Imagine the Possibilities

Title: Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer

Author: Laura Gehl

Illustrators: Louise Pigott and Alex Oxton

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Publication Date: October 1, 2019

Summary: This picture book biography tells the story of Nancy Grace Roman, an astronomer whose work led to the creation of the International Ultaviolet Explorer Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope and important space discoveries. From Amazon: “A testament to women in scientific careers and a record of an important NASA milestone.”

Always Looking Up had me hooked from the opening lines:

“Young Nancy Grace loved to look up at the endless night sky. She gazed at tiny blue-white stars glittering in inky blackness.”

By creating contrasts (small Nancy/vast sky, blue-white stars/inky blackness) Laura Gehl sets the stage for a book that makes the wonder of the universe more tangible to a child.  Laura skillfully uses words and comparisons familiar to a child. For example, she describes Hubble as “as big as a bus, as heavy as two elephants,” and “like a falling meteorite,” and “as fiery as a supernova.” Young readers will relate to Nancy Grace Roman’s curiosity, wonder, and determination to overcome poor eyesight and discouragement from those who thought women should not follow scientific pursuits. Nancy Grace achieves her goal of becoming an astronomer, but as Laura points out, “…this was only the beginning.” Nancy Grace’s vast accomplishments, like the universe, are far-reaching and significant to everyone.

The universe is celebrated in the illustrations on almost every page, along with scientific and mathematical symbols. These depictions enhance the text and allow the reader to watch Nancy, as well as her curiosity and accomplishments, grow. Also included are actual photographs from Hubble.

The timeline and author’s note provide additional important information. Included are inspiring and encouraging words of advice from Nancy Grace to young readers. What a gift!

Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer hits the book shelves in October, 2019. It is available now for preorder.

Last week I was delighted to pick up a copy of Moon’s First Friends: One Giant Leap for Friendship by Susanna Leonard Hill and illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. There are many new releases that celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the moon landing, but this one takes a unique perspective. Here we see the moon as the queen of the night sky, but lonely, and longing for a friend. What young reader can’t relate to that? Moon watches as the earth forms and creatures appear. We see her showing her different faces, and even trying to attract attention by creating an eclipse. It takes some time, but Moon is finally rewarded for her patience with visitors. And as most friends do, the moon and the visitors exchange gifts. The enchanting and colorful illustrations complement the text and add another layer of interest.

The book is sure to raise questions, and many are answered in the extensive back matter that offers a timeline of the earth, lists the phases of the moon, and explains the different parts of the rocket that took the first visitors to the moon. A special bonus is a QR Code where young readers can listen to the words spoken by Neil Armstrong when he took his first step onto the moon.

This is one book that will engage even our youngest book lovers and awaken in them a curiosity about our universe.

I was excited to receive an advance copy this weekend of A Boy Like You by Frank Murphy with illustrations by Kayla Harren. This book is not only beautiful and heartfelt, it is a timely reminder to everyone, especially boys, of what it means to be strong and smart, kind and brave. With carefully chosen words, Frank encourages boys to be curious and to find their place in the world.  He calls attention to the importance of emotional as well as physical strength, of asking questions and knowing when to ask for help, of how to treat others with respect, and of caring for the environment.

This is an important book that speaks to our future generations. As Frank explains in a back matter note: “Each generation’s best future rests with its children. These children can become leaders who honor humanity – leaders with open hearts and minds who accept the uniqueness of individuals, regardless of their differences.”

All readers will find themselves in the beautiful and engaging illustrations that accompany and enhance the text, further encouraging readers to discover what makes them unique.

Just as Frank reminds us to connect with others through story, this story is one not to be missed.

A Boy Like You is published by Sleeping Bear Press and will be available on July 15.