Fun approach to the subject, would be a good read-along for many popular fictional space series. Could have been a bit more exciting.

A look at modern space travel options for non-astronauts, what you’d need to be ready, a look at the ships which could take you, what the trip would be like, and what you could see. Then the book looks ahead to the future at what space vacations may soon be available, what tech needs to be developed for this to happen, what you’d expect the trip to be like, and what you could see (with lots of info on the Earth’s Moon, comets, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn and their moons along the way).

This is the perfect read for slightly nerdy and solidly nerdy middle grade kids (and kids at heart). It lets anyone dream of space travel, and those not super into science can skip the rigorous astronaut selection process to see their dreams fulfilled. You get to binge on all sorts of space facts, and geek out over possible future tech. Of course, in order to actually use the information in this guide you’ll likely need to be related to a billionaire or win a contest. Some of the suggested recreational activities on various space stops I found to be quite creative. And all of it is backed by solid science. This is one of those books that in 50 years readers will likely pick it up to laugh at what their ancestors thought space travel would be like…though there’s a small chance they’ll also marvel at how accurate it was. I mean, the science throughout is sound. Definitely need to look into purchasing this for our libraries. Recommended for anyone doing a space unit or looking for an engaging science read.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you have a child interested in space, then get them this book! This book has plenty for them to learn about and as an adult you will learn too! There are real pictures of astronauts in space as well as drawings. Between these and the fun facts given(which can be TMI that the kids will find hilarious and make the adults cringe) throughout, this will keep kids interested in the subject of Space!

The Guide talks about space travel now and in the future. It does mention the high cost of space travel. It is crazy to think that what is mentioned here for the future will happen at some point: From staying on the Moon to cruising in space and even on a comet! In the far off future we will even be able to travel to Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn! All of the different kinds of trips are mentioned with how long they will take to get there (and how for the long term trips) and how far away these places are. Guide mentions the training one must go through as well. These trips are not something you just decide to do! Also mentioned in these trip are ‘things to do” which keeps the kids learning as they read.

This children’s book helps you to realize how advanced we are and will become in the future. And one day just maybe space travel will be as common as getting in your car for a drive!

Special thanks to Kids Can Press for an e-arc via NetGalley!

The Space ADVENTURES Guide -Your passport to the coolest things to see and do in the universe.

By Peter McMahon

Page Count: 104 -and loaded with tons of illustration’s and photos to keep your little one’s attention!


   I think we all have imagined going to the moon and beyond the stars. I have one little astronaut who lives at my house and grace’s me with his presence when he’s not in orbit or fighting off aliens from another planet. So, it was obvious I had to have his thumbs up or down while reading this book. 

   Boy did he love it! The book is filled with information (but not over baring for my little one’s attention span). The book is broken down by planets. We loved how the book was not filled with long boring information about each planet. The book explains how you will have to navigate each planet, the different atmospheres (or lack thereof).  My son enjoyed the fact that anyone can go into “the stars and beyond”. He plans on being a scientist, just so he can be the first Pizza baker in space.  

  As a parent I loved everything about this very quick read. I try to have my boys read as many Non-fiction books as possible, this as a parent is hard to do sometimes, as all kids love a good comic book.  This book was perfect! It was entertaining, and very knowledgeable! Shoot it made me want to put on my space suit and hop on the next space shuttle to Mars!

  We are giving this book a solid 4/5 stars. We only gave it 4 because my son said, “I just wish the pictures were more updated”.  These kids and their iPhone's sheesh.

-Angie P.

The Space Adventurer's Guide, written by Peter McMahon and illustrated by , Josh Holinaty, is a non fiction book that is currently scheduled for release on May 1 2018. It's not just astronauts who get to travel into space anymore. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs have now made space flight a reality for adventure-seekers of all kinds. While prices and availability make the likely hood of a trip in the near future slim to none, this book is a travel guide for kids to plan their own out-of-this-world journeys. Eight potential space vacations are described, one per chapter, complete with information about pre-trip preparations (like training to withstand extreme g-forces), accommodations and dining (hot dogs in zero gravity, anyone?), awesome activities (how about a real moon walk?) and so much more. The trips range from orbiting Earth (available now), to voyaging through Saturn's rings, which may be possible within the next few decades. Featuring the coolest things to see and do in the universe, these space vacations are not to be missed!

The Space Adventurer's Guide is a full on travel and technical guide to what one should do to prepare for a trip to space, and what they might be able to do or experience while there. I like that the information was current, and includes first person accounts from people in the field. I found the photographs and artwork to be eye catching, and think they will help hold the attention of most readers. The text was in good sized portions, with fun text boxes and quick facts to break things up a little. Some of the activities and ideas featured I found to be fascinating, and I think elementary and middle school readers that are obsessed with going into space as I was at their age will love this book. I could see it being a favorite for interested readers at home and as a valuable resource in school, classroom and public libraries. The glossary and index included in the endpages only make this book more accessible and useful for readers, and I found them helpful. I can think of some kids that will simply adore this book, although I worry that they might expect a trip in their near future, which I suspect will be well out of my budget indefinitely.

This is such a great book. Great pictures. Packed full of information - sometimes a little too much information, but it's brilliantly informative. This will be treasured by children and teens who love learning about space.

Do you have a future astronaut in your life? This guide is just what they need. There are more ways to get to space than ever before. It's not only NASA anymore. This nonfiction book has photos, graphs, drawings and plenty of information on everything from the different types of spacecraft to living on Mars. It covers training to go, life in space and gives information about the planets all in the form of a travel guide. I liked it so much I'm going to buy it and use it a spine for our Astronomy study next Fall.

Verdict- Buy

When kids are allowed to read whatever they want, what subject do they pick? For some it is dinosaurs, looking backwards, but for others it is out space, looking forwards.

This is a very thorough book on all we know about space exploration, both in the past and in the near and far future. I found, at times, it went a little overboard with its explanations, but that is what kids love. And it helps that this is very up to date. It isn't only NASA that is out there, the way it was when I was growing up, but Space X and the European Space Agency, and so much more.

In fact, the author acknowledges that one of the main people he spoke to was a SpaceX engineer, which is a way cool to go about getting the latest information.

There are some really great photos in the book as well, such as the northern lights from space.

And fun facts such as that comets smell like rotten eggs and horse pee, that is if you could take off your helmet and smell them, which you can't.

All in all, a very informative book, great for libraries, and schools.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Children will delight in reading a book that makes space travel even more tantalizing that it already is. For young potential astronauts, "The Space Adventurers's Guide" provides a how-to detailed book from pre-training strategies through the conclusion of the space trip.
What' is especially well-done in this book is the intermingling of photographs with graphic cartoons that will keep both the younger and older reader involved.. The details of space travel are fascinating and the reader is bound to learn so much. It makes learning about space fun!