Rocket Ship, Solo Trip

February 1, 2024
Even a rocket ship has to learn to be brave when she leaves home. Rocket Ship is excited and a little nervous about her first solo trip to launch a space satellite that will take pictures of Earth below. She's prepared, but "so much unknown lies up ahead. / So much at home to leave instead." Ground Control sends helpful tips: "Find one small step to lead the way. / Use the countdown as your cue. / You'll see. You'll know just what to do." After a hug from the anthropomorphized Launch Pad, Rocket Ship blasts off and then successfully launches the satellite. Soon pictures of stars and the northern lights will be on their way to Earth. Rocket Ship's mission complete, it's time for reentry, and although she's happy to be going home, she has another case of the jitters. Luckily, she recalls Ground Control's advice and begins a successful descent with a smile. Once she's back on the ground, she's already wishing for a new launch. "If only space weren't quite so far." Digitally created illustrations feature a personified rocket ship with an array of facial expressions that capture a range of emotions, from uncertainty to the satisfaction of a job well done; little ones trying new things will be encouraged. Caregivers and educators should preread the text before storytime to become comfortable with some of the rhythms. Blends social-emotional learning and STEM with engaging illustrations for a memorable trip into space. (Picture book. 4-8)

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March 8, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 Tasked with transporting a satellite into orbit, a little rocket gears up for her big maiden solo voyage. Space is a long way from home, and the googly eyed, red-striped aerospace ship is understandably worried about hurtling headfirst into the unknown. Ground Control offers calming, grounding advice: "Find one small step to lead the way. / Use the countdown as your cue. / You'll see. You'll know just what to do." Launch Pad holds Rocket tight in a supportive hug until blast off. Debut author Colombi's energetic rhyming verse propels the action. Magoon's digital cartoon illustrations capture the movement and momentum of the exciting journey. Varied perspectives are presented, including a satellite camera's view of the northern lights. Rocket's relatable range of emotions can be read on her anthropomorphized face, from eyebrows furrowed in apprehension before takeoff to a glow of serene satisfaction when her mission is accomplished. With guidance and encouragement, Rocket bravely leaps to greater heights by taking small steps. This debut picture book encourages young readers to follow Rocket's lead and soar.

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Starred review from June 21, 2024

PreS-Gr 1-The story is fictional: Rocket Ship is just a little jittery about her first time on the launchpad, launch, going into space-everything. It's overwhelming, but an omniscient narration reminds her to "use the countdown as your cue./ You'll see. You'll know just what to do." And it's true. Rocket Ship performs her duty to get her payload, a new satellite, into space where it will take pictures of Earth below. Facts are slipped into the story of Rocket Ship's successes, one by one, to give young children a very good idea of how to launch and set up a satellite for use: "Step three: her top hatch opens wide./ It's Rocket's turn to be the guide./ Station lends a helping hand/ Just like boosters did on land." The storytelling is effective, amplified by Magoon's simple shapes and easy-to-guess facial expressions, but detailed enough to provide a rudimentary sense of how a satellite works. A generous amount of information is dispensed in accessible terms and accompanied by friendly scenes that parallel an elementary age student's first solo project. VERDICT Wondrous-a book that says, "You've got this," seamlessly stirred into a STEM title.-Kimberly Olson Fakih

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