I Want to Be an Astronaut [Paperback]

Byron Barton (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 1992 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Blast-off! Up into the shy goes the space shuttle. Into orbit, the astronauts get a taste of ready-to-eat food, experience zero gravity, go for space walks, and even fix a satellite. It's fun to fly aboard the shuttle...and then come back to earth.

‘A young girl declares her longing to ‘fly on the shuttle into outer space.’ The familiar acts of eating, sleeping, and working become intense and special as she and the rest of the crew go about their business. The illustrations positively glow in this simple, lyrical picture book that will have nearly everyone off and flying.’ —SLJ.

Notable Children's Book of 1988 (ALA)
1988 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
Best Illustrated Children's Books of 1988 (NYT)
Oustanding Science Trade Books for Children 1988 (NSTA/CBC)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Byron Barton is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs; The Three Bears; The Little Red Hen; Machines at Work; I Want to Be an Astronaut; and a series of board books: Big Machines, Dinosaurs, Tools, and Zoo Animals. He also illustrated The Little Factory, written by Sarah Weeks.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (February 28, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064432807
• ISBN-13: 978-0064432801
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,940 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Careers
  • #28 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Fiction
  • #36 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Transportation

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for astronaut wanna-be's, September 10, 2001

By 

christinemm - The Thinking Mother (Houston Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: I Want to Be an Astronaut (Paperback)

Typical Byron Barton cartoon-illustrations with his typical simple text. This time around he uses phrases "I want to" followed by various actions of astronauts who fly a space shuttle into space to do various astronaut tasks: working, eating, sleeping, etc. Simple text, adored by my son.

Barton's books are a staple in our family. There is just something about the illustrations that my children love. The words, although simple, still capture the and hold the attention of my four year old.

Female astronauts and people of various ethnicity's are represented.

Regarding the age recommendation that some reviewers are discussing, I want to add that since infancy, my son has loved Barton's books, whether they are board versions or regular paper versions. This book is loved by my less than one year-old son, and continues to enthrall my now 4 year-old son, who does have a fascination with space and astronauts. I would recommend this book for babies who don't rip regular paper books, and for 4 year-olds and maybe 5 year-olds who especially love space. If the older child is *not* especially interested in all things space they may be bored with the simple text.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I was disappointed, October 21, 1999

By 

Mary Burns (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Want to Be an Astronaut Board Book (Board book)

This book was presented as appropriate for 4-8 year olds. Amazon needs to re-classify this book for 2-3 year olds. This was the first time I regretted my purchase.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We love I want to be an Astronaut, November 9, 2006

By 

Andrea N. Jeffery (Fort Leonard Wood, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Want to Be an Astronaut (Paperback)

As a former elementary school teacher, I'm very familiar with the work of Byron Barton and his appeal toward young children. When my own son became interested in space, I knew he'd love this book. The illustrations are detailed but large-perfect for the young eye and provide plenty to talk about to extend the book. This book even makes me want to be an astronaut!