Pupniks: The Story of Two Space Dogs [Hardcover]

S. Ruth Lubka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2003 | Age Level: 5 and up

Presents the story of the two Soviet dogs, Belka and Strelka, who were sent into space in 1960, paving the way for the first Soviet manned flight.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-This book tells the story of two dogs that were sent into space in 1960 as part of the Soviet effort to get man into orbit. It records the adventures of two female strays and explains how they were prepared for their secret mission on Sputnik 5. The animals' harrowing adventure is described in a matter-of-fact tone and readers are told, "We can only imagine what Belka and Strelka were thinking as they watched the view through the window." The story is interesting but awkwardly written. The introduction makes mention of the Russian legend of the "Firebird," whose "feathers give off brilliant light and great heat like the sun." Readers who don't read this page will be confused by the bird's appearance on several pages in the book and baffled by how it relates to the dogs' trip in space. The whimsical colored-pencil cartoon illustrations don't really suit the subject matter; they are at odds with the factual nature of the story and in several instances have little obvious relationship to the text.
Sheilah Kosco, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

. . . The story of this adventure is told with charming illustrations and magical prose. -- Library Media Connection, February 2004

An historical fiction account of two of the first animals in space, the Soviet puppies Belka and Strelka. -- The Best Children's Books of the Year (2004 edition), Bank Street College of Education

Lubka's illustrations in colored pencil project a naive charm . . . [T]he combination of space exploration and canines will appeal to children. -- Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2003

The story of this adventure is told with charming illustrations and magical prose. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. -- Library Media Connection Magazine, February 2004

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Corporation; F edition (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761451374
• ISBN-13: 978-0761451372
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,874,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Making the Space Race Real for Kids, April 7, 2004

By 

"frankell24" (Stratford,, ct United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pupniks: The Story of Two Space Dogs (Hardcover)

Ms. Lubka came to our elementary school to do an author talk about Pupniks for our students. The children were delighted with the fascinating story of Belka and Strelka and the space capsule. For them it was ancient history that they had never heard of before. The story and the wonderful, whimsical pictures brought it to life for them and taught them about the beginnings of the space race. It was science and history presented in a narrative way that made it fun and exciting for children to learn.