posted 02-11-2021 05:17 PM               

As the command module pilot for the 1971 Apollo 15 mission to the Moon, Astronaut Al Worden remained in orbit to observe and take photographs while his two crewmates explored the surface. On the return-flight to Earth, he became the first person to walk in deep space.

In Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon, his fourth book, Worden vividly depicts space travel as only an astronaut can. Join him for a lyrical journey to the Moon and back that captures first-hand the essence of hurtling through the cosmos, an adventure for both children and adults.

• Hardcover, 32 pages
  
• Grade level: 1 - 2
  
• BookPress Publishing (April 2, 2021)
  
• ISBN-10: 1947305271
  
• ISBN-13: 978-1947305274

posted 02-11-2021 05:20 PM               

During Al's life, he was passionate about inspiring children to pursue an education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Proceeds from sales of "Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon" will be donated to the Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship. The scholarship sends children from around the world to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

posted 05-01-2021 11:31 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Paul78zephyr:
...how is this book different than "Falling to Earth"

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Al Worden loved telling kids about his moon mission. We carefully pared down his flight to the essential, most wondrous experiences he had. Then we pulled out the old coffee-stained yellow legal pads on which he had scrawled random thoughts late at night, right after he returned from the moon. These were the earliest drafts of what he would later turn into a book of space poetry. I was able to work with the drafts in this raw state, pulling out evocative phrases that added to the sense of travel outside our planet.

One element was still missing. Aerospace artist Michelle Rouch, a friend to both of us, created artwork that enhanced the words, and added color and mood that no camera could ever capture. She and Al worked together on technical details to make sure things never photographed, such as details of Al's spacesuit during his record-breaking deep space EVA, were perfect.

The final result, "Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon," has passed the toughest test of all – kids like it.

posted 05-19-2021 06:22 PM               

In addition Farthest Reaches has arranged a private signing with co-author (and long time friend) Francis French to be held on May 23, 2021.

Francis would be happy to provide personalizations upon request (at no extra charge). In order to take advantage of this courtesy your order will need to be submitted and paid for by no later than May 22. Francis asks that inscription requests be kept to less than 500 words (just kidding).

This book is beautifully produced in case you haven't seen it and though it's geared for children is just as suitable on any space collector's bookshelf. It would also make an outstanding gift for the holidays.

posted 07-01-2021 10:03 PM               

Best of all it's hand signed by Francis with a nice inscription and a wonderful original Michelle Rouch drawing added of "Little Al" dangling from his tether during his deep space EVA.

posted 05-16-2022 04:57 PM            

Please take a look at my review and my interview with the brilliant author below!

This is a gorgeous book to read to little astronauts that promotes mindfulness through the poetry of Al Worden during his journey in space. The story of his adventure to lunar orbit is written in such a soft tone that complements the beauty of the art. What sets this book apart from others is that it not only explains to a young reader what Al did on the mission, but it delves into his heart and emotions. Included on each page are poetic verses created by Al himself, inspired by the beauty that surrounded him.

I am a children's librarian and I read this book as part of a space themed storytime. It is not easy to hold the attention of children 4 years old and under! As I changed the pages the children actually said "Whoa"! Al's story is written in a descriptive yet simple enough way so children young and old will understand and be inspired to learn more. I can't go on enough about how spectacular the illustrations are. The details held the attention of even the smallest child.