naturalistnatalie's review
4.0
I always know I’ve found a good nonfiction book if I’m tempted to share tidbits I’m reading with whoever’s near me. This was one such book. It was full of all kinds of information, but never felt like a dry recitation of facts. Each of the mission description contained a story that humanized the astronauts and put me in their place (at least a little) as they were flying in space. The paintings and captions by Alan Bean added a delightful element to the book as well. Overall, a highly enjoyable book perfect for many ages. The pictures will keep the younger kids flipping through the book, and older kids or adults will be pulled into reading about all the missions.
djblock99's review
3.0
I think this is a good basic introduction to the Apollo space program and it's mission to land on and explore the moon. It's full of colorful paintings created by former astronaut Alan Bean, who took part in Apollo 12. I was intrigued by the interesting textures of the paintings (which can clearly be seen in the reproductions throughout the book) and then learned in a note at the end that Bean used plaster to create a rough surface to paint on, and then stamped replica space boots and space equipment into the plaster to create the textures. He also infused the paintings with space dust and bits of debris that had been recovered from Apollo 12. I think Bean's commentary on the paintings and the many sidebars (they actually take up full pages, so I don't know if "side bar" is actually the right term) on subjects like space food, peeing in space, and things that astronauts left behind on the moon are the best parts of the book. The descriptions of the actual space missions seemed too condensed, and they all kind of blended together in my head, so that I can't recall many of the specific details that made each one unique. Chaikin wrote an earlier account of the Apollo missions for adults, so maybe I would get more out of that one.
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