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Spacemanatee!
Spacemanatee! is a story about Anna Lee, a sweet-natured manatee whose dreams are even bigger than her mighty flippers.
Every night, Anna Lee Manatee meets with her friend, The Loon, to stargaze. When Anna Lee shares her belief of a “Manatee on the Moon,” The Loon mocks her seemingly far-fetched idea. Determined to validate her beliefs, Anna Lee constructs a rocket ship out of materials she finds in the sea and blasts off to outer space. Will she find what she is looking for? This is a sweet story that helps kids believe in themselves so they can reach new heights.
Every night, Anna Lee Manatee meets with her friend, The Loon, to stargaze. When Anna Lee shares her belief of a “Manatee on the Moon,” The Loon mocks her seemingly far-fetched idea. Determined to validate her beliefs, Anna Lee constructs a rocket ship out of materials she finds in the sea and blasts off to outer space. Will she find what she is looking for? This is a sweet story that helps kids believe in themselves so they can reach new heights.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 7, 2023
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 16, 2023
I received a copy of this from Netgalley, and loved it. The artwork and the story were really sweet and beautiful.
February 13, 2023
As a Neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children, I love the message of this story! You can do, and be anything you put your creative mind to achieving!
Anna the Manatee imagines that there is a "Manatee Queen" space traveler that lives on the moon, Loon challenges Anna to go and prove her theory.
Anna and her marine friends create a rocket ship and space helmet using ocean materials. The illustrations show how beautifully creative the sea animals are with the materials they have on hand.
Incredibly, Anna's space craft actually flies her through space and onto the moon. The colors of the illustrations are fantastical and eye catching! The space vocabulary is a nice addition, making this book stretch to include more ages/abilities (approx. 3-10yrs). There is even an accurate glossary included at the end of the book to extend the possibilities of lessons/activities that can be paired with this book.
Although Anna searches the moon for the Magical Queen Manatee, she does not seem to find her there. She travels back home, and is surprised when Loon points out a surprise in the sky!
I will definitely be recommending that our library's Head of Collections purchase this book for a storytime read and circulation. The cadence of the text is fun, and the illustrations offer great points to pause for sharing thoughts and discussion. It definitely lends itself to a perfect storytime treat!
I appreciate the reader's note for parents and educators to extend the psychological significance of the story. Offering caregivers an insight on how they can use this book to begin a discussion or personal understanding of how they can help build and support their child's positive self esteem.
Overall, I give this book two thumbs up! As a parent, certified educator, and children's librarian; I feel this book would be an excellent addition to schools', libraries', children's, and caregivers' book collection.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication, and to offer my credentialed opinion. Well done Katie Gilstrap (author), Alice Samuel (illustrator), and Magination Press (publisher). I look forward to reading this to my Littles soon!
Anna the Manatee imagines that there is a "Manatee Queen" space traveler that lives on the moon, Loon challenges Anna to go and prove her theory.
Anna and her marine friends create a rocket ship and space helmet using ocean materials. The illustrations show how beautifully creative the sea animals are with the materials they have on hand.
Incredibly, Anna's space craft actually flies her through space and onto the moon. The colors of the illustrations are fantastical and eye catching! The space vocabulary is a nice addition, making this book stretch to include more ages/abilities (approx. 3-10yrs). There is even an accurate glossary included at the end of the book to extend the possibilities of lessons/activities that can be paired with this book.
Although Anna searches the moon for the Magical Queen Manatee, she does not seem to find her there. She travels back home, and is surprised when Loon points out a surprise in the sky!
I will definitely be recommending that our library's Head of Collections purchase this book for a storytime read and circulation. The cadence of the text is fun, and the illustrations offer great points to pause for sharing thoughts and discussion. It definitely lends itself to a perfect storytime treat!
I appreciate the reader's note for parents and educators to extend the psychological significance of the story. Offering caregivers an insight on how they can use this book to begin a discussion or personal understanding of how they can help build and support their child's positive self esteem.
Overall, I give this book two thumbs up! As a parent, certified educator, and children's librarian; I feel this book would be an excellent addition to schools', libraries', children's, and caregivers' book collection.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication, and to offer my credentialed opinion. Well done Katie Gilstrap (author), Alice Samuel (illustrator), and Magination Press (publisher). I look forward to reading this to my Littles soon!
March 5, 2023
Spacemanatee! Is super cute! I loved the vibrant and engaging illustrations. I really liked the rhyming and the glossary at the back. It helped when I couldn't remember what a quasar was and my 4 year old had so many space questions. It truly was a beautiful book we were rooting for Anna Lee the Manatee the whole time!
Thank you to Netgalley and the American Psychological Association for the e-ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and the American Psychological Association for the e-ARC
February 18, 2023
SpaceManatee is a fun and imaginative trip to the moon with the unlikeliest of space captains, a manatee. The manatee imagines there is a manatee on the moon and she takes a trip to prove she's right. I love the rhyming verse of the story. The words are imaginative and fun while not being forced in rhyme.
The illustrations were so filled with life and imagination that they help the words create a wonderful space/ocean-scape.
I had a smile on my face the whole time reading the story to myself. I can only imagine how this book would inspire my kids to challenge the central claim that a manatee can, in fact, travel to space.
I love how the author uses this story to explain dreams to children and to help them imagine their goals. I also think this might double a little bit like the successful Australian show, Bluey, which also helps to teach parents how to best support their children. The description at the end of the book gives parents a few tips on fostering children's dreams and imaginations.
I think this is a great read for all ages and would probably be a good tool for school counselor's, teachers, and parents.
Thank you NetGalley and Magination Books for the advance copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
The illustrations were so filled with life and imagination that they help the words create a wonderful space/ocean-scape.
I had a smile on my face the whole time reading the story to myself. I can only imagine how this book would inspire my kids to challenge the central claim that a manatee can, in fact, travel to space.
I love how the author uses this story to explain dreams to children and to help them imagine their goals. I also think this might double a little bit like the successful Australian show, Bluey, which also helps to teach parents how to best support their children. The description at the end of the book gives parents a few tips on fostering children's dreams and imaginations.
I think this is a great read for all ages and would probably be a good tool for school counselor's, teachers, and parents.
Thank you NetGalley and Magination Books for the advance copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2023
This is the first picture book I've reviewed and it was SO cute! The fact that this book was about a manatee is what drew me to it - I love them! I loved the rhyming in the story and how it is a story of hope and not giving up.
The protagonist is a female manatee, named Anna Lee, who thinks there is a manatee on the moon. She wants to go to the moon and see, but she needs to build a ship first, which is exactly what she does with her friend, the Loon, looking on.
She makes it to space and is disappointed to see that there is no manatee on the moon, but when she looks into the window of her spaceship, she realizes that SHE IS the manatee on the moon. She kisses the moon and leaves an imprint of her face there, then goes back home.
When she comes back home, the Loon looks up to the moon and sees the face of a manatee up there - Anna Lee's face.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
I received an arc from Netgalley for an honest review.
The protagonist is a female manatee, named Anna Lee, who thinks there is a manatee on the moon. She wants to go to the moon and see, but she needs to build a ship first, which is exactly what she does with her friend, the Loon, looking on.
She makes it to space and is disappointed to see that there is no manatee on the moon, but when she looks into the window of her spaceship, she realizes that SHE IS the manatee on the moon. She kisses the moon and leaves an imprint of her face there, then goes back home.
When she comes back home, the Loon looks up to the moon and sees the face of a manatee up there - Anna Lee's face.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
I received an arc from Netgalley for an honest review.
March 1, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for letting me review this story. My opinions are entirely my own.
The only thing missing from Spacemanetee to make it the perfect children's book is giving the manatee nails. Other the that it included the loon whose song it my favorite to fall asleep to and the manatee whom I love. It's an adorable book with a glossary in the end for space and sea words.
Very cute
The only thing missing from Spacemanetee to make it the perfect children's book is giving the manatee nails. Other the that it included the loon whose song it my favorite to fall asleep to and the manatee whom I love. It's an adorable book with a glossary in the end for space and sea words.
Very cute
February 27, 2023
I love the illustrations in this book! Anna Lee the manatee is so cute and the color palette the illustrator used is so inviting. Katie Gilstrap wrote a fun, rhyming book about a manatee that believes anything is possible including a queen manatee living on the moon. This story was fun and the ending was great. I love the glossary and the reader's note both were informative.
February 22, 2023
This adorable picture book has a positive message for kids about believing in themselves. Anna Lee is convinced that there is a manatee on the moon. When her friend doubts her, she sets out to prove it, thus becoming a manatee on the moon. The fun storyline subtly sends a big message. In addition, the end of the book includes practical advice for parents to help build children's independence and confidence.
April 16, 2023
This is so stinkin’ precious 🥰
February 16, 2023
I loved that this book featured a tenacious manatee that dreamed of going to the moon. This manatee works hard to make her dreams come true. I appreciated that the author included rhyming, and vocabulary words related to space. I also love that she added tips to parents related on how to foster confidence in their children.
February 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. A manatee has a dream & makes it come true in Spacemanatee.
I love the rhyming that occurs in this book as well as the BEAUTIFUL illustrations. I have to littles under 4 & they both will love this story. The author writes beautifully & with kids in mind. I enjoyed the vocabulary page in the back of the book & some encouraging words about helping kids live to make their dreams come true.
I love the rhyming that occurs in this book as well as the BEAUTIFUL illustrations. I have to littles under 4 & they both will love this story. The author writes beautifully & with kids in mind. I enjoyed the vocabulary page in the back of the book & some encouraging words about helping kids live to make their dreams come true.
February 11, 2023
Such a cute book! I loved all the science vocabulary and the rhymes. Wonderful story!
January 26, 2023
So cute. Loved the rhyme scheme and really like the glossary at the back of the book. I didn't know what a Quasar is, so it was helpful to discover this little nugget in the back. Little kids will enjoy this sweet story about self-confidence and drive and imagination.
December 6, 2022
This is such a cute and creative book! The illustrations are colorful with adorable characters and the rhyming verse makes for a fun and engaging story for youngsters. I especially love the themes of self esteem and self efficacy communicated in this story, these are really important messages for children to hear.
February 16, 2023
🇺🇲:
Thanks to NetGalley and Magination Press for providing me with the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Spacemanatee is the cutest children's story! The illustrations are incredibly pretty, I absolutely adored them.
We follow Anna Lee, a manatee who believes there's a manatee on the moon. She's willing to prove her friend the truth and constructs a rocket to go to the moon. It has a great message for kids as well as pretty rhyming writing that's easy to follow.
🇨🇷:
Gracias a NetGalley y Magination Press por brindarme el arc a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Spacemanatee es un cuento infantil de lo más tierno. Las ilustraciones son increíblemente bonitas, me encantaron. La protagonista es Anna Lee, una manatí que cree que hay un manatí en la luna. Ella está dispuesta a demostrarle la verdad a su amigo y construye un cohete para ir a la luna. Tiene un mensaje super bonito, además de una escritura con rimas bien linda y fácil de seguir.
Thanks to NetGalley and Magination Press for providing me with the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Spacemanatee is the cutest children's story! The illustrations are incredibly pretty, I absolutely adored them.
We follow Anna Lee, a manatee who believes there's a manatee on the moon. She's willing to prove her friend the truth and constructs a rocket to go to the moon. It has a great message for kids as well as pretty rhyming writing that's easy to follow.
🇨🇷:
Gracias a NetGalley y Magination Press por brindarme el arc a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Spacemanatee es un cuento infantil de lo más tierno. Las ilustraciones son increíblemente bonitas, me encantaron. La protagonista es Anna Lee, una manatí que cree que hay un manatí en la luna. Ella está dispuesta a demostrarle la verdad a su amigo y construye un cohete para ir a la luna. Tiene un mensaje super bonito, además de una escritura con rimas bien linda y fácil de seguir.
March 15, 2023
Spacemanatee! by Katie Gilstrap
Illustrated by Alice Samuel
This was such an adorable story about a manatee named Anna who believes there is a Queen Manatee on the moon. She enlists the help of her fellow sea creatures to build a spaceship and then she goes to the moon to see what is there. When she arrives at the moon she realizes no manatee has ever set flippers there, but just as she’s leaving she realizes she is there! I like how Anna the Manatee never gave up on her dream and was able to share it with her fellow sea creatures back home.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Katie Gilstrap, Alice Samuel, and Magination Press for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Spacemanatee! The story was great and the illustrations were whimsical and fun!
Illustrated by Alice Samuel
This was such an adorable story about a manatee named Anna who believes there is a Queen Manatee on the moon. She enlists the help of her fellow sea creatures to build a spaceship and then she goes to the moon to see what is there. When she arrives at the moon she realizes no manatee has ever set flippers there, but just as she’s leaving she realizes she is there! I like how Anna the Manatee never gave up on her dream and was able to share it with her fellow sea creatures back home.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Katie Gilstrap, Alice Samuel, and Magination Press for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Spacemanatee! The story was great and the illustrations were whimsical and fun!
March 9, 2023
Spacemanatee! by Katie Gilstrap - 5/5
When Anna Lee, the Manatee is told by the Loon there is a manatee in the moon, she doesn't hesitate to rise to the challenge and head to the moon. Doing something like this opened the floor to discussion on being brave, courage and putting your fears aside. I loved the illustration and the amazing colors scheme throughout the story.
My only issue with this eARC is that the font is so tiny and even after zooming in as much as my device would allow, I still had to go eye-to-screen to read the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC it was a delightful story.
When Anna Lee, the Manatee is told by the Loon there is a manatee in the moon, she doesn't hesitate to rise to the challenge and head to the moon. Doing something like this opened the floor to discussion on being brave, courage and putting your fears aside. I loved the illustration and the amazing colors scheme throughout the story.
My only issue with this eARC is that the font is so tiny and even after zooming in as much as my device would allow, I still had to go eye-to-screen to read the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC it was a delightful story.
January 4, 2023
Review from a licenced children's play therapist:
Spacemanatee is a fun, smart, and encouraging story for children. A main theme, that success can be, in part, a self-fulfilling journey, is a needed narrative for young children today.
The rhymes are quick and engaging to the reader while the art work is beautifully illustrated.
It is vital that children learn to find value in themselves and their own efforts. Spacemanatee offers a story where the reader can create and aim for an ambitious future while believing they have it within themselves to accomplish their goals.
Spacemanatee is a fun, smart, and encouraging story for children. A main theme, that success can be, in part, a self-fulfilling journey, is a needed narrative for young children today.
The rhymes are quick and engaging to the reader while the art work is beautifully illustrated.
It is vital that children learn to find value in themselves and their own efforts. Spacemanatee offers a story where the reader can create and aim for an ambitious future while believing they have it within themselves to accomplish their goals.
February 12, 2023
The verse is excellent. The story is very good in plot, but an extension of the writing of verse could've greatly aided the whole. I understand the self-published truncating a tale. An endeavor of this size, should have much more to it. An extra 8 to ten pages would've been helpful.
One element needing expansion was where on earth was this manatee? One image indicates something along the lines of the White Cliffs of Dover, a place manatees can not survive. A location and a bit more of manatee habitat at the end, would've been wonderful. The way the book is written, the critter could've been any, just alter the verse.
The images are OK, but maybe one with a bit more knowledge of manatee would've strengthened the illustrations.
As a sleight book, this does work and children are likely to respond to it as much as if it was about gophers or gorillas.
This review is due to access via NetGalley.com.
Bottom line: i recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
One element needing expansion was where on earth was this manatee? One image indicates something along the lines of the White Cliffs of Dover, a place manatees can not survive. A location and a bit more of manatee habitat at the end, would've been wonderful. The way the book is written, the critter could've been any, just alter the verse.
The images are OK, but maybe one with a bit more knowledge of manatee would've strengthened the illustrations.
As a sleight book, this does work and children are likely to respond to it as much as if it was about gophers or gorillas.
This review is due to access via NetGalley.com.
Bottom line: i recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
May 9, 2023
A manatee and thier loon friend have a disagreement. The manatee thinks there's a manatee on the moon. She builds kelp ship and shell helmet and takes off to find the moon manatee.
The pictures are glorious. I liked the idea and the plot points of the story. The rhyming cadence is off. This makes it a bit of an awkward read aloud.
The pictures are glorious. I liked the idea and the plot points of the story. The rhyming cadence is off. This makes it a bit of an awkward read aloud.
April 3, 2023
A little silly, sure, but I liked the overall message of never giving up on your dreams and not listening to your discouraging loon-y friends. If you can dream it, you can do it!
Read
May 31, 2023Turn/Level: 1/2.5
Manatees, Space, Space Vocabulary
A young manatee is convinced there is a manatee on the moon, so she goes there to prove it.
Manatees, Space, Space Vocabulary
A young manatee is convinced there is a manatee on the moon, so she goes there to prove it.
July 26, 2023
Delightful! Imaginative, lovely art and a good message. The text is also written in verse so it is more fun to read.
November 10, 2023
Super cute.
December 22, 2023
Beautifully written and illustrated. I love the story and the rhyming.
November 20, 2025
Anna Lee rockets her way to her dreams and all because a Loon pushed her to do it!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews