The ultimate astronaut’s handbook is out. And we can give away five copies!
Many dream of becoming an astronaut. But yes, how do you do that? What should you be able to do? What qualities should you have? And what is it actually like to spend a long time in space? Is that as fun as you think? These are undoubtedly questions that André Kuipers, the Dutchman who flew to the International Space Station twice and spent a total of 204 days in space, undoubtedly gets more often. Those who are curious about the answers no longer have to stalk the astronaut; he wrote them down – together with science journalist Govert Schilling. The result is a wonderful (children’s) book with the revealing title ‘How do I become an astronaut?‘
Ultimate Handbook
The back cover presents the book as ‘the ultimate handbook for future astronauts‘ and there’s nothing wrong with that. Because the book covers many aspects of space travel. It explains how rockets work, which spaceships there are, what clothes astronauts wear and what exactly astronauts do on the International Space Station. But you also read, for example, how to go to the toilet in the room and how to shower, eat and exercise.
Making a career as an astronaut
And of course, the astronaut’s career path is also discussed. For example, there is an extensive checklist in the book that reveals what you need to become an astronaut. For example, you must be able to learn well, be able to withstand extreme conditions and a diving and pilot license also come in handy. At the same time, there are also features that are less useful, such as puncture fear (a lot of medical examinations take place during training and possible space flight) and claustrophobia (a spaceship is usually quite cramped and even in the ISS you cannot just walk outside if the walls coming at you). The application process is also discussed, as is the astronaut training.
Tips
What makes the book extra fun is that it also contains tips with which children can experience a little bit of what it is like to be an astronaut. Simply by going under water and feeling a little bit what it is like to be weightless or by checking out how well they withstand G-forces on a roller coaster.
Just one of the beautiful drawings in the book ‘How do I become an astronaut?’.
Beautiful drawings
In addition, Daniëlle Futselaar also deserves a big compliment. The illustrator, known for her illustration work for NASA, made for ‘How do I become an astronaut?beautiful drawings. On some pages they almost seem to come to life.
All those drawings, tips and facts together form a beautiful book that, as soon as the review copy fell on the mat, I had to hand over to our own eight-year-old daughter. And ever since then, the facts about astronaut life have been flying around us, solicited and unsolicited. Her interest has been piqued. The book will undoubtedly have that effect on many more young readers. And who knows where it will lead… maybe in twenty years or so their parents will have to watch with clammy hands as their child takes place in a cramped capsule on a huge, roaring rocket. And then they will no doubt think back with mixed feelings to that wonderful, enthusing book that started it and now keeps the whole family sweating until the end of that long space mission.
Do you still dare to give the book to a future astronaut as a gift? Then we have good news; we can give away five copies! Make a chance? Send an email with your name, address and a short motivation why you would like to win this book to info[@]scientias.nl. And who knows, the book will soon fall on your mat!