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

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

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, Science, Biography, Science Nature

Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Steena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this beautifully written story by Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda, and illustrated by Manuela Montoya. This story shines from the first page, as it parallels a little girl, who dreams of becoming a scientist, and a ladybug, who wants to go to space. Adorable illustrations of the starry-eyed ladybug add an endearing touch to what the reader learns is based on a true story. An encouraging teacher helps the little girl and her classmates take their idea straight to NASA! A sprinkling of Spanish words makes this a diverse read, and a Spanish to English glossary is included. This inspiring read is sure to have the youngest readers dreaming big and shooting for the stars!

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I learn new things from picture books and Ladybug Launch did not disappoint! Based on a true story, Ladybug Launch is an inspiring read of determination and thinking big. Told as a dual narrative, we follow both the point of view of the Luna the ladybug and Natalia, a young chica who dreams of becoming a scientist. Both have big dreams that come to fruition after hard work and perseverance. With informative back matter and bold illustrations, Ladybug Launch is both fun and informative. Highly recommend for home and school libraries.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch has all the feels you could want in a picture book. Based on true events, the dual narrative tells the inspiring story of Natalie, a young girl in Chile, and the small ladybug who help her take part in a student-led experiment for NASA.

Melissa Trempe weaves Spanish words with hopes and dreams that left me wanting más! If they can do it, so can we! It truly is an inspiring story of a tiny chinita and a little chica who find a way to reach the stars! Highly recommend for young space and science lovers.

[Kristen Strocchia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love how this book blends the real story of Natalia Ojeda with a fictional storyline of Luna the ladybug. Such a fun read and a cool true story about possibilities and perseverance.

[Mariana Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book cowritten by Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda is such an inspiring example of how going after your dreams with determination, faith, and hard work can make them possible. The fact that Ladybug Launch is based on a true story and that it's cowritten by the main character (Natalia Ojeda) makes this book even more appealing and fascinating.

The dual point of view story follows Natalia, a young girl from Chile who dreams of being a scientist; and Luna, a ladybug with big dreams of going to space. As the story progresses, Natalia and Luna will meet and their dreams will align to give place to an amazing project that will show them (and the rest of the world) that anything is possible.

I particularly enjoyed that the book has Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text, which makes the story more authentic. Additional back matter includes an interesting author's note written by Natalia Ojeda, a glossary, and even more research resources for curious readers.

With adorable and colorful illustrations by Manuela Montoya, and a takeaway message that will get kids believing their dreams are possible, this book will definitely be a great addition to homes, libraries and schools.

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch is an excellent story of curiosity, hope and perseverance. I love how it is told through the point of view of a chica (Natalia) and a chinita (Luna the ladybug) — both following their own dreams. It is a smart, STEM story that teaches and entertains. Spanish words are incorporated throughout the story and the author’s note enhances the amazing educational layer. It is so inspirational to read about Natalia’s real life experience to bring their experiment to space! The illustrations are fun and vibrant. This is a big story for big dreamers. It has grit, heart and the author peppers in humor as well — she hits it out of the park (in this case atmosphere). I would highly recommend this book for classrooms, libraries and homes around the world! It soars and will leave readers wanting “mas!”

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

LADYBUG LAUNCH, Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space, is such an amazing story!  I don’t want to give too much away in the review.  Let’s just say it involves ladybugs, science experiments, astronauts, NASA, and inspiring Chilean students and science teacher.  There’s so much to enjoy about this book.  I love how creatively the story is told through two parallel points of view, that come together in the narrative: Natalie, a young girl who is passionate about science, and a ladybug, who is passionate about space travel.  I think this book would be a wonderful addition to school and home libraries.  There are so many potential educational connections.  Even as an adult reader, I found it so thought-provoking, so I can just imagine how inspired young readers will feel.

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch is an amazing story, inspired by true events. The illustrations are bold, beautiful, and perfectly accompany this inspiring story about a little girl and a ladybug…both with big dreams and immense drive. The writing is lovely and brings this story to life. Readers will be in amazed that a child participated in such a fascinating scientific experiment. Spanish words throughout the book add an additional layer of learning and connection. Perfect for home or in the classroom, this book will stay with you long after you put it down and will certainly encourage and inspire young readers!

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book, based on a true story, is both delightful and inspirational. Luna is a ladybug, and Natalia is a Chilean schoolgirl who share a common ambition: to achieve more in life, particularly in the field of science. When Luna and Natalia’s paths cross, Natalia, her teacher, and her classmates devise a plan to send ladybugs into space. Through hard work, experiments, fundraising, and pitching their idea to NASA, they successfully get ladybugs into orbit to see if they can eat pests in zero gravity. Natalia and her classmates made it happen. I loved the combination of girl power, nature, and space in this story.

[Ellen L. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and inspiring book weaves the story of Natalia, a chica (girl) who longs to become a scientist, and a chinita (ladybug) that dreams of visiting the stars. Combine Natalia’s school science project with an ambitious ladybug, and you’re on your way to reading about how a class of Chilean students convinced NASA to send ladybugs into space. The story is particularly interesting because the co-author, Natalie Ojeda, is the main character in the story. The back matter includes a glossary of Spanish to English words and suggestions for more research and exploration. Beautifully written and illustrated—highly recommend!

[Lydia Cohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch is a delightful true story that will inspire the reader to follow their dreams and to never give up. The story is told from the perspective of a little girl as well as a little ladybug. Both with big dreams. The message is loud and clear...all things are possible with tenacity and determination. The reader will find courage to dream big and believe in themselves. I really enjoyed reading about the real-life characters at the end of the book. This is a great STEM book. You will love the illustrations and how the story unfolds. A must read and a great gift for a young child, teacher, and/or school librarian. A+++

[Mark Ceilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug LAUNCH
By Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda
Illustrated by Manuela Montoya

This is a charming and informative story with strong storytelling, onomatopoeia, a sprinkling of Spanish words, and colorful illustrations. The story is told from two perspectives, Luna (a ladybug) who dreams of space travel and Natalia (a girl from Chile) who dreams of being a doctor and helps design an experiment to send a ladybug to space. It is told from the perspectives of both characters. It also includes an author’s note, Spanish to English glossary, and suggestions for further reading. I highly recommend this book!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch is an incredible book based on a true story about an ambitious young scientist with big dreams. Using dual POV, we follow the path of young Natalia on her journey as well as Luna the chinita, an adventurous ladybug with dreams of her own. There is so much to love about this book—from the beautiful, seamless writing, to the inspiring storyline, to the vibrant illustrations that pop off every page. Young readers, parents and educators everywhere will love learning about why ladybugs went to space and the inspiring real-life woman who made it happen!

[Arlene Abundis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch is an inspiring STEM book with Latina representation from Santiago, Chile. Based on a true story that uses dual POV, readers will delight in a little girl named Natalia and Luna the chinita, a valiant ladybug with dreams unlike any other. The dazzling illustrations blast off with hope on every page and the excellent writing reminds us all that nothing is impossible. I loved the author's note from Natalia Ojeda and all the details of her childhood journey. It was fascinating to learn how her teacher helped the class take their idea to NASA and the real life launch of ladybugs into space. I especially love how Natalia encourages us all that our dreams are never too big.

[Faith Kazmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and amazing story about ladybugs and space. This book is full of beautiful messages of dreaming big and perserverence, despite all odds. At first the dreams seemed too big, but the story unfolded in such a way that put it within reach. I really enjoyed how the parallel stories of the chinita and Natalia began and then came together to make the dream came true. And, it's a true story! The author's note in the end explaining the chain of events that led to this wonderful story was as heartfelt as the entire book! I highly recommend this informative and inspiring book.

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring story told from dual perspectives highlights a ladybug (chinitas) and a little girl (chica) who dreamt of outer space and wanted mas (more). Inspired by the true story of a NASA scientific experiment in space, this beautiful book shows how determination, hard work, and grit lead to incredible results. Vibrant illustrations perfectly match the text, Spanish words throughout add to the story, and an author's note provides extra enrichment. This book is perfect for schools, libraries, and homes, and will encourage young readers to reach for the stars!

[Lori Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Bug Launch is not just a remarkable picture book, but also an educational journey for young readers. Based on a true story, it takes readers on an extraordinary adventure with ladybugs in space and introduces Natalie, one of the little girls who came up with the idea. What makes this book stand out is that it is written in both English and Spanish, which adds a unique element. The combination of an engaging plot, stunning illustrations, and the opportunity for language exploration truly makes Lady Bug Launch an exceptional and enriching reading experience for children of all ages.

[PB FAIRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this beautifully written and illustrated picture book, told with dual points of view, a little ladybug and a young girl aspire to be more than anyone thinks is possible: a chinita astronaut and a young female scientist...and it's all based on a true story! Kids are introduced to Spanish words, interesting facts about ladybugs and space travel, and some geography. Plus, they're encouraged to dream big and persevere! Backmatter with a glossary makes this book even more educational and interesting. My family loves it...and yours will too!

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written as both the story of (personified) ladybug and that of Dr. Natalia Ojeda (as a child), we see how both of their passions drive them to the same goal of going into space. I like the parallel text of the story and was excited to see this possibly lesser known story about Chilean school kids becoming a book that kids everywhere will learn about. The text is inspirational and the art lively. This book would be a great addition to classrooms and homes. With its STEM facts, it lends itself to dicing deeper or extending into related STEM activities.

[Lisa Gerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda have written a lovely, inspiring story based on true events. Natalia and her science class proposed a project to NASA: to have ladybugs help them with growing plants while in space. The book has the parallel story of the dreams of Natalia and the dreams of the chinita! How clever to have the point of view of one of the ladybugs who wants to be an astronaut along with the human child's POV. I loved this book and think it would be great for teachers and librarians to use with their students.

[Megan Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch is a truly inspiring book based on an equally inspiring true story. I love to read about girls and women pursuing their STEM goals and this did not disappoint. With adorable illustrations and endearing characters (both girl and ladybug), you will find yourself cheering them on as they follow their dreams to space. With a message about being able to achieve big things, even when you're tiny, this book will make your heart soar with hope and optimism.

[Ciara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is there to not adore about this book?! STEM, girl power, easy to read Spanish words because of the great context clues. This is a must add to any library!

Your students will love the side by side story of a little scientist and a chinita (ladybug). Both girl and insect dream of más. And when their stories entwine amazing things will be achieve!

Colorful illustrations, scientific processes, and even the lady bug life cycle will make this a teacher’s dream!

[Lynn Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all – a fun dual perspective, a strong STEM angle, girl power and Spanish vocabulary! What’s more, it’s based on the true story of a young girl who helped launch ladybugs (for scientific purposes) into space. I really love how the story is told via the dual perspectives of two dreamers – a young girl wants to be a scientist and a ladybug longing to go to space – and shows the power of following your passion. Perfect for both the home and classroom.

[Leah Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch is a wonderful and exciting story! It's informative and inspirational, inspired by the true story of co-author Natalia Ojeda. Manuela Montoya has created bright, vibrant illustrations that will excite even the youngest readers. I highly recommend this book for all children, especially those who dream big!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book as inspiring and informative as it is adorable, LADYBUG LAUNCH will delight all its readers. You can't help but cheer for both Luna the chinita (ladybug) and aspiring scientist Natalia as their hopes and dreams literally take flight. With a focus on STEM, determination, and believing in yourself, the story sings and the illustration bring it to vivid life.

[Laurie Nowlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ladybug Launch" is a delightful picture book about a young girl and a ladybug who both dream of exploring space. With a dual plot, it shows how they succeed through their determination and courage. Based on an actual events, Trempe weaves a charming, sweet and imaginative tale that will pull young readers in. I highly recommend it!

[AnneLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like that this has science, Spanish words (set in Chile), and is based on a true story to highlight the perserverance of these young students. It took me a couple of reads to fully appreciate it -- I almost wish I had read the author's note first.

I am always looking for strong J nonfiction to highlight in the library -- this will be one that I recommend!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug Launch combines the fictional story of a Ladybug who years to fly to space with the true story of a girl and her classmates who designed a real-life science experiment that was part of a NASA mission to space. I'm looking forward to reading this story to the elementary students in my library. The message that kids (and ladybugs!) can do anything is empowering.

[Wendy Greenley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story, this informational fiction book highlights the power of curiosity and the continuing lure of space exploration. Girl power takes center stage with two female protagonists (a girl and a ladybug!) in an inspiring dual voice narrative.

[Andrea Denish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will inspire young readers to reach for the stars and follow their dreams. A great read-aloud book to launch further exploration into space travel, ladybugs and science experiments. Add this real-life story that's full of heart to your bookshelf.