Rocket Ship, Solo Trip

by Chiara Colombi, Scott Magoon (Illustrator)

Overview

Now published as a board book, this delightful rhyming story captures all the nervousness and excitement of life's big firsts for the youngest readers, perfect for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and features art by New York Times bestselling illustrator Scott Magoon!

“First-time jitters? That’s okay.
Find one small step to lead the way.”

Rocket is embarking on her first solo mission! Her goal? Place a satellite into orbit to take pictures of the beautiful unknown. With a few words of encouragement from Ground Control, Rocket sparks ignition and blasts off to discover all the beauty of outer space. But when it’s time for reentry, she wonders if she can do it alone. With Ground Control’s parting words in mind, Rocket trusts that she knows exactly what to do. She returns home at hypersonic speed and excited for her future expeditions . . . Maybe next time, to the moon.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798217040384
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	02/03/2026
Series:	The Rocket Ship Series
Pages:	26
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 7.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 3 Years

About the Author

Chiara Colombi never knew she wanted to be a writer. She was quite confident she would grow up to be an astronaut. In fact, she is still quite confident that she will grow up to be an astronaut. But in the meantime, she enjoys counting her lucky stars and finding words for the countless stories they inspire. She currently lives in California with her family and an open view of the sky. Connect with her online at ChiaraColombi.com.

Scott Magoon is the illustrator of several acclaimed picture books, including the New York Times bestselling Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, the Misunderstood Shark series by Ame Dyckman and the Spoon series by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. He is also the author/illustrator of Linus, The Little Yellow Pencil, Breathe, and The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot. He lives in Massachusetts and looks to the stars, wishing space weren't quite so far. Visit him online at ScottMagoon.com.

Editorial Reviews

* "Wondrous—a book that says, 'You’ve got this,' seamlessly stirred into a STEM title." —School Library Journal Online Reviews, starred review

"Little ones trying new things will be encouraged . . . Blends social-emotional learning and STEM with engaging illustrations for a memorable trip into space." —Kirkus Reviews

"Colombi’s energetic rhyming verse propels the action. Magoon’s digital cartoon illustrations capture the movement and momentum of the exciting journey . . . This debut picture book encourages young readers to follow Rocket’s lead and soar." —Booklist Reviews

From the Publisher

2024-01-05
Even a rocket ship has to learn to be brave when she leaves home.

Rocket Ship is excited and a little nervous about her first solo trip to launch a space satellite that will take pictures of Earth below. She’s prepared, but “so much unknown lies up ahead. / So much at home to leave instead.” Ground Control sends helpful tips: “Find one small step to lead the way. / Use the countdown as your cue. / You’ll see. You’ll know just what to do.” After a hug from the anthropomorphized Launch Pad, Rocket Ship blasts off and then successfully launches the satellite. Soon pictures of stars and the northern lights will be on their way to Earth. Rocket Ship’s mission complete, it’s time for reentry, and although she’s happy to be going home, she has another case of the jitters. Luckily, she recalls Ground Control’s advice and begins a successful descent with a smile. Once she’s back on the ground, she’s already wishing for a new launch. “If only space weren’t quite so far.” Digitally created illustrations feature a personified rocket ship with an array of facial expressions that capture a range of emotions, from uncertainty to the satisfaction of a job well done; little ones trying new things will be encouraged. Caregivers and educators should preread the text before storytime to become comfortable with some of the rhythms.

Blends social-emotional learning and STEM with engaging illustrations for a memorable trip into space. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews