The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean

by Dean Robbins, Sean Rubin (Illustrations)

Journey to the moon on the Apollo 12 mission with Alan Bean, the fourth astronaut to walk on the lunar surface and the only artist to paint its beauty firsthand!

As a boy, Alan wanted to fly planes. As a young navy pilot, Alan wished he could paint the view from the cockpit. So he took an art class to learn patterns and forms. But no class could prepare him for the beauty of the lunar surface some 240,000 miles from Earth. In 1969, Alan became the fourth man and first artist on the moon. He took dozens of pictures, but none compared to what he saw through his artistic eyes. When he returned to Earth, he began to paint what he saw. Alan's paintings allowed humanity to experience what it truly felt like to walk on the moon. Journalist and storyteller Dean Robbins's tale of this extraordinary astronaut is masterful, and artist Sean Rubin's illustrations are whimsical and unexpected. With back matter that includes photos of the NASA mission, images of Alan's paintings, and a timeline of lunar space travel, this is one adventure readers won't want to miss!

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Art, Space, Science, History

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 2019

About the author

Dean Robbins writes nonfiction children’s picture books about his heroes. His award-winning books have been featured on Public Radio International and praised in The New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, and other publications, along with receiving starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and School Library Journal. They’ve been chosen for best-of-the-year honors by the American Library Association, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, and Children’s Book Council, among others, and "Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass" was adapted as a short film by Weston Wood Studios. As a journalist, Robbins has served as the editor of Isthmus and contributed to USA Today, The New York Daily News, Space.com, Wisconsin Public Radio, and other media outlets. He draws on his journalism experience to interview the subjects of his children’s books, including Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean and NASA’s pioneering computer scientist Margaret Hamilton.

Reviews

[Abby Johnson]

Despite the cover being a little misleading (Alan Bean made his paintings after he got back from the moon, using models to help get the light and shadow correct), this is an engaging story about a man who was both an astronaut and an artist. It includes extensive back matter with more information about Bean, a timeline about space exploration, and a bibliography.

Hand this to young readers interested in space travel and the moon. Readalike: ONE GIANT LEAP by Don Brown

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean is a biographical children's picture book written by Dean Robbins and illustrated by Sean Rubin. It is a portrait of Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon and the first to express what that felt like in paint.

Alan LaVern "Al" Bean was an American naval officer and aviator, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut; he was the fourth person to walk on the Moon. He was selected to become an astronaut by NASA in 1963 as part of Astronaut Group 3.

Robbins' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Robbins provides an intriguing look into how some math- and science-based experiences can best be communicated with art. Backmatter includes a timeline and bibliography. Rubin's illustrations is approachable in a cartoonish manner, which is apropos to the target audience.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As a boy, Bean has dreams of learning to fly, then as a navy pilot and budding painter. Bean's powerful experience of walking on the moon would inspire many of the expressionistic paintings he later created.

All in all, The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean is an inspiring fare for readers who, dreams of becoming brave astronauts or great artists.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s difficult to find non-fiction picture books which really capture a kid’s attention, but my five-year old liked this biography combining space and art.

[Dedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool book! I never knew that an artist went to the moon. I love that this shows kids you don't have to be just one thing. You can have multiple passions. The illustrations are GORGEOUS!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Robbins will entrance young scientists and artists with his true story of Alan Bean, who became an astronaut and the fourth man to walk on the moon! Bean used his artistic skill to create pictures that bring the beauty and emotions of that journey to life. Wonderful back matter and photographs further enhance this amazing book. Art by the very talented Sean Rubin.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this, I looked up pictures of Bean's artwork; WOW! This book helped me understand and appreciate it so much more. Amazing! Can you imagine if an artist went on every scientific expedition to a new place? Or if a musician went and then recorded a new piece based on the science of it all? I love the cross between science and art here! Science and art DO belong together!

[Gabby Wiot · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon is a true story of Alan Bean, a pilot and astronaut, following his dreams in being an artist. This picture book uses expressive illustrations and bright colors to depict Alan's career throughout his life. It starts by looking at his life as a pilot. While being a pilot, he was constantly looking out over the beautiful landscapes and admiring how wonderful it would to be able to paint this. Then, it dives into his career as an astronaut as he goes to space and takes pictures of the moon and various craters. The story ends with some of his famous paintings in a museum, where kids are admiring his work and his career or being both an astronaut and a painter.

The theme of The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon is there are endless possibilities if you put in hard work. Although Alan was originally a pilot, he completed a lot of training to become an astronaut. Throughout his career, he was constantly thinking about the possibility of being an artist. He started taking classes and put his own spin on paintings in which he fulfilled his dream of being an artist as well. Alan's story shows us that you can do anything you put your mind to.

When I read this picture book, I was inspired by all of Alan's accomplishments. This book spoke to me on a personal level, because coming to college, you have so many possibilities and dreams you are able to follow. Like Alan, I am working towards those dreams as I go to school, study, and meet new people. It made me happy to think that although you can have one career, it doesn't limit you in other ways to fulfill your aspirations in other areas.

I would definitely recommend this book to children. It demonstrates how you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Being a true story, it is further inspirational in showing school children the possibilities you have when you work hard and enjoy extracurriculars that can get you involved.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean is a good picture book to read about Alan Bean, an astronaut and artist who painted his experience of when he had been on the Moon while he was here on Earth. He tried to portray its beauty which photography could not capture. As the cover is not an exact representation of reality, neither are the colors used in his paintings. He used colors to portray the feeling of beauty in an abstract manner. That reminds me of my cousin's photographs of the desert landscape in Iraq. The photographs were unremarkable, but he said that the desert was very beautiful. That shows how photography does not devalue painting. It also says a lot about the human experience. Like Alan Bean, illustrator Sean Rubin also uses colors in his paintings of Alan Bean's experiences and paintings.

One wonderful thing about this story is that it explains why abstract is important. Some people are very set in their ways about reality. They do not appreciate fiction, nonrepresentational art, nor things that do not follow rules. Sometimes our best tries at capturing reality falls short and abstract modes are needed to capture a feeling.

It's exciting to find fossilized footprints of very early human footprints on Earth. I think about the increased number of visits and planned visits to the Moon. I imagine that eventually those first footprints will be walked over. The lack of wind there would preserve them for mega-annums. I wonder how long they will actually last.

The book also includes an author's note about Alan Bean, photos and paintings done of the photos by Alan Bean, and a timeline of the history of space exploration. Those pages are on black background which makes it harder for me to read, especially when the font size is very small and the text colors are dark. I wish that the layout had been expanded to more pages so that the font size could have been larger and that lighter text colors could have been used.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Lights flashed. A rocket rumbled. Alan Bean's dream was about to come true.

Premise/plot: The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon is a picture book biography of Alan Bean. The book shares how he was a pilot and astronaut who learned to paint...not just what he saw, but what he felt. He would take the photographs he took of the moon and translate them into artistic paintings of what he felt like being on the moon. Whether you're interest--as a reader--is in space or space travel OR art--I think this one has much appeal.

My thoughts: I definitely loved this one. I loved the text. The narrative is engaging.

The Earth looked breathtaking from the cockpit. The white clouds above. The green fields below. The blue all around. Alan wished he could paint what he saw. He found an art class to teach him about patterns and forms. Alan dabbed his brush on the canvas to paint a vase of flowers. His flowers didn't look exactly real, but he didn't want them to. They were brighter and bolder than real ones because he let his imagination take over. The painting showed how stunning the flowers looked through Alan's eyes. How they made him feel.

I really loved the author's note. The author's note includes more information about Alan Bean. It also shows Alan's photographs side-by-side with his artwork. This book provides several quotes by Alan Bean. And overall it seems well-researched. (There's even an in-depth timeline of space exploration.)

The book focuses on his adult life--his training to be an astronaut, his moon mission, his work as a painter.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon missions, Dean Robbins has created a picture book about astronaut Alan Bean. Bean was part of the Apollo 12 mission and the fourth man to walk on the moon. Working with Bean, author Dean Robbins tells of the astronaut's childhood model airplanes, his time as a Navy pilot, and his trip to the moon.

The pages are filled with color. The green, red, and yellow on those models hanging in that boyhood bedroom; the white, green, and blue seen from a cockpit; and the stark colors of space. The text explains how Bean tried to explain the beauty he had observed in space and how far short his words and photographs fell. That is when he fell back on his painting skills to truly capture his experience.

Sean Rubin's illustrations include several images of Bean's paintings. Some are on the pages describing how he created the paintings of the moon landing, and others are on the pages about the museum exhibition of Bean's work.

As Robbins explains in the author's note, "Science had sent people to the Moon, but Alan knew that art could express how it felt to be up there." A photo of Bean at his easel is included with the note, as well as a comparison of several of his photos and the paintings he made based on those pictures. Back matter also include a timeline from the launch of Sputnik 1 up through Messenger's voyage to Mercury in 2011, along with a few photos from various missions during those years.

This would be a great addition to any collection on the space program or picture book biographies in general. It is also portrays a melding of art and science that any STEAM program could use to illustrate how each way of looking at the world supports the other.

I read an ARC supplied by the publisher for review purposes.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find my full review here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsnon...

THE ASTRONAUT WHO PAINTED THE MOON is the true story of Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon. He had always wanted to be a pilot, and when the opportunity came, he became an astronaut. He took pictures of what he saw on the moon, but they did not match up to what he felt. Thus, when he returned he painted the moon for others to experience.

Most of the book details the history and story in an approachable way for young readers. The end of the book includes a timeline of space travel, photos of the moon, and some of the paintings that adds some appeal for older readers who may want to delve a little deeper.

What I loved: This interesting story adds some interest for combining the sciences and art, placing them together in historical context. Thus, the book has appeal to a broad audience. The story is very approachable for older preschoolers through elementary schoolers, giving a great overview of his life and work. The illustrations include a lot of color and detail that will be fantastic for older readers. There is a lot to see and experience in the book! The added back information also adds to the broad appeal.

Final verdict: Science and art meet beautifully in this true story about Alan Bean, astronaut and painter, who brought his visit to the moon to life in his artwork. Highly recommend for children who love science, art, and/or history in the elementary school-aged crowd.

[Faith Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of astronaut artist Alan Bean. It shows that from a young boy he wanted to be a pilot. He also took art classes and painted what he felt. These two worlds combined when he became an astronaut. When he got up to the moon he felt so many emotions. When he came back down to Earth, he found it hard to express those emotions in words, so instead, he painted what he saw and how he felt. He created models to get the shadows just right and used many different colors that evoked emotions in him. He also did something unique, he used moon rocks in his paintings.

I loved this book. I loved how it shows that two things he loved to do could be combined. Art and science aren't always seen as going hand in hand. I loved the illustrations of the book, it used so many wonderful colors. There was even a page that didn't have any words at all, and I felt like that was a nice touch. I also really appreciated the pictures in the back showing the paintings that he did compared to the pictures he based it off of.

Would I use this in my class? Most definitely. It could inspire kids who are super interested in space, AND kids who want to be artists. It shows kids that there doesn't have to be a divide between STEM and the arts. I could also use this book to show kids that they can express themselves through art, and they their creativity roam. After reading this book to them, I could take them outside and let them draw something they think is beautiful in their own world.

[Claire Ferrell]

This book is about Alan Bean, an astronaut, scientist, and artist. As a child, Alan loved to make model airplanes. He wanted to be a pilot. He volunteered for navy flight training, as he flew he loved the way earth looked and wished he could paint it. He taught himself to paint and painted the way he felt. He then made it to space where he stood, jumped, and threw rocks on the moon. When the astronauts landed in the Pacific Ocean, Alan wanted to remember his time in space, so he decided to paint his experience and feelings. He became the first artist to leave Earth and the only artist to see the moon up close. In his paintings he scratched the surface with tools he used on the moon and used dust from his space suit to add real pieces of space. His paintings are now displayed in a museum for all to enjoy.
I enjoyed this book. It tells the story of an astronaut fulfilling his dreams of going to space while still being an artist. The illustrations show what his journey might have been like, and shows images of his work as people are viewing it. At the end of the book it tells more information about Alan Bean and his work.
I would read this to my class when learning about space, or when there is an event related to space. Students could learn what it is like to be an astronaut and travel to the moon or other planets.

I would read this to my class when learning about space, or when there is an event related to space. Students could learn what it is like to be an astronaut and travel to the moon or other planets.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth man to walk on the moon, Alan Bean was also an artist, and he viewed his trip to the moon through the eyes of an explorer and a scientist but also as artist. The text and illustrations in this picture book honor the Apollo XII voyage and Alan's formative years and years of training but also his particular vision and how he felt upon walking on the lunar landscape. Once he returned to Earth, he was troubled that photographs were unable to capture his experience and the beauty of the moon and space. Although he started with a model, he eventually added colors, textures, dust, and footprints to distill his unique experience for others. Readers fascinated by space, art or individuality will relish this unique perspective on the space race and creativity and want to learn more. They will certainly want to read the Author's Note and look at the photographs and paintings of the same scenes. Having a timeline of the events in the exploration of space provides historical context. I had never known any of the information provided here about Alan Bean as an artist or even considered how that particular talent or lens might have affected him while on the space mission. This picture book would certainly be a good addition to a collection of books on artists although it clearly has other uses as well.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When imagining the life of an astronaut who was one of only four to have the opportunity to actually land on the moon, one doesn't think of artist types. Yet after reading Dean Robbins story, it becomes clear that Alan Bean did just that. His trip to the moon was so wondrous he realized that photos didn't portray an accurate picture of the moon or outer space, and the feelings experienced far above Earth. Since Alan Bean always had a passion for expressing himself artistically, he started studying to become a painter, while he was also training to become an expert navy pilot. When he was forty-nine years old he left NASA to work full time as a painter, sharing his experiences through his paintings to a new generation. This is a handsomely designed book that effectively shares Alan's message with young people through literature, inspiring STEAM projects. Bean's quote succinctly says it all,
"It is my dream that on the wings of my paintbrush many people will see what I felt, walking on another world 240,000 miles from my studio here on planet Earth." The author's notes, photographs, Alan Bean's paintings, bibliography, and comprehensive timeline of the history of space exploration make this a fine research tool as well as a fascinating story for students as well.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The True Story of Alan Bean: The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon is written by Dean Robbins and Illustrated by Sean Rubin. It tells the story of Alan as a boy, how he thought things looked, and his dream of becoming a pilot one day. When grew up and became a pilot, he also took painting classes. It was interesting to learn that he painted what he saw and let his imagination take over.

As an astronaut he couldn't believe what the Moon and Earth were like from space. He took pictures and even performed experiments on the soil. Once back on his home planet, Alan felt the pictures didn't do the Moon justice; they didn't show the magic. Alan set up Moon models and worked like a scientist to get everything right. Then he started painting what he saw and he let his imagination run wild. He worked and worked until he felt his painting showed how the Moon made him feel. It was fascinating to learn about the ways he enhanced the textures in his artwork.

Alan is an inspiration as an artist and an astronaut. The book has biographical information at the end, which I liked. I would definitely recommend this book to those who like space, painting, and using their imagination. You are sure to be inspired.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a gem for STEM classes and for every other kind of reader! Based on interviews with Alan Bean, Dean Robbins chronicles the fascinating story of Bean's journey to and artistic fascination with the moon. A truly inspiring story of the joyful melding of science, flying and art in a remarkable life.

Sean Rubin's illustrations are wonderfully detailed and actual photographs are liberally placed throughout the book as well.

Back matter includes more biographical information about Bean, a history and timeline of space exploration and additional photographs. I especially love the page showing photographs juxtaposed against Bean's paintings of the same scene and the bibliography pages which are set against a 2-page illustration of the surface of the moon on which an easel is set up.

I loved this and can't wait to share it.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Bean was one of only 12 astronauts that actually walked on the moon. While that was amazing, he said that the photographs didn't do the experience justice. You couldn't really feel all the sensations and full experience through the flat back and white photographs. Being a painter as well as an astronaut, Alan took the photographs and the memories of his experiences and began painting about his experiences. The book shows you some of the photographs and then his paintings of the photographs. I can see a greater feeling in the photographs with the colors he shows to bring additional emotion into the picture. I would actually really like to get the opportunity to see his paintings in person sometime. This book would be great to show students that you can pursue more than one passion in your life.

[LaVonne Hanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gr. K-3. Vibrant paintings and intriguing text highlight this engrossing story about astronaut Alan Bean’s exploration of space and his urgent need to depict its beauty. After navy flight training, Bean studied art, learning how to interpret and record what he saw and felt soaring above the earth. After his successful Apollo 12 mission, Bean began making scale models and experimenting with painting images of the moon with bright, bold colors – even adding authenticity by stamping on his canvases with astronaut boots, scratching them with tools, and sprinkling on dust from his space suit! An author’s note and photos of actual artwork at the end of the book add to its appeal. A sure winner as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Apollo moonwalk. Curriculum connections: First grade reading, Unit 5, Week 2, “Up in the Sky.”

[Joan Arbogast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young readers will know that astronauts are scientists who travel to outer space. But do they know that one astronaut who flew to the moon is also an artist? This biography tells about Alan Bean, the astronaut who walked on the moon and Alan Bean, the artist who painted colorful images to show what it felt like to be there! His paintings use bold colors to express the excitement he felt while in outer space. He even stamped some of his paintings with his astronaut boots. And scratched some of his paintings with the tools he used on the moon. How cool is that?

Back matter includes: a lengthy Author's Note; A Brief History of Space Exploration; a comparison of his paintings to original photos; and Bibliography.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture book biography of Alan Bean, the fourth person to walk on the moon. The story talks about how after his return he went on to become an artist who recorded his feelings and memories about being on the moon through his art. The illustrations are bright and engaging. A lot of the illustrations are reminiscent of Bean's own artwork about space. This is recommended as a biography of the astronauts with a less technical twist. The end of the book includes an author's note that gives specific biographical information about Bean and a Brief History of Space Exploration Timeline.

[Dawn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection!! A nonfiction narrative of astronaut Paul Dean who felt, "not as an astronaut who paints ... but as an artist who was once an astronaut."
Wisconsin author, Dean Robbins, again produces an enjoyable, engaging story for kids about a real person with an artistry of his own. I also was captivated by the wonderful illustrations of Sean Rubin!
A must read for kids who have aspirations and interest in outer space, but equally for budding artists. I could see this book being used in the classroom for multiple curriculum lessons; an abbreviated space exploration timeline ending in 2011 concluded the story. *Note: book was published in 2019.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Bean is an astronaut who loves painting. He learned to paint to express how he feels. Alan didn't paint things exactly like they were in real life, he painted more brightly, more vibrantly, to show how he felt about his subjects. So when he returned from a trip to the moon and he was asked what the moon was like. Alan knew he couldn't describe it in words, instead he took out his paints and showed how the moon made him feel, how being an astronaut makes him feel. Now his paintings are shown for the world to see and enjoy.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite literally teared up reading this biography. The focus on achieving his dreams and so wanting to share what he saw and felt with others touched me as I did not expect it to, but the gallary showing got to my heart. Kudos to both author and illustrator on the magnificent illustrations and the quotes from Alan Bean. I loved the timeline of space exploration as much as I loved the astronaut boots on the end pages. This title is MUST purchase for all collections that service elementary aged students. Wow!

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Bean was a pilot and astronaut who also happened to be a skilled painter. After his moonwalk, he painted his lunar experience with stunning colors and textures to share his unique perspective. Learning about this historical figure—whom I honestly didn’t know about until now—was an amazing experience. Bean was truly unique in his vocations and in how he contributed to the world through both science and art. The book includes fascinating backmatter about Bean and the space race. It’s definitely a must-have for the nonfiction section of any library.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon is a biographical picture book about Alan Bean, one of the first astronauts to ever land on the moon.

The storytelling in this biography was really lovely. It weaved between two timelines; Alan Bean as an adult and Alan Bean during his childhood. The art followed a specific color scheme throughout as well, which was beautifully executed.

The amount of research that went into this biography was impressive and appreciated. The last few pages of the book are filled with timelines of real events, and more information on Alan Bean's life.

The overarching message from this book, and from Alan Bean himself, was that he saw himself as an artist who was also once an astronaut. The message encourages children to pursue all t heir passions, regardless of whether they are intellectual, artistic, or physical passions.

After reading this novel I'd like to learn more about Alan Bean's life, and how he managed to balance his passion for art and his knowledge of space exploration. It further proves that you really can do anything you set your mind to.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neat little picture book biography of Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean, one of 12 humans to walk on the moon and the only one to paint about it. Solid backmatter, including snippets of interviews by the author with Bean and images of Bean's artwork.

[EMMANUEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very creative and sentimental. I can’t quite pinpoint what exactly it is that makes it sentimental, but there is like an epiphany feeling and experience that I’m having that gives me such a renewed hope for the Astronomy industry.

[Tracy Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Bean, astronaut on the Apollo 12 mission to the moon, is one of the few men to have walked on the surface of the moon. But Alan Bean is more than an astronaut, he is an artist and known for his pieces that portray his experience on the moon. Good picture book about Alan Bean.

[Maria Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous nonfiction book that blends art and science. When the atrist and astronaut Allen Bean returns to earth he paints what he saw, felt, and encountered as he stood on the moon. Great STEAM book.