Author
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Topic: Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon (Worden)
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 48368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-11-2021 05:17 PM
Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon by Al Worden with Francis French Illustrations by Michelle Rouch 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
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 48368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-11-2021 05:20 PM
More about this title from AstronautAl.com: 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. |
FFrench Member Posts: 3273 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 03-27-2021 12:35 PM
The book is how shipping from Amazon, and also available directly from the publisher. |
Gilbert Member Posts: 1441 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 03-31-2021 01:48 PM
The book looks very nice!Worden, French and Rouch are a winning combination. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4457 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-31-2021 02:46 PM
Correct me if I am wrong but I seem to recall Al was working with Francis on a new or updated autobiography. Is there any truth in the rumour and if so, what is the likelihood of it making print? |
FFrench Member Posts: 3273 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 03-31-2021 04:35 PM
Rick, yes, in addition to this book, there will be another book (for adults) coming out later this year. I'm so glad we got this work done... there are still more wonderful Al Worden stories to come. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4457 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-31-2021 05:34 PM
Outstanding. Thanks Francis. You can put me down for a copy. |
FFrench Member Posts: 3273 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 03-31-2021 06:42 PM
Thanks Rick - in the meantime, I hope you enjoy this one also! |
Paul78zephyr Member Posts: 760 From: Hudson, MA Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 04-01-2021 01:43 PM
Mr. French, is this a children's book? Also how is this book different than "Falling to Earth" (which I have read and is a wonderful book). |
farthestreaches Member Posts: 1100 From: Redondo Beach, Ca Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 04-20-2021 03:09 PM
Farthest Reaches is now taking orders for copies of this book hand signed by Francis French and artist/illustrator Michelle Rouche. Personalizations by Francis are available upon request assuming order is placed prior to the signing. |
FFrench Member Posts: 3273 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 05-01-2021 11:31 AM
quote: Originally posted by Paul78zephyr: ...how is this book different than "Falling to Earth"
Paul, sorry not to have seen your message before now. Yes, this is very different from "Falling To Earth" which is a full memoir.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. I hope you will too.
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farthestreaches Member Posts: 1100 From: Redondo Beach, Ca Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 05-19-2021 06:22 PM
Farthest Reaches is pleased to announce that we have copies of "Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon" for sale that are rather special. Each is hand signed by illustrator Michelle Rouch who was kind enough to add an original drawing next to her signature on the title page. 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. Visit Farthest Reaches for full information. |
FFrench Member Posts: 3273 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 05-20-2021 01:52 PM
Thank you. I am looking forward to personalizing books for people out there. |
farthestreaches Member Posts: 1100 From: Redondo Beach, Ca Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 07-01-2021 10:03 PM
Copies are still available for purchase at only $26 plus shipping. Beautifully produced and written for children but would make a great gift or addition to ANY space themed book collection.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. Copies can be ordered by emailing or visit Farthest Reaches for more complete information. |
farthestreaches Member Posts: 1100 From: Redondo Beach, Ca Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 07-28-2021 06:32 PM
Congratulations to Al Worden, Francis French and Michelle Rouch for "Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon" winning a Purple Drangonfly Children's Book Award for Best Historical Non-Fiction Children's Book for 2021. |
FFrench Member Posts: 3273 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-09-2021 03:54 PM
Thank you for those kind words, Steve. |
FFrench Member Posts: 3273 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 04-22-2022 09:54 AM
Here is a new interview article about the book. |
Stefanie Gangone New Member Posts: 1 From: North Babylon NY USA Registered: May 2022
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posted 05-16-2022 04:57 PM
Hi! I am a children's librarian and creator of Library for the Kind. I reviewed "Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon" and I must say it is spectacular.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. If interested (and you must be!) here is my interview with Francis too. A Poetic Journey Through Space: Interview with Francis French: Astronaut Al Travels to the Moon. |