Astro

by Manuel Marsol

An astronaut grapples with the absence of his otherworldly friend in this poignant tale of loss and acceptance from an award-winning Spanish illustrator.



When Astro arrives on a faraway planet, everyone wants to meet him. Who’s this strange person, and why is he here? But one kind creature in particular is especially drawn to him.


Together, they form an unlikely bond and navigate the world’s curious terrains—mountains, caves, oceans. When the creature is taken from him, Astro must confront the difficult questions that underlie our Why are we here? What is our life for? 


Using a mix of collage, pencil and ink, and thickly layered acrylic, award-winning Manuel Marsol’s illustrations teem with the vastness and wonder of life near and far.

"I guarantee that nothing else for sale in America right now quite looks or feels like this book."—Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

Genres: Picture Books

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations really make this an amazing book. The landscapes and creatures are so visually interesting and unique. The story brings up some pretty serious questions about life, death, friendship, and understanding.

ARC from Netgalley.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two beings from different times and worlds meet and become best friends, but fail to gain understandings of each other. They only know questions will remain and each must continue on his own journey.