Mousetronaut Saves the World by Astronaut Mark Kelly

 Today's read hit the shelves a little over a week ago (yep, I'm late!), and the second I saw these brave mice, I had to pick it up. This is the third book in a series...one I haven't read before. It is written by an astronaut, which gives in an extra, interesting touch.

But let's just dive in and see!

MOUSETRONAUT SAVES THE WORLD

by Astronaut Mark Kelly

Illustrated by C.F. Payne

Paula Wiseman Books

 Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

Meteor the Mousetronaut defends Earth from an asteroid in this exciting story from #1 New York Times bestselling author and retired NASA astronaut Commander Mark Kelly and renowned illustrator C.F. Payne.

An asteroid is hurtling toward Earth! To save the planet, the president calls on Meteor the Mousetronaut, and Meteor assembles his Flint the scientist and Luna the engineer. Can they divert the asteroid in time?

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MY TIDBITS

These little mousetronauts aren't only sweet but are about to do the impossible.

NASA has discovered a huge problem; an asteroid is headed toward Earth. Time is short, but if a ship can change the asteroid's trajectory just a little bit, everyone will be saved. There's only one solution; it's time for the Mousetronauts to head into space and do their best to save the world.

Space fans, especially those who enjoy adventure, meet a trio of very brave mice and more than a little space excitement. The tale begins in NASA as the asteroid is noticed and emergency is called. It shifts to the White House, where the President discusses a solution. That's when the mice appear on the desk, and the imagination sinks in. It packs tension to grab and lets these tiny heroes give their all despite the small size. It's easy to root and fever for them when things get tough. But it also never gets so dire that it over-shoots the intended audience level.

The text is a little heavier than many picture books for this age group, which makes it a nice, full-story read-aloud or works well for those readers, who are sure of their words. The illustrations are detailed, and add emotion and atmosphere to each scene. There are fold-out pages, which not only offer extra enjoyment during the read, but work especially well when the solar system is displayed...great way to express the vastness. 

All the while, facts and information are dribbled in. But it doesn't qualify as sheer nonfiction, even ignoring the mice. There are more than a few aspects, which do go beyond reality and hit science fiction. It creates an entertaining mix and lets dreams launch through the universe and beyond. At the end of the book, there are several pages of explanations, facts, and history. This last section is intended for older readers or works great as a help for adults wanting to explain more to the listeners. 

This book makes a lovely read-aloud for story time for more patient listeners or works as a great read-aloud at home. 

And here they are...

Mark Kelly has served as the US Senator from Arizona since 2020. He was a captain in the United States Navy when he commanded the final mission of space shuttle Endeavour in May 2011. A veteran of four space flights to the International Space Station, he is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and holds a master’s degree from the US Naval Postgraduate School.

C. F. Payne has illustrated more than a dozen picture books, including the New York Times bestselling Mousetronaut by astronaut Mark Kelly; the Texas Bluebonnet winner Shoeless Joe & Black Betsy, written by Phil Bildner; and the New York Times bestsellers The Remarkable Farkle McBride and Micawber, both by John Lithgow. He teaches at the Columbus College of Art & Design, where he is the chair of the Illustration Department. Payne lives with his wife and children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Visit him online at CFPayne.com.