It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday at Susan Leonard Hill’s blog. Please visit to learn about more wonderful picture books available for to enjoy and study. If you like space exploration and beautiful text, you will love this picture book biography by Candy Wellins.

Title: The Stars Beckoned: Edward White’s Amazing Walk in Space

Author: Candy Wellins

Illustrator: Courtney Dawson

Publisher: Philomel Books, 2021

Audience: Ages 4-8

Themes: space exploration, courage

Opening lines:

Edward White
loved the night,
lived where stars were big and bright.

The evening sky—
so wide, so high.
Made him wonder. Made him sigh.

Synopsis: (from the jacket flap) The stars called out to a boy named Edward White, and he looked up at them in wonder. He knew that, one day, he would go visit them. And visit them he did, becoming the very first American to walk in space.

Why I Like This Book: Candy Wellins’ lovely language captures the essence of who Edward White was as we watch him grow from a boy to become the first American to walk in space. The rhyming text is inviting to the listener, and the repeated refrain (He’d resist, but then he’d go, walking back…so slow…so slow) reinforces the astronaut’s passion for space exploration. The simple illustrations enhance the text and are perfect for a young audience.

Resources: Back matter includes additional information, photos, and a timeline.There is an extensive Teacher’s Guide available on Candy Wellins’ website (www.candywellins.com/kids).

For a list of wonderful picture books, please visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.