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The Space Adventurer's Guide: Your Passport to the Coolest Things to See and Do in the Universe
It's not just astronauts who get to travel into space anymore. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs have now made space flight a reality for adventure-seekers of all kinds. And just in time, here's a travel guide for kids to plan their own out-of-this-world journeys. Eight potential space vacations are described, one per chapter, complete with information about pre-trip preparations (like training to withstand extreme g-forces), accommodations and dining (hot dogs in zero gravity, anyone?), awesome activities (how about a real moon walk?) and so much more. The trips range from orbiting Earth (available now), to voyaging through Saturn's rings, which may be possible within the next few decades. Featuring the coolest things to see and do in the universe, these space vacations are not to be missed! Award-winning science journalist Peter McMahon has come up with an intriguing concept sure to pique a young reader's interest in all things outer space. Based on the latest science and featuring first-person accounts from experts in the field, this book is chock-full of opportunities for science and technology lessons. With kid-sized bursts of text (including loads of amazing, and sometimes icky, facts), fascinating photographs of everyday life on actual space flights, as well as fun-filled illustrations from Josh Holinaty, this hugely appealing book is also one that children will gladly pick up on their own --- and devour. A glossary and index are included.
100 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
33 people want to read
About the author
Peter McMahon
13 books2 followersPeter McMahon is an award-winning science journalist who has worked for CTV.ca, Discovery Channel.ca, written for The Toronto Star, the kids publication YES Mag, CAA online magazine, and written science features for such magazines as Canadian Geographic and Today’s Parent.
In February of 2010, he covered health science stories at the Vancouver Winter Games for CTVolympics.ca
While serving as senior online producer for Discovery Channel, Peter hosted, edited, and produced the first TV-quality LIVE science specials on the Internet.
An avid “wilderness astronomer” , Peter was the first to propose that Jasper National Park become a dark sky preserve, and worked with Parks Canada to have it designated the world’s largest astronomy park, as of March 2011.
He has spoken on science communication and astronomy at countless universities, science centres, conferences, and national parks, as well as delivering science communication workshops at Durham College, Science North/Laurentian University’s Science Communication program, and The Banff Centre.
Peter’s second installment in the Machines of the Future science experiment book series – Space Tourism – published by Kids Can Press, is due to hit bookshelves in fall 2011.
In February of 2010, he covered health science stories at the Vancouver Winter Games for CTVolympics.ca
While serving as senior online producer for Discovery Channel, Peter hosted, edited, and produced the first TV-quality LIVE science specials on the Internet.
An avid “wilderness astronomer” , Peter was the first to propose that Jasper National Park become a dark sky preserve, and worked with Parks Canada to have it designated the world’s largest astronomy park, as of March 2011.
He has spoken on science communication and astronomy at countless universities, science centres, conferences, and national parks, as well as delivering science communication workshops at Durham College, Science North/Laurentian University’s Science Communication program, and The Banff Centre.
Peter’s second installment in the Machines of the Future science experiment book series – Space Tourism – published by Kids Can Press, is due to hit bookshelves in fall 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 20, 2018
When kids are allowed to read whatever they want, what subject do they pick? For some it is dinosaurs, looking backwards, but for others it is out space, looking forwards.
This is a very thorough book on all we know about space exploration, both in the past and in the near and far future. I found, at times, it went a little overboard with its explanations, but that is what kids love. And it helps that this is very up to date. It isn't only NASA that is out there, the way it was when I was growing up, but Space X and the European Space Agency, and so much more.
In fact, the author acknowledges that one of the main people he spoke to was a SpaceX engineer, which is a way cool to go about getting the latest information.
There are some really great photos in the book as well, such as the northern lights from space.
And fun facts such as that comets smell like rotten eggs and horse pee, that is if you could take off your helmet and smell them, which you can't.
All in all, a very informative book, great for libraries, and schools.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This is a very thorough book on all we know about space exploration, both in the past and in the near and far future. I found, at times, it went a little overboard with its explanations, but that is what kids love. And it helps that this is very up to date. It isn't only NASA that is out there, the way it was when I was growing up, but Space X and the European Space Agency, and so much more.
In fact, the author acknowledges that one of the main people he spoke to was a SpaceX engineer, which is a way cool to go about getting the latest information.
There are some really great photos in the book as well, such as the northern lights from space.
And fun facts such as that comets smell like rotten eggs and horse pee, that is if you could take off your helmet and smell them, which you can't.
All in all, a very informative book, great for libraries, and schools.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
April 21, 2018
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have a child interested in space, then get them this book! This book has plenty for them to learn about and as an adult you will learn too! There are real pictures of astronauts in space as well as drawings. Between these and the fun facts given(which can be TMI that the kids will find hilarious and make the adults cringe) throughout, this will keep kids interested in the subject of Space!
The Guide talks about space travel now and in the future. It does mention the high cost of space travel. It is crazy to think that what is mentioned here for the future will happen at some point: From staying on the Moon to cruising in space and even on a comet! In the far off future we will even be able to travel to Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn! All of the different kinds of trips are mentioned with how long they will take to get there (and how for the long term trips) and how far away these places are. Guide mentions the training one must go through as well. These trips are not something you just decide to do! Also mentioned in these trip are ‘things to do” which keeps the kids learning as they read.
This children’s book helps you to realize how advanced we are and will become in the future. And one day just maybe space travel will be as common as getting in your car for a drive!
Special thanks to Kids Can Press for an e-arc via NetGalley!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have a child interested in space, then get them this book! This book has plenty for them to learn about and as an adult you will learn too! There are real pictures of astronauts in space as well as drawings. Between these and the fun facts given(which can be TMI that the kids will find hilarious and make the adults cringe) throughout, this will keep kids interested in the subject of Space!
The Guide talks about space travel now and in the future. It does mention the high cost of space travel. It is crazy to think that what is mentioned here for the future will happen at some point: From staying on the Moon to cruising in space and even on a comet! In the far off future we will even be able to travel to Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn! All of the different kinds of trips are mentioned with how long they will take to get there (and how for the long term trips) and how far away these places are. Guide mentions the training one must go through as well. These trips are not something you just decide to do! Also mentioned in these trip are ‘things to do” which keeps the kids learning as they read.
This children’s book helps you to realize how advanced we are and will become in the future. And one day just maybe space travel will be as common as getting in your car for a drive!
Special thanks to Kids Can Press for an e-arc via NetGalley!
January 6, 2018
Very futuristic and realistic
This book is like a Travel guide. But instead of various exotic locations on the earth, we get the tour guide to comets, planets and everything in the universe. It also gives the information on the side effects of such travels.
The space enthusiast kids will surely enjoy this. If your kids want to be an astronaut then this is surely a gem for him. Trust me my kid just loved it even though he is just in primary school.
As this was an e-ARC, I'm surely going to buy the paperback. Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me this advance copy.
This book is like a Travel guide. But instead of various exotic locations on the earth, we get the tour guide to comets, planets and everything in the universe. It also gives the information on the side effects of such travels.
The space enthusiast kids will surely enjoy this. If your kids want to be an astronaut then this is surely a gem for him. Trust me my kid just loved it even though he is just in primary school.
As this was an e-ARC, I'm surely going to buy the paperback. Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me this advance copy.
November 9, 2017
Let's Go to Space
This is a deeply interesting, and generally successful, combination of a number of science writing styles.
The premise is that some space exploration is already possible, (commercial sub-orbital flights), and more will be available as time passes. So, someone anticipating any such adventure could use a guidebook. Happily, the author doesn't push this premise too far or get too cutesy. It's all very tantalizing, but not yet real, and the author leaves it at that. So, the whole tone of the book is upbeat, futuristic and forward-looking, but it never gets arch or coy and it never treats a kid reader like a dope.
The info is presented in overlapping and distinct styles. There is straight up science, (training for zero gravity), gee whiz science, icky funsy science, (pooping and barfing), and aspirational what-if science. This helps to engage kids of different age, interest and reading levels, because there's a bit of something for everyone.
The illustrations follow the same pattern. There are fun line drawings and cartoony bits, science graphs and exploded schematics, and many real life photos, (of views from space, of life inside the space station, and so on). Again, some fun and comical illustrations but also loads of real and informative material.
We start with suborbital flights, which are available now, (in the million dollar price range). We move to orbital flights and to stays in the International Space Station, (also available for private visits). From there we enter a space yacht/cruiser. Can you swim in a pool on your cruise? (Yes, in a water blob.) What will you eat? From there we move on to a resort hotel on the Moon. (Such a place is being talked about.) There is a long and detailed and very exciting section about visiting Mars, including how to get there, how to stay, and what one could see and do. Rover photos add a lot of realism to this part. Jupiter and Saturn trips are more fanciful, although windsurfing on Titan sounds fun. We finish by considering the immense distances to the stars and exo-planets.
The upshot is that we get an informative, up-to-date and wide ranging guide to what is, what will be, and what might possibly be in terms of space travel. This is the stuff of which dreams are made, and this is a book to fire those dreams and spark the imagination. As a consequence this struck me as a quality space adventure book for a wide range of readers, and as excellent middle grade nonfiction.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is a deeply interesting, and generally successful, combination of a number of science writing styles.
The premise is that some space exploration is already possible, (commercial sub-orbital flights), and more will be available as time passes. So, someone anticipating any such adventure could use a guidebook. Happily, the author doesn't push this premise too far or get too cutesy. It's all very tantalizing, but not yet real, and the author leaves it at that. So, the whole tone of the book is upbeat, futuristic and forward-looking, but it never gets arch or coy and it never treats a kid reader like a dope.
The info is presented in overlapping and distinct styles. There is straight up science, (training for zero gravity), gee whiz science, icky funsy science, (pooping and barfing), and aspirational what-if science. This helps to engage kids of different age, interest and reading levels, because there's a bit of something for everyone.
The illustrations follow the same pattern. There are fun line drawings and cartoony bits, science graphs and exploded schematics, and many real life photos, (of views from space, of life inside the space station, and so on). Again, some fun and comical illustrations but also loads of real and informative material.
We start with suborbital flights, which are available now, (in the million dollar price range). We move to orbital flights and to stays in the International Space Station, (also available for private visits). From there we enter a space yacht/cruiser. Can you swim in a pool on your cruise? (Yes, in a water blob.) What will you eat? From there we move on to a resort hotel on the Moon. (Such a place is being talked about.) There is a long and detailed and very exciting section about visiting Mars, including how to get there, how to stay, and what one could see and do. Rover photos add a lot of realism to this part. Jupiter and Saturn trips are more fanciful, although windsurfing on Titan sounds fun. We finish by considering the immense distances to the stars and exo-planets.
The upshot is that we get an informative, up-to-date and wide ranging guide to what is, what will be, and what might possibly be in terms of space travel. This is the stuff of which dreams are made, and this is a book to fire those dreams and spark the imagination. As a consequence this struck me as a quality space adventure book for a wide range of readers, and as excellent middle grade nonfiction.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
May 26, 2018
Goodreads Synopsis:
It's not just astronauts who get to travel into space anymore. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs have now made space flight a reality for adventure-seekers of all kinds. And just in time, here's a travel guide for kids to plan their own out-of-this-world journeys. Eight potential space vacations are described, one per chapter, complete with information about pre-trip preparations (like training to withstand extreme g-forces), accommodations and dining (hot dogs in zero gravity, anyone?), awesome activities (how about a real moon walk?) and so much more. The trips range from orbiting Earth (available now), to voyaging through Saturn's rings, which may be possible within the next few decades. Featuring the coolest things to see and do in the universe, these space vacations are not to be missed! Award-winning science journalist Peter McMahon has come up with an intriguing concept sure to pique a young reader's interest in all things outer space. Based on the latest science and featuring first-person accounts from experts in the field, this book is chock-full of opportunities for science and technology lessons. With kid-sized bursts of text (including loads of amazing, and sometimes icky, facts), fascinating photographs of everyday life on actual space flights, as well as fun-filled illustrations from Josh Holinaty, this hugely appealing book is also one that children will gladly pick up on their own --- and devour. A glossary and index are included.
My Review:
Okay, I know I hate saying this but even though I don't usually like to read children's books, I couldn't not request this one, right? Anything to teach me more about space is good. So I started this book. It reminds me of one of those ones you used to read in elementary school, kind of a textbook but one that was actually fun to read. You can learn a lot of things from this book, like how the rockets work to get you up to the ISS, things astronauts have to do to be able to live in the harsh climate of space, what future plans are for space travel, even how much a trip off the planet could cost. It's a quick read, only about fifty pages, but I really enjoyed reading it and definitely recommend you check it out.
Here's a link to the illustrator's Twitter, and another link to the book on Amazon.
https://twitter.com/joshholinaty?lang=en
https://www.amazon.ca/Space-Adventure...
Thanks for reading! Check out this review and more at my blog.
(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
It's not just astronauts who get to travel into space anymore. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs have now made space flight a reality for adventure-seekers of all kinds. And just in time, here's a travel guide for kids to plan their own out-of-this-world journeys. Eight potential space vacations are described, one per chapter, complete with information about pre-trip preparations (like training to withstand extreme g-forces), accommodations and dining (hot dogs in zero gravity, anyone?), awesome activities (how about a real moon walk?) and so much more. The trips range from orbiting Earth (available now), to voyaging through Saturn's rings, which may be possible within the next few decades. Featuring the coolest things to see and do in the universe, these space vacations are not to be missed! Award-winning science journalist Peter McMahon has come up with an intriguing concept sure to pique a young reader's interest in all things outer space. Based on the latest science and featuring first-person accounts from experts in the field, this book is chock-full of opportunities for science and technology lessons. With kid-sized bursts of text (including loads of amazing, and sometimes icky, facts), fascinating photographs of everyday life on actual space flights, as well as fun-filled illustrations from Josh Holinaty, this hugely appealing book is also one that children will gladly pick up on their own --- and devour. A glossary and index are included.
My Review:
Okay, I know I hate saying this but even though I don't usually like to read children's books, I couldn't not request this one, right? Anything to teach me more about space is good. So I started this book. It reminds me of one of those ones you used to read in elementary school, kind of a textbook but one that was actually fun to read. You can learn a lot of things from this book, like how the rockets work to get you up to the ISS, things astronauts have to do to be able to live in the harsh climate of space, what future plans are for space travel, even how much a trip off the planet could cost. It's a quick read, only about fifty pages, but I really enjoyed reading it and definitely recommend you check it out.
Here's a link to the illustrator's Twitter, and another link to the book on Amazon.
https://twitter.com/joshholinaty?lang=en
https://www.amazon.ca/Space-Adventure...
Thanks for reading! Check out this review and more at my blog.
(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
January 12, 2019
Although I normally prefer reading fiction titles, I always appreciate the opportunity to check out some great Canadian non-fiction titles as part of the Red Maple Non-Fiction Forest of Reading program ran by the Ontario Library Association.
As a Grade 6 teacher I knew I had to read "The Space Adventure’s Guide" because, it connects well to the Science unit on Space I will be teaching later on in the Spring. The first thing I noticed about the book was how well organized it was. I appreciated how each section started off with some helpful facts including distance from earth, travel time and the best time to visit. It was almost as though each chapter acted as a travel brochure. This set the tone for a funny yet informative way of learning about planets and other important stops required for an adventure through our solar system. In my opinion, authors Peter McMahon and Josh Holinaty were very wise to structure their book like this as I sometimes find books focusing on science topics dry and uninteresting. However, this was not the case here! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the “coolest things to see and do in the universe”.
One of the most interesting things I learned was that space engineers have proposed that bamboo seeds should be sent to the Moon and grown in enclosed domes to allow for the availability of large supplies of this strong resilient wood. I had no idea it was possible for these sturdy plants to be grown let alone used in building structures in the hostile environment of the Moon! I do wish the book included larger full-colour photos of our solar system. The images included in the book were definitely enjoyable and helpful in providing visuals, however knowing how expansive space is I think it would have been more effective to have some full-page or even double-paged photos to emphasize the sheer enormity of our universe.
I also really found it helpful to have the “Learn to Speak Astronaut” section near the front of the book. Although non-fiction texts usually included a glossary of important terms and vocabulary, this important text feature is usually placed near the end. Having the “specialized lingo” featured up front in The Space Adventure’s Guide allowed me to feel better prepared for when these scientific and sometimes unknown terms came up when reading as I had scanned them before and could easily recall their meanings.
As a Grade 6 teacher I knew I had to read "The Space Adventure’s Guide" because, it connects well to the Science unit on Space I will be teaching later on in the Spring. The first thing I noticed about the book was how well organized it was. I appreciated how each section started off with some helpful facts including distance from earth, travel time and the best time to visit. It was almost as though each chapter acted as a travel brochure. This set the tone for a funny yet informative way of learning about planets and other important stops required for an adventure through our solar system. In my opinion, authors Peter McMahon and Josh Holinaty were very wise to structure their book like this as I sometimes find books focusing on science topics dry and uninteresting. However, this was not the case here! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the “coolest things to see and do in the universe”.
One of the most interesting things I learned was that space engineers have proposed that bamboo seeds should be sent to the Moon and grown in enclosed domes to allow for the availability of large supplies of this strong resilient wood. I had no idea it was possible for these sturdy plants to be grown let alone used in building structures in the hostile environment of the Moon! I do wish the book included larger full-colour photos of our solar system. The images included in the book were definitely enjoyable and helpful in providing visuals, however knowing how expansive space is I think it would have been more effective to have some full-page or even double-paged photos to emphasize the sheer enormity of our universe.
I also really found it helpful to have the “Learn to Speak Astronaut” section near the front of the book. Although non-fiction texts usually included a glossary of important terms and vocabulary, this important text feature is usually placed near the end. Having the “specialized lingo” featured up front in The Space Adventure’s Guide allowed me to feel better prepared for when these scientific and sometimes unknown terms came up when reading as I had scanned them before and could easily recall their meanings.
April 26, 2018
A look at modern space travel options for non-astronauts, what you’d need to be ready, a look at the ships which could take you, what the trip would be like, and what you could see. Then the book looks ahead to the future at what space vacations may soon be available, what tech needs to be developed for this to happen, what you’d expect the trip to be like, and what you could see (with lots of info on the Earth’s Moon, comets, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn and their moons along the way).
This is the perfect read for slightly nerdy and solidly nerdy middle grade kids (and kids at heart). It lets anyone dream of space travel, and those not super into science can skip the rigorous astronaut selection process to see their dreams fulfilled. You get to binge on all sorts of space facts, and geek out over possible future tech. Of course, in order to actually use the information in this guide you’ll likely need to be related to a billionaire or win a contest. Some of the suggested recreational activities on various space stops I found to be quite creative. And all of it is backed by solid science. This is one of those books that in 50 years readers will likely pick it up to laugh at what their ancestors thought space travel would be like…though there’s a small chance they’ll also marvel at how accurate it was. I mean, the science throughout is sound. Definitely need to look into purchasing this for our libraries. Recommended for anyone doing a space unit or looking for an engaging science read.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the perfect read for slightly nerdy and solidly nerdy middle grade kids (and kids at heart). It lets anyone dream of space travel, and those not super into science can skip the rigorous astronaut selection process to see their dreams fulfilled. You get to binge on all sorts of space facts, and geek out over possible future tech. Of course, in order to actually use the information in this guide you’ll likely need to be related to a billionaire or win a contest. Some of the suggested recreational activities on various space stops I found to be quite creative. And all of it is backed by solid science. This is one of those books that in 50 years readers will likely pick it up to laugh at what their ancestors thought space travel would be like…though there’s a small chance they’ll also marvel at how accurate it was. I mean, the science throughout is sound. Definitely need to look into purchasing this for our libraries. Recommended for anyone doing a space unit or looking for an engaging science read.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2018
The Space Adventurer's Guide: Your Passport to the Coolest Things to See and Do in the Universe by Peter McMahon and Josh Holinaty, 100 pages. NONFICTION. Kids Can Press, 2018. $18. 9781771380324.
EL - ESSENTIAL.
With our rapidly advancing 21st century technology, space travel is beginning to be an available option to more than just an exclusive band of highly trained astronauts. This book explores the many options for space travel now and in the future--whether its a simple hop into an orbit of earth or something as crazy as landing on a comet. Each chapter explores a different space adventure, discusses the technology needed for such a flight (and how far out we might be in actually achieving it!), details what sorts of things you might see, and includes lots of great pictures. There is a nice index and credits section in the back.
I can see this book being a big hit with elementary readers who are interested in space travel. There is loads of great information, quotes from real astronauts and other space experts, and I especially liked the photographs and illustrations. The layout of the book as a "tour guide" is a really fun concept and should make it more accessible to kids. And overall its an exciting thing to read about the real possibilities of space travel in the near future!
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
EL - ESSENTIAL.
With our rapidly advancing 21st century technology, space travel is beginning to be an available option to more than just an exclusive band of highly trained astronauts. This book explores the many options for space travel now and in the future--whether its a simple hop into an orbit of earth or something as crazy as landing on a comet. Each chapter explores a different space adventure, discusses the technology needed for such a flight (and how far out we might be in actually achieving it!), details what sorts of things you might see, and includes lots of great pictures. There is a nice index and credits section in the back.
I can see this book being a big hit with elementary readers who are interested in space travel. There is loads of great information, quotes from real astronauts and other space experts, and I especially liked the photographs and illustrations. The layout of the book as a "tour guide" is a really fun concept and should make it more accessible to kids. And overall its an exciting thing to read about the real possibilities of space travel in the near future!
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
May 23, 2018
With our rapidly advancing 21st century technology, space travel is beginning to be an available option to more than just an exclusive band of highly trained astronauts. This book explores the many options for space travel now and in the future--whether its a simple hop into an orbit of earth or something as crazy as landing on a comet. Each chapter explores a different space adventure, discusses the technology needed for such a flight (and how far out we might be in actually achieving it!), details what sorts of things you might see, and includes lots of great pictures. There is a nice index and credits section in the back.
I can see this book being a big hit with elementary readers who are interested in space travel. There is loads of great information, quotes from real astronauts and other space experts, and I especially liked the photographs and illustrations. The layout of the book as a "tour guide" is a really fun concept and should make it more accessible to kids. And overall its an exciting thing to read about the real possibilities of space travel in the near future!
(This review previously published at kissthebook.blogspot.com)
I can see this book being a big hit with elementary readers who are interested in space travel. There is loads of great information, quotes from real astronauts and other space experts, and I especially liked the photographs and illustrations. The layout of the book as a "tour guide" is a really fun concept and should make it more accessible to kids. And overall its an exciting thing to read about the real possibilities of space travel in the near future!
(This review previously published at kissthebook.blogspot.com)
November 29, 2018
Many kids have looked up at the night sky and wondered what it would be like to go up there. Author Peter McMahon and illustrator John Holinaty have put together a mental treat for those kids. Starting with a discussion of how space is on the verge of being accessible to those who can afford the steep cost, with greater availability as time goes on and costs decrease. They discuss what is involved in preparing for such an adventure (and suggest readers think about going to space camp now), and whet everyone's appetite with real and simulated photos of some sights in our solar system. The book also covers what trips to the moon, a comet, Mars and the other planets beyond it in our system might be like. The plentiful illustrations and photos, along with the information rich, but easy to read text, make this a dandy choice for both school and public library collections.
October 21, 2018
An information packed book for children who are interested in the present and future of space flight. This book is presented in the form of a travel guide, though much of this travel isn't taking place yet, but may be when the children reading are adults. I appreciated the descriptions of what space travel entails. The author interspersed quotes from real astronauts and some real photographs, as well as artist representations. It was eye opening to think about the possibilities that may exist for the next generation of billionaires, since at this point, only the wealthy can take the current expeditions offered. I learned a lot reading this book and I think anyone who is interested in space travel would enjoy this book!
March 17, 2018
Readers can learn a lot about who has been to space as a non-astronaut and how much a ticket costs to ride the ISS. I was surprised to learn that more non-astronauts than astronauts have died in space travel. There is info on preparing for space, what space travelers eat and what future space travel might entail (swimming in space?). The facts are interesting, but the book is a non-fiction book told in the second person. Even though it says you on every page, I never felt connected. It will be interesting to see how many of the predictions for space travel in the future come true and how quickly.
September 7, 2019
I read & evaluated this book for the Vancouver Children's Round Table (VCLR)'s 2019 Information Book Award.
This was an unusual concept that I didn't quite jive with at first, but eventually grew to like. Think of this book as a travel guide... Except that instead of Florida or Paris, the destination is Outer Space. The organization of information and book design was pretty good (once I understood the concept of the book). I wish there was a bit more narrative to ground each chapter though. There were some cute illustrations mixed with photographs which made the book visually fun. The mid-book glossary was a neat touch as well.
This was an unusual concept that I didn't quite jive with at first, but eventually grew to like. Think of this book as a travel guide... Except that instead of Florida or Paris, the destination is Outer Space. The organization of information and book design was pretty good (once I understood the concept of the book). I wish there was a bit more narrative to ground each chapter though. There were some cute illustrations mixed with photographs which made the book visually fun. The mid-book glossary was a neat touch as well.
December 15, 2017
This was such an enjoyable read - and I actually am not a big fan of space. The author did an excellent job of providing contemporary context, presenting information in a fun and understandable way, and exploring the scenarios of space travel outside of being an astronaut. Overall, a very well done book on a niche topic not discussed enough!
March 8, 2018
Plan your own adventure into space without leaving earth. This guide is filled with information on preparing for a trip, what you will see, and activities to keep you busy while you’re on board. Ages eight to 12 will love the fun illustrations, photographs and first-person interviews from experts.
November 9, 2017
This book is full of information and ideas that usual children space books don't touch on. I liked that it both presented facts but also hypothetical ideas like,"what sports would be done on the moon?" The book has many photographs and illustrations. I liked the graphics.
I would recommend this book for upper elementary/middle school. Some of the writing was higher level and technical.
*I was able to read/review an advanced copy through Netgalley
I would recommend this book for upper elementary/middle school. Some of the writing was higher level and technical.
*I was able to read/review an advanced copy through Netgalley
February 19, 2019
A fascinating book. I love reading about space since I believe our future is connected to it, and all the different galaxies and capacities of astronauts amuses and amazes me!!
February 16, 2020
Near handbook for kids planning to go into outer space! That said, the layout and tone were confusing for me. Maybe I’m just not the target audience?
April 11, 2018
The Space Adventurer's Guide, written by Peter McMahon and illustrated by , Josh Holinaty, is a non fiction book that is currently scheduled for release on May 1 2018. It's not just astronauts who get to travel into space anymore. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs have now made space flight a reality for adventure-seekers of all kinds. While prices and availability make the likely hood of a trip in the near future slim to none, this book is a travel guide for kids to plan their own out-of-this-world journeys. Eight potential space vacations are described, one per chapter, complete with information about pre-trip preparations (like training to withstand extreme g-forces), accommodations and dining (hot dogs in zero gravity, anyone?), awesome activities (how about a real moon walk?) and so much more. The trips range from orbiting Earth (available now), to voyaging through Saturn's rings, which may be possible within the next few decades. Featuring the coolest things to see and do in the universe, these space vacations are not to be missed!
The Space Adventurer's Guide is a full on travel and technical guide to what one should do to prepare for a trip to space, and what they might be able to do or experience while there. I like that the information was current, and includes first person accounts from people in the field. I found the photographs and artwork to be eye catching, and think they will help hold the attention of most readers. The text was in good sized portions, with fun text boxes and quick facts to break things up a little. Some of the activities and ideas featured I found to be fascinating, and I think elementary and middle school readers that are obsessed with going into space as I was at their age will love this book. I could see it being a favorite for interested readers at home and as a valuable resource in school, classroom and public libraries. The glossary and index included in the endpages only make this book more accessible and useful for readers, and I found them helpful. I can think of some kids that will simply adore this book, although I worry that they might expect a trip in their near future, which I suspect will be well out of my budget indefinitely.
The Space Adventurer's Guide is a full on travel and technical guide to what one should do to prepare for a trip to space, and what they might be able to do or experience while there. I like that the information was current, and includes first person accounts from people in the field. I found the photographs and artwork to be eye catching, and think they will help hold the attention of most readers. The text was in good sized portions, with fun text boxes and quick facts to break things up a little. Some of the activities and ideas featured I found to be fascinating, and I think elementary and middle school readers that are obsessed with going into space as I was at their age will love this book. I could see it being a favorite for interested readers at home and as a valuable resource in school, classroom and public libraries. The glossary and index included in the endpages only make this book more accessible and useful for readers, and I found them helpful. I can think of some kids that will simply adore this book, although I worry that they might expect a trip in their near future, which I suspect will be well out of my budget indefinitely.
April 12, 2018
The Space ADVENTURES Guide -Your passport to the coolest things to see and do in the universe.
By Peter McMahon
Page Count: 104 -and loaded with tons of illustration’s and photos to keep your little one’s attention!
I think we all have imagined going to the moon and beyond the stars. I have one little astronaut who lives at my house and grace’s me with his presence when he’s not in orbit or fighting off aliens from another planet. So, it was obvious I had to have his thumbs up or down while reading this book.
Boy did he love it! The book is filled with information (but not over baring for my little one’s attention span). The book is broken down by planets. We loved how the book was not filled with long boring information about each planet. The book explains how you will have to navigate each planet, the different atmospheres (or lack thereof). My son enjoyed the fact that anyone can go into “the stars and beyond”. He plans on being a scientist, just so he can be the first Pizza baker in space.
As a parent I loved everything about this very quick read. I try to have my boys read as many Non-fiction books as possible, this as a parent is hard to do sometimes, as all kids love a good comic book. This book was perfect! It was entertaining, and very knowledgeable! Shoot it made me want to put on my space suit and hop on the next space shuttle to Mars!
We are giving this book a solid 4/5 stars. We only gave it 4 because my son said, “I just wish the pictures were more updated”. These kids and their iPhone's sheesh.
-Angie P.
By Peter McMahon
Page Count: 104 -and loaded with tons of illustration’s and photos to keep your little one’s attention!
I think we all have imagined going to the moon and beyond the stars. I have one little astronaut who lives at my house and grace’s me with his presence when he’s not in orbit or fighting off aliens from another planet. So, it was obvious I had to have his thumbs up or down while reading this book.
Boy did he love it! The book is filled with information (but not over baring for my little one’s attention span). The book is broken down by planets. We loved how the book was not filled with long boring information about each planet. The book explains how you will have to navigate each planet, the different atmospheres (or lack thereof). My son enjoyed the fact that anyone can go into “the stars and beyond”. He plans on being a scientist, just so he can be the first Pizza baker in space.
As a parent I loved everything about this very quick read. I try to have my boys read as many Non-fiction books as possible, this as a parent is hard to do sometimes, as all kids love a good comic book. This book was perfect! It was entertaining, and very knowledgeable! Shoot it made me want to put on my space suit and hop on the next space shuttle to Mars!
We are giving this book a solid 4/5 stars. We only gave it 4 because my son said, “I just wish the pictures were more updated”. These kids and their iPhone's sheesh.
-Angie P.
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