curiosity in young minds. Based on a true story it also incorporates Spanish to introduce the language in a fun and engaging way! A must have for any home, school or public library!

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Dallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it would be better if we took out the ladybug's perspective

3.5/5