At 256 pages this book packs everything in about the Apollo program and, “The people, technology, and daring feats of science behind humanity’s greatest adventure.” It is a perfect gift book for any child who is a lover of outer space and space history.
No one’s efforts were too small to include in this book and Rocco honors the 400,000 people involved in any aspect of the program. While most of the biographies are about men, Rocco makes a strong effort to include the women who also made certain that the mission was accomplished.
Rocco makes excellent use of the page, (reminiscent of David Macaulay’s, The Way Things Work.) No original photographs are shown in the book however Rocco painstakingly and diligently created his illustrations from the available historical photos. Details of all shapes and sizes tie the book together and make it accessible to all readers. Words and diagrams are interspersed with little snapshots and quarter, half, full and double page sized paintings. I loved Rocco’s use of, “Problem! followed by the Solution!” sections. I also loved his use of a countdown clock and elapsed time, (down to the second,) to recreate the tension felt during the mission. I can imagine parent and child readers becoming totally immersed in this historical story.
This is one delightful story to read aloud to a younger child who can sit and listen to a longer book. It’s broken down into chapters so there are stopping points if you need or want to take them. From the beautifully illustrated map on the end pages the reader knows that they are entering a little world where precious and adventurous things will happen. Six other inhabitants of this world help Hedgehog search for her friend, Mutty, who was snatched away during a “Terrible Storm.” Within this short chapter book of 109 pages, Lauren Castillo uses her words and illustrations masterfully to give each character a distinct personality: Hedgehog is heroic, Mutty is beloved, Mole is helpful, Owl is wise, Beaver is grouchy, Hen and Chicks are inquisitive and Annika Mae is lonely and friendly. This is a warm and fuzzy read that includes adventure and friendship. It would make a lovely gift book. It’s a comfort book and I for one want more Hedgehog and Friends adventures!