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Mousetronaut
Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story
Mousetronaut tells the story of a small mouse that wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. The little mouse works as hard as the bigger mice to show readiness for the mission . . . and is chosen for the flight! While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when disaster strikes—and only the smallest member of the crew can save the day.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2012
About the author
Mark Edward Kelly
11 books35 followersMark Edward Kelly is a retired American astronaut, engineer and U.S. Navy Captain. He is the husband of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, an author, political activist, and aerospace executive and consultant.
A naval aviator, Kelly flew combat missions during the Gulf War. He was selected to become a NASA Space Shuttle pilot in 1996 and flew his first mission in 2001 as pilot of STS-108. He piloted STS-121 in 2006 and commanded STS-124 in 2008 and STS-134 in 2011. STS-134 was his final mission and the final mission of Space Shuttle Endeavour.
His wife was the target of an attempted assassination in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8, 2011. After the shooting, in which six people were killed, both Kelly and Giffords were thrust into the media spotlight. His wife's shooting led to a broad national conversation ranging from the duties of a husband to what is acceptable civil discourse.
Kelly's identical twin brother, Scott Kelly, is also an astronaut. The Kelly brothers are the only siblings to have both traveled in space. In 2015, Scott Kelly began a mission spending a year in space on the International Space Station. He returned to Earth on March 1, 2016 after 340 days in space. During and after Scott's year-long mission, the brothers were studied to find differences between living on Earth and in space
A naval aviator, Kelly flew combat missions during the Gulf War. He was selected to become a NASA Space Shuttle pilot in 1996 and flew his first mission in 2001 as pilot of STS-108. He piloted STS-121 in 2006 and commanded STS-124 in 2008 and STS-134 in 2011. STS-134 was his final mission and the final mission of Space Shuttle Endeavour.
His wife was the target of an attempted assassination in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8, 2011. After the shooting, in which six people were killed, both Kelly and Giffords were thrust into the media spotlight. His wife's shooting led to a broad national conversation ranging from the duties of a husband to what is acceptable civil discourse.
Kelly's identical twin brother, Scott Kelly, is also an astronaut. The Kelly brothers are the only siblings to have both traveled in space. In 2015, Scott Kelly began a mission spending a year in space on the International Space Station. He returned to Earth on March 1, 2016 after 340 days in space. During and after Scott's year-long mission, the brothers were studied to find differences between living on Earth and in space
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
May 21, 2022
This Childrens book is an absolute treat. Written by astronaut Mark Kelly, this book follows a partially fictional story of a small mouse who enjoyed his time in space. The art throughout is absolutely beautiful and the story clear and engaging.
At the conclusion of the book Mark Kelly gives a short afterward about his time in space and a quick history of animals and their roll in space travel. He tells the reader about the small mouse he flew with that enjoyed zero gravity and explains how they travel and are treated.
Overall highly recommend for young readers interested or learning about space travel.
At the conclusion of the book Mark Kelly gives a short afterward about his time in space and a quick history of animals and their roll in space travel. He tells the reader about the small mouse he flew with that enjoyed zero gravity and explains how they travel and are treated.
Overall highly recommend for young readers interested or learning about space travel.
Read
January 3, 2024The sweetest little picture book, about Meteor the Mouse, one of a rodent team of, uh, mission specialists on board a space shuttle mission who saves the day. At the end Kelly includes an afterword with a brief history of NASA and lots of fun details about travel in space.
During my first flight in 2001, there were eighteen mice on board. All of them, with one exception, clung to inside of the mesh during the entire mission. One mouse, smaller than the rest, seemed to enjoy the experience and effortlessly floated around the cage. The story of Mousetronaut is inspired by that mission. We all watched him as he enjoyed the feeling of being weighless. I started to think about that mouse and what it would be like to have him as part of our crew.
The illustrations are just marvelous (lovelovelove the one of Meteor squeezing in between the control panels to get the key, and the one of him in his space suit), and you know the details are right. Any kid of any age will enjoy this book, and more importantly, no adult will be bored with having to read it 9 times in a row to his kid.
During my first flight in 2001, there were eighteen mice on board. All of them, with one exception, clung to inside of the mesh during the entire mission. One mouse, smaller than the rest, seemed to enjoy the experience and effortlessly floated around the cage. The story of Mousetronaut is inspired by that mission. We all watched him as he enjoyed the feeling of being weighless. I started to think about that mouse and what it would be like to have him as part of our crew.
The illustrations are just marvelous (lovelovelove the one of Meteor squeezing in between the control panels to get the key, and the one of him in his space suit), and you know the details are right. Any kid of any age will enjoy this book, and more importantly, no adult will be bored with having to read it 9 times in a row to his kid.
November 25, 2014
This book was really cute. This book was slightly true slightly fiction. I loved how it used similar terminology used in astronomy. I also liked the illustrations were really good as well. The text was big and easy to read.
February 18, 2021
Great read aloud. My kindergartners loved it!
March 4, 2019
A good story about being small and brave, and good notes and sources for further research if this sparks a deeper interest in space.
February 12, 2015
Today we are going to read a book by an astronaut! Looking at the cover do you think this book is fiction (make believe) or nonfiction (true)? Why do you think that? Our book is called Mousetronaut by Astronaut Mark Kelly. Tell your partner what you think this book is about. What were some of your ideas. Do you think that mice really went to space? Let’s read our book and see if our predictions about the story were correct. When we are done reading the story this book has a really cool part called an afterword. The afterword tells us more about the story and where Mark Kelly got his idea to make this book. Do you notice anything on the cover of this book? I also noticed it is a Golden Sower Nominee. While we read our story pay attention because you will get to vote on which Golden Sower book you like the best.
The opening moves I incorporated into my opening are: Make connections to previously read text, predictions based on the title, raise interest in a topic or theme, draw attention to the genre, draw attention to reader’s attention
I chose this primary book because it is a fun way to look at space travel. I don’t think many of my first graders realize they sent animals into space. It is also written by an astronaut. I love the afterward. There are some really neat facts to tell the students. I would use this to introduce our space unit. Another way I would use it in my class it to teach you are never too small to do big things.
The opening moves I incorporated into my opening are: Make connections to previously read text, predictions based on the title, raise interest in a topic or theme, draw attention to the genre, draw attention to reader’s attention
I chose this primary book because it is a fun way to look at space travel. I don’t think many of my first graders realize they sent animals into space. It is also written by an astronaut. I love the afterward. There are some really neat facts to tell the students. I would use this to introduce our space unit. Another way I would use it in my class it to teach you are never too small to do big things.
June 10, 2016
Meteor is a hardworking and friendly mouse, and has all the qualifications that a space mouse should have. But Meteor is very small. Teeny-weeny. Itsy-bitsy. And so whenever mice are needed to go into space, the bigger mice are chosen and Meteor is left behind. When the day finally does come and Meteor is chosen and is sent off to outer space, it's up to Meteor and the power of small to save the mission and earn his wings and his new title - Mousetronaut.
Who here would like to go into space one day? (children respond)
People that go into space are called astronauts. The book we are about to read, Mousetranaut, was written by Mark Kelly, a real-life astronaut who has been to space. . . with mice. In fact, this book was inspired by one of those missions to space. This means he really knows what he's talking about when he writes what happens when people and mice go into space.
Types of opening moves: I began by reading some of the text to engage students. I did this so that they had an idea of what the book was about. I then asked a question so that students' interest in a topic or theme (space) would be raised. I went on to draw attention to the writer's craft, by explaining that the author is a real-life astronaut (further explaining that these are the people that go into space) who has actually been to space with mice. This was to let children know that the author speaks from experience.
Who here would like to go into space one day? (children respond)
People that go into space are called astronauts. The book we are about to read, Mousetranaut, was written by Mark Kelly, a real-life astronaut who has been to space. . . with mice. In fact, this book was inspired by one of those missions to space. This means he really knows what he's talking about when he writes what happens when people and mice go into space.
Types of opening moves: I began by reading some of the text to engage students. I did this so that they had an idea of what the book was about. I then asked a question so that students' interest in a topic or theme (space) would be raised. I went on to draw attention to the writer's craft, by explaining that the author is a real-life astronaut (further explaining that these are the people that go into space) who has actually been to space with mice. This was to let children know that the author speaks from experience.
Read
June 12, 2015Opening: [Shows cover of book.] “What do you see on the cover of this book? [Students respond.] [Read the title page.] What do you think it means by ‘Based on a (partially) true story’? [Students respond with various ideas.] Did you notice the author was Astronaut Mark Kelly? Isn’t it cool the book was written by a real astronaut? Now let’s hear the story of a very special little mouse that traveled to outer space. At the end of story, we’ll discuss which parts we thought “partially true.”
Opening moves: invites students to notice illustrations, encourages students to make predictions about the story and later confirm those predictions, engages attention, makes a special note about the author
Rationale: I chose this book because it is a wonderful fiction book written by astronaut Mark Kelly. The author details the preparations involved before a launch while telling the story of a mouse on his first space mission. The class could have discussions about why animals might be sent to space. The book includes a great “Afterword” that shares the author's knowledge about animals in space. I would include this information in our class discussions.
Opening moves: invites students to notice illustrations, encourages students to make predictions about the story and later confirm those predictions, engages attention, makes a special note about the author
Rationale: I chose this book because it is a wonderful fiction book written by astronaut Mark Kelly. The author details the preparations involved before a launch while telling the story of a mouse on his first space mission. The class could have discussions about why animals might be sent to space. The book includes a great “Afterword” that shares the author's knowledge about animals in space. I would include this information in our class discussions.
July 5, 2019
The story of a small mouse named Meteor who stowed away on the Galaxy Rocket that was headed to Mars. After arriving near the red planet, it was discovered that none of the crew would be able to land and collect samples of rocks and dirt, and placed the flag on the surface. Meteor was chosen to save the mission.
November 26, 2020
Alena's dad is really into watching anything related to space travel, so she gets to watch lots of YouTube videos of launches and space talk. She seemed to like this book and the other Moustronaut book we read today. I like them too.
December 10, 2023
The animals in the illustrations were totally adorable. The people were alright. The story was alright as well. The heroics of the mouse seemed a bit contrived. There was a lengthy history of animals in space at the end.
October 4, 2015
5* art
3* story
Amazing illustrations. Squirt hasn't caught the space bug yet, but it's coming, and I'll try again then.
3* story
Amazing illustrations. Squirt hasn't caught the space bug yet, but it's coming, and I'll try again then.
May 10, 2020
A very nice, easy going reading for kids. Also what I like is that the author is in fact an Astronaut who has a twin brother who is also an Astronaut!
Read
April 5, 2020This book was read to me (and anybody who wants to see and hear it) by Jason Hammond, a friend of mine who is also a manager and educator at the Children's Museum of Houston. Check it out at https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-mwLjoD... -- hope that works.
Anyhow, this is an adorable story written by an astronaut about a mission and how even the littlest (adorablest) mouse has a role to play.
Anyhow, this is an adorable story written by an astronaut about a mission and how even the littlest (adorablest) mouse has a role to play.
February 2, 2023
Text to World Connection
With all the recent space launches by SpaceX, many of my students have begun to show an increased interest in space, astronauts, and space travel. The living and working lives of astronauts in space are displayed throughout the book in a simplified, child-friendly manner. Mousetronaut introduces concepts such as weightlessness, spacewalks, and experiments in space. The text and illustrations are just detailed enough to spark the interest of younger readers without overwhelming them. While the book may not be completely factual, it does introduce children to concepts like space travel, and mission training and delivers an important social-emotional learning aspect in an engaging way. Meteor, the smallest mouse in the training program, is a character that small children can easily identify with because they are often used to being considered too small to be of much help. Astronauts, professional athletes, and other heroes are often the biggest, strongest, or fastest people. This book reminds children that you don't have to be any of those things to become the hero of a story, you just need the willingness to try.
With all the recent space launches by SpaceX, many of my students have begun to show an increased interest in space, astronauts, and space travel. The living and working lives of astronauts in space are displayed throughout the book in a simplified, child-friendly manner. Mousetronaut introduces concepts such as weightlessness, spacewalks, and experiments in space. The text and illustrations are just detailed enough to spark the interest of younger readers without overwhelming them. While the book may not be completely factual, it does introduce children to concepts like space travel, and mission training and delivers an important social-emotional learning aspect in an engaging way. Meteor, the smallest mouse in the training program, is a character that small children can easily identify with because they are often used to being considered too small to be of much help. Astronauts, professional athletes, and other heroes are often the biggest, strongest, or fastest people. This book reminds children that you don't have to be any of those things to become the hero of a story, you just need the willingness to try.
December 1, 2017
3.5 technically. I really wish I could give half stars.
April 29, 2014
1. What would it be like to be an astronaut? How would you feel flying into space and being weightless? How would you feel if something went wrong and didn’t think it could be fixed? What if someone or something you didn’t think could help, could? In “Mousetronaut” written by actual astronaut Mark Kelly and illustrated by C.F. Payne, Meteor is the smallest mouse. He trains with bigger and stronger mice to go along on the space shuttle. His hard work is noticed, even though he is the smallest, and he is selected to go. Once in space, Meteor loves being weightless, but the other mice are sick and afraid. The mission goes well until an important key is stuck, which the human astronauts can’t reach no matter what they do. Even though they are very smart and can think of most anything, the astronauts have no idea how to get the key. But the small Meteor knows how he can help, and because he’s not afraid, he is able to. This book is based on a partially true story of mice in space that the author details at the end of the book we will read. As we read, think about why it was important for Meteor to be there and how his size and problem solving impact the space shuttle
2. Raise interest in a topic or theme/ Raise questions to spark curiosity; Invite personal connections; foreshadow problem of a story; Lay groundwork for helping children understand the theme
3. My text set theme is we all have talents and gifts even if we don’t think we do. And even if we think we do have talents, they might actually be different than what we think. But we all are important in this world. It was inspired by the intermediate book I read for our first two books, A Tangle of Knots, in which everyone has a Talent, but there are a select few who don’t have talents, and one in the end who loses his talent. Even though all the Talents are around, some figure out the Talent is not as narrow as they thought, and the one who loses his Talent is talented in a different way. I chose Mousetronaut because it was a fun story, with great illustrations which told a story of an unlikely hero. A mouse, which is small and wouldn’t be thought of to help, is the one who “saves the day”. The point is that we all have abilities we might not think we do, or others may not think we do, but we do and we are all important in our own way. So the smallest one can do things bigger ones don’t think of. I especially loved how Mark Kelly wrote the afterward and explained his inspiration for the book and how it all came about, as well as what it’s like to be aboard a space shuttle. He also talked about his own fears and excitement training for his flights.
4. (2012, October 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint2.com.leo.lib....#
2. Raise interest in a topic or theme/ Raise questions to spark curiosity; Invite personal connections; foreshadow problem of a story; Lay groundwork for helping children understand the theme
3. My text set theme is we all have talents and gifts even if we don’t think we do. And even if we think we do have talents, they might actually be different than what we think. But we all are important in this world. It was inspired by the intermediate book I read for our first two books, A Tangle of Knots, in which everyone has a Talent, but there are a select few who don’t have talents, and one in the end who loses his talent. Even though all the Talents are around, some figure out the Talent is not as narrow as they thought, and the one who loses his Talent is talented in a different way. I chose Mousetronaut because it was a fun story, with great illustrations which told a story of an unlikely hero. A mouse, which is small and wouldn’t be thought of to help, is the one who “saves the day”. The point is that we all have abilities we might not think we do, or others may not think we do, but we do and we are all important in our own way. So the smallest one can do things bigger ones don’t think of. I especially loved how Mark Kelly wrote the afterward and explained his inspiration for the book and how it all came about, as well as what it’s like to be aboard a space shuttle. He also talked about his own fears and excitement training for his flights.
4. (2012, October 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint2.com.leo.lib....#
August 9, 2016
Mousetronaut
A Review
------------
Kids love space.
Kids love animals.
In Mousestronaut, the reader gets both!
And kids everywhere can rejoice!
Here are three reasons why I would recommend the book:
1.) It contains an actual bibliography and a short information section about space. Out of this world!
2.) It is easy to integrate into lots of different types of lessons.
3.) It is written by an actual astronaut who went on a shuttle mission with actual mice.
Bottom Line
This is a finely-detailed/illustrated (the illustrations were a little too detailed and shaded, in my opinion, for this age group, but not bad), resource-driven, fantastic text for classrooms, libraries, and anything involving space learning for young kids and students.
Sequel:
Mousetronaut Goes to Mars
Mousetronaut Goes to Mars
October 26, 2012
Based partially on a real NASA mission, Mark Kelly tells the story of a small mouse sent up in the space shuttle.
Just because you are the smallest of all the mice does not mean that your hard work will not be noticed, so when Meteor is chosen he relishes his mission. While the other larger mice are scared, Meteor loves the weightlessness and his fellow astronauts.
As the astronauts are busy with their tasks during the flight, Meteor wonders what he can do to help.
Then the time comes, the crew encounters a problem that only the smallest of them can handle. Squeezing his way into a dark and cramped space, Meteor retrieves a very important key that will save the mission.
Back on Earth and with a job well done – Meteor becomes an official Mousetronaut.
It is a cute story, not overly fascinating for the adult reader, but your young one might be interested in the space aspect of the book.
There is an afterward for the older reader, explaining where Mark Kelly came up with the idea for the book and background information on the history of space flight. Personally, I found this more interesting and think that your 4th+ graders would be fascinated in this part of the story.
Just because you are the smallest of all the mice does not mean that your hard work will not be noticed, so when Meteor is chosen he relishes his mission. While the other larger mice are scared, Meteor loves the weightlessness and his fellow astronauts.
As the astronauts are busy with their tasks during the flight, Meteor wonders what he can do to help.
Then the time comes, the crew encounters a problem that only the smallest of them can handle. Squeezing his way into a dark and cramped space, Meteor retrieves a very important key that will save the mission.
Back on Earth and with a job well done – Meteor becomes an official Mousetronaut.
It is a cute story, not overly fascinating for the adult reader, but your young one might be interested in the space aspect of the book.
There is an afterward for the older reader, explaining where Mark Kelly came up with the idea for the book and background information on the history of space flight. Personally, I found this more interesting and think that your 4th+ graders would be fascinated in this part of the story.
December 31, 2016
Meteor is a friendly, hardworking little mouse with dreams of traveling to outer space. He works hard, and has all the qualifications of the bigger mice, but it’s always the larger mice who have the opportunity to fly into space.
Finally selected to fly, the teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy mouse blasts off with five other, much larger, mice. As the shuttle slips away from earth’s gravity, those five cling to their special Mouse Hotel cage, but Meteor loves the feeling of weightlessness. And when there’s an unexpected problem, can the smallest one save the mission and earn his “Mousetronaut” title?
Based on Astronaut Kelly’s 2001 shuttle flight, the story of Meteor is partially true. On that mission, the shuttle carried eighteen mice into space. Seventeen of them clung to the cage, but one, smaller than the rest, seemed to enjoy the weightlessness of space. And so the story of Meteor was born. With its realistic story and lifelike illustrations, this is a picture book guaranteed to warm the reader’s heart as it spins out its tale of the success of the smallest ones.
Highly recommended.
Finally selected to fly, the teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy mouse blasts off with five other, much larger, mice. As the shuttle slips away from earth’s gravity, those five cling to their special Mouse Hotel cage, but Meteor loves the feeling of weightlessness. And when there’s an unexpected problem, can the smallest one save the mission and earn his “Mousetronaut” title?
Based on Astronaut Kelly’s 2001 shuttle flight, the story of Meteor is partially true. On that mission, the shuttle carried eighteen mice into space. Seventeen of them clung to the cage, but one, smaller than the rest, seemed to enjoy the weightlessness of space. And so the story of Meteor was born. With its realistic story and lifelike illustrations, this is a picture book guaranteed to warm the reader’s heart as it spins out its tale of the success of the smallest ones.
Highly recommended.
October 24, 2012
Beautifully illustrated story perfect for the aspiring astronaut
A space mission is getting ready to leave, and everyone is excited. Along with all the astronauts, six mice will get to go on the mission as well. Meteor is the smallest of the mice, and he really wants to go on the mission so he has been working really hard. When it is time to decide, five of the biggest and strongest mice are chosen, but because of his hard work so is Meteor.
During the space mission the key to the control panel gets stuck in a crack. None of the astronauts can get it out, but Meteor is small and wants to be helpful. Will Meteor save the mission?
Mousetronaut is perfect for the budding astronaut with striking illustrations and a fun storyline. Written by Astronaut Mark Kelly, Mousetronaut is inspired by one of the mice on his first mission in space aboard the Endeavour in 2001. Included at the end of the book is a brief afterword by Mark Kelly that includes a brief history of the space program and life as an astronaut.
Recommended for readers age 4-8.
baseballvalbooks.wordpress.com
A space mission is getting ready to leave, and everyone is excited. Along with all the astronauts, six mice will get to go on the mission as well. Meteor is the smallest of the mice, and he really wants to go on the mission so he has been working really hard. When it is time to decide, five of the biggest and strongest mice are chosen, but because of his hard work so is Meteor.
During the space mission the key to the control panel gets stuck in a crack. None of the astronauts can get it out, but Meteor is small and wants to be helpful. Will Meteor save the mission?
Mousetronaut is perfect for the budding astronaut with striking illustrations and a fun storyline. Written by Astronaut Mark Kelly, Mousetronaut is inspired by one of the mice on his first mission in space aboard the Endeavour in 2001. Included at the end of the book is a brief afterword by Mark Kelly that includes a brief history of the space program and life as an astronaut.
Recommended for readers age 4-8.
baseballvalbooks.wordpress.com
March 6, 2015
Meteor is part of a group of mice training to go in space with the astronauts. No one thinks Meteor will get picked because he is so small. But he does. When they first breach the earth's atmosphere, the other mice are scared of the weightlessness of space, but not Meteor. He relished it. One day, an astronaut notices the control panel key is stuck between monitors. All the astronauts try to get it out, but then Meteor says the day and everyone congratulates him. He truly is a Mousetronaut! Recommended for ages 3-7, 3 stars.
I used this as part of my Gravity DiscoveryTime for preschoolers. It was suggested by my supervisor and I thought it was a cute little story, plus it was written by Arizonian Astronaut Mark Kelly (most would probably know him as husband of former US Representative Gabby Giffords). Apparently it was based off a real mouse that Kelly flew with in a mission that enjoyed the weightlessness of space. The kids liked the book especially counting down till blast off!
I used this as part of my Gravity DiscoveryTime for preschoolers. It was suggested by my supervisor and I thought it was a cute little story, plus it was written by Arizonian Astronaut Mark Kelly (most would probably know him as husband of former US Representative Gabby Giffords). Apparently it was based off a real mouse that Kelly flew with in a mission that enjoyed the weightlessness of space. The kids liked the book especially counting down till blast off!
March 14, 2017
Meteor is the smallest mouse in NASA’s training pen, so he works as hard as he can. His efforts pay off when the shuttle commander chooses him for one of the spots on the next mission. While the other mice chosen for the flight are scared from loading through countdown and liftoff, Meteor is ecstatic and soon becomes a regular member of the crew. But how can he help his human crewmates? Based on the experiences of author and real-life astronaut Mark Kelly, this book is well-illustrated, tells a great story, and has an afterword by author.
Activity: I would have the students discuss or write about a time that they worked hard to accomplish something despite being nervous. If you’re teaching a science class or unit, you could also use it as a way to introduce space exploration and the training and dedication required to be an astronaut.
Kelly, M. (2012). Mousetronaut. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Activity: I would have the students discuss or write about a time that they worked hard to accomplish something despite being nervous. If you’re teaching a science class or unit, you could also use it as a way to introduce space exploration and the training and dedication required to be an astronaut.
Kelly, M. (2012). Mousetronaut. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
November 1, 2012
An adorable book written by Astronaut Mark Kelly about a mouse in space. Despite being the smallest of the group, Meteor is chosen to go in space on one of the shuttle's missions. While in space, he ends up saving the day, noting that "Being the smallest isn't a bad thing." He is recognized for his bravery when returning to Earth; meanwhile he dreams of his next flight.
Very cute book. Well done for children, especially younger ones interested in space. The extra content in back really makes this book extra fabulous: an afterword written by Mark Kelly explaining which part of the story is true along with a mini-history of the space program; as well as a bibliography and additional sources online for those looking to explore the topic further.
If children are too young to read "Laika," I would definitely recommend this one!
Very cute book. Well done for children, especially younger ones interested in space. The extra content in back really makes this book extra fabulous: an afterword written by Mark Kelly explaining which part of the story is true along with a mini-history of the space program; as well as a bibliography and additional sources online for those looking to explore the topic further.
If children are too young to read "Laika," I would definitely recommend this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2015
Meteor is one of 18 mice that were part of a NASA space program. Author Mark Kelley was part of the shuttle Endeavor and this is his first children's book. The illustrations are really so lovely!
This is the story of Meteor and how he worked just a little harder to overcome his size limitations and make it onto the the space shuttle. This story gives readers some (mostly true) info about the mice who were involved in the space/animal programs and what the experiences of being in space are like. It wouldn't be quite as fun if there weren't some problem to be solved--yay, Meteor comes to the rescue!
This book would work well for igniting some interest in space exploration and even the history of animals as part of the space program research. This book could be part of a larger science and/or history unit.
This is the story of Meteor and how he worked just a little harder to overcome his size limitations and make it onto the the space shuttle. This story gives readers some (mostly true) info about the mice who were involved in the space/animal programs and what the experiences of being in space are like. It wouldn't be quite as fun if there weren't some problem to be solved--yay, Meteor comes to the rescue!
This book would work well for igniting some interest in space exploration and even the history of animals as part of the space program research. This book could be part of a larger science and/or history unit.
December 19, 2015
Mousetronaught is a story about a mouse who travels to space, and ends up being the hero of the mission! Two writing traits that this story represents are presentation and word choice. There are short expressions used such as "Lift off!" and in some cases the words are tilted in different ways on the page to fit in with the illustrations. I would recommend using this book in the classroom by it serving as an example for students' own writing. First, it could serve as a way for students to see how short expressions and sound effects are portrayed in writing, which they in turn could be asked to write a story in which they use expressions like these. Also, the book could be used in a mini lesson to teach about problems and resolutions. In the book, the crew on the space shuttle encounters problems, but the mouse fixes them to save the day.
Book Level: 5.9
Book Level: 5.9
October 12, 2016
Taking place in space? A mouse as an astronaut. What is this nonsense? This is not nonsense. It is the adventures of Meteor and his goal of being a mousetronaut. Mark Kelly uses his experience of being on the space shuttle to give us this science-fiction piece of his adventures. Meteor wants to help the astronauts on their very important mission and he knows just how to do it. He saves the mission and is declared mousetronaut. Very satisfied he awaits his next mission.
This book exemplifies science-fiction in many ways. Starting off with setting, the characters are in outer space. This story is about a mouse saving the day. This could be fantasy but as we know, science-fiction has been built off of fantasy. The humans were looking to the mouse for rescue when in reality a mouse wouldn't be able to save them.
This book exemplifies science-fiction in many ways. Starting off with setting, the characters are in outer space. This story is about a mouse saving the day. This could be fantasy but as we know, science-fiction has been built off of fantasy. The humans were looking to the mouse for rescue when in reality a mouse wouldn't be able to save them.
January 7, 2013
What do you get when you add a cute little mouse to a (partially) true story about space travel? You get a winning picture book, that's what! Meteor (the mouse) journeys with his fellow mice friends aboard the space shuttle. And he finds that he loves the feeling of weightlessness! Meteor is smaller than the rest of the mice, so he can fit into tight spaces. It's this talent that enables him to save the day. Read more about his adventures and what life is like on a space shuttle, in this great book for kids grades K-2. Check our catalog to see if this book is in.
Reviewed by Lisa Coleman, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by Lisa Coleman, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
April 16, 2013
This picture book follows the story of Meteor the mouse and his experience in space. Meteor isn't the biggest or strongest mouse in the NASA training program, but that just makes him work even harder. His efforts are rewarded when the Shuttle Commander chooses him to go into space! Meteor enjoys his time in space, but doesn't have anything to do - until a key to the control panel gets stuck and Meteor is the only one that can help!
I enjoyed the creativity of the story and large, detailed illustrations that C.F. Payne contributes. There is an afterword with insight from Astronaut Mark Kelly and plenty of resources for further learning. I would recommend this book for 1st-4th graders or any child interested in space or the NASA program.
I enjoyed the creativity of the story and large, detailed illustrations that C.F. Payne contributes. There is an afterword with insight from Astronaut Mark Kelly and plenty of resources for further learning. I would recommend this book for 1st-4th graders or any child interested in space or the NASA program.
December 9, 2015
Astronaut Mark Kelly tells a tall tale about the outer space voyage of a small mouse who saves the day despite being the smallest mouse.
Kelly explains in his author's note much about the history of space travel, and especially about the animals who have traveled into space. One real small mouse who stayed in a cage during its outer space voyage inspired Kelly in creating this story about Meteor the mouse. The story is short and cute, encouraging readers that heroes come in all sizes. It also gives a good glimpse into space travel for wanna be astronauts. The illustration style is cartoonish and should appeal to children. A good pick for kids obsessed with outer space or when studying space travel.
Kelly explains in his author's note much about the history of space travel, and especially about the animals who have traveled into space. One real small mouse who stayed in a cage during its outer space voyage inspired Kelly in creating this story about Meteor the mouse. The story is short and cute, encouraging readers that heroes come in all sizes. It also gives a good glimpse into space travel for wanna be astronauts. The illustration style is cartoonish and should appeal to children. A good pick for kids obsessed with outer space or when studying space travel.
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