Copyright Date:
2023
Edition Date:
2023
Release Date:
06/06/23
Illustrator:
Stegmaier, Andrea,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
1-525-30736-3
ISBN 13:
978-1-525-30736-2
Dewey:
E
Dimensions:
29 cm
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
Being a (pretend) astronaut can be lonely.Avni loves climbing aboard a cobbled-together spacecraft made of cardboard and various household objects. There is, after all, a whole galaxy (or neighborhood) to explore. But it can be tough being a solo pilot. Avni plans all the missions (first on the agenda? "Make Pluto a planet again"), makes all of the repairs, and puts all of the gear away without any help. Time to get an assistant. Alas, pets are too wiggly, toddlers are too smelly, and adults "are too old for long trips." Avni find a kindred spirit in Aya, a submarine-obsessed tot. Avni and Aya's friendship has a rocky launch (space and sea are so very far apart), but they learn to compromise. Showcasing imaginative play and creative engineering, this tale homes in on youngsters' ambitions and focused passions. The story unfolds through a mixture of full and paneled pages, with washi-taped logbook entries adding a personal touch. Detailed illustrations dotted with humor bring to life the two tots' creativity at every turn. Avni has long dark braids and brown skin, while Aya has darker brown skin and dark, Afro-textured curls. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Both STEM encouragement and friendship navigation, all while reaching for the stars. (Picture book. 4-7)
A girl who loves solo space travel learns that having a partner can be even better.
Avni loves being the only astronaut in her space station. Shes in charge of when she takes off and where she goes. But space exploration can be a lot of work for one astronaut. Its time for a new mission: find an assistant. Avni crisscrosses the distant galaxies (her neighborhood) in search of the perfect partner. Does that even exist? Will Avni make space for a copilot or will it be mission impossible?
Award-winning author Mahak Jain has crafted a witty and wonderful story about friendship, imagination and the thrill of a good adventure. Andrea Stegmaiers dynamic and highly detailed art uses line drawing overlays in orange, for Avni, and blue, for Aya, to cleverly depict the world as seen in each of their imaginations. Its a terrific representation of a child making room for both their own creativity and anothers perspective. Avnis regular mantra, An astronaut never gives up, celebrates the power of perseverance and collaboration without compromising ones goals. This book highlights the character education concepts of teamwork, cooperation, adaptability and resilience. It also offers an invitation to children to use their imaginations and remain open to the exciting possibilities of exploration (as astronauts or aquanauts!).