Grandpa was an Astronaut

Sherman lived with his mum by the sea. One of the things he loves most is looking at the moon and one of the main reasons for this is because his Grandpa used to be an astronaut. When Grandpa calls to invite them round Sherman is very excited. Always curious to find out what it is like on the moon, Sherman is delighted when Grandpa suggests making a spaceship and actually flying to the moon. Fortunately this is, apparently, not rocket science (!) as there are plenty of cardboard boxes to build with. Forgetting to pack drinks is no problem too as mum follows behind in her ‘spacey snack shuttle’ with refreshments for Sherman, his dog Luna and Grandpa.

This is a simple and appealing story about the close relationship of grandparent and grandchild and the power of imaginative play. Snippets of information about the moon and space travel will whet the appetite of young space enthusiasts and would be explorers. Grandpa makes comparisons to Sherman and himself when explaining the moon ‘waxing’ and ‘waning’, hinting there may not be many more visits to Grandpa’s house. This is further suggested when Grandpa gives Sherman two special mementoes from his life as an astronaut; a photo of him on the moon and a piece of moon rock. Alongside this sense of poignancy there is also humour (which might need explaining to younger readers) for example, ‘one small step for dog one giant leap for dogkind.’

Grandpa was an Astronaut is another delightful ‘Little Gem’ from Barrington Stoke in their ‘super readable’ range. The story is well written and the book is beautifully designed and illustrated with the extra activities revealed when the dust jacket opens an added bonus.