Ham The Astrochimp [Hardcover]

Richard Hilliard (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

On January 31, 1961, a three-year-old chimpanzee named Ham made history. Strapped inside a Mercury capsule, the little chimp blasted off into the sky, becoming the first intelligent being to ride an American rocket into suborbital space. Ham made a vital contribution to the United States space program. Because there were so many unanswered questions about space travel, scientists could not risk sending humans on a journey into the unknown. Chimpanzees, however, are very similar to humans in the makeup of their skeletons and internal organs. That made them the perfect space pioneers. Ham forged the way into the outer reaches of space so that human astronauts could follow. In this informative and entertaining book, featuring bold and lively illustrations, Richard Hilliard celebrates the achievement of Ham, the astrochimp and space hero.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ham was born in Africa and made history when he became the first living intelligent being to go up into space. It was not certain if a person would survive a trip into space. If Ham made it home safely, humans would be next. The author tells the true story of Ham in a delightful, friendly way for children to enjoy. The reader learns many details about the flight, which are all fascinating. The suspense mounts as Ham lands 50 miles from his planned destination. The rescue is detailed and tension is created. In addition to the story format of Ham's journey into space, the author provides the reader with sidebars of more specific information in relation to the story. Sidebar information includes an extensive explanation for using apes in space flight, and the first American space flight. The illustrations are beautiful and define and enhance the text. Richard Hilliard brings Ham to life through his pictures and words. Ham's expression when he came out of the capsule upon landing was priceless. This book would be a wonderful introduction to a unit on the solar system or space travel, and the sidebars can be used toward research as an overview of space travel. --Library Media Connection

About the Author

Richard Hillard teaches graphic design and illustration. He has written and illustrated two other books: Godspeed, John Glen and Neil, Buzz and Mike Go to the Moon.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Pr (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590784596
• ISBN-13: 978-1590784594
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #973,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your usual cute animal story, but a great addition to any juvenile nonfiction section!, January 2, 2008

By 

E. Fox (Oregon Coast USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ham The Astrochimp (Hardcover)

Not your usual cute animal story, Ham the Astrochimp would make a great read-aloud introduction to biography, astronauts, or even exploration in an early elementary classroom. This well-written book presents the life and achievements of the U.S.'s first intelligent being to travel in space. While the central, large font text doesn't go into detail about why or how Ham was chosen and trained for the Mercury flights, there are smaller font sidebards that ellucidate this and give the reader many facts about our early space program. The illustrations are meticulous and engaging, as might be expected from a professor of graphic design and illustration. The only thing missing is a bibliography/source notes.