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The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space
A lyrical picture book biography of Edward White, the first American to walk in space--and an ode to the beauty and wonder of the stars that brought him there.
Edward White
loved the night,
lived where stars were big and bright.
The evening sky--
so wide, so high.
Made him wonder. Made him sigh.
Edward White was the first American astronaut to walk in space. But before his spacewalk, he was just a boy who loved the stars. As he grew up, he would look up at the night sky in wonder--he knew that, one day, he would visit the stars themselves. In this touching and poignant picture book biography, we see how Edward's passion for the stars shaped the course of his life, and how he came to realize, even in the depths of space, what was ultimately most important to him--his family.
With backmatter containing photos and more information on Edward's life, Candy Wellins and Courtney Dawson deliver a book that is as much a feast for readers' eyes as the stars were for Edward's.
Praise for The Stars Beckoned
An introduction to a space pioneer that's ideal for the youngest nonfiction readers. -- Publishers Weekly
Edward White
loved the night,
lived where stars were big and bright.
The evening sky--
so wide, so high.
Made him wonder. Made him sigh.
Edward White was the first American astronaut to walk in space. But before his spacewalk, he was just a boy who loved the stars. As he grew up, he would look up at the night sky in wonder--he knew that, one day, he would visit the stars themselves. In this touching and poignant picture book biography, we see how Edward's passion for the stars shaped the course of his life, and how he came to realize, even in the depths of space, what was ultimately most important to him--his family.
With backmatter containing photos and more information on Edward's life, Candy Wellins and Courtney Dawson deliver a book that is as much a feast for readers' eyes as the stars were for Edward's.
Praise for The Stars Beckoned
An introduction to a space pioneer that's ideal for the youngest nonfiction readers. -- Publishers Weekly
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 31, 2021
The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space is a children's picture book written by Candy Wellins and illustrated by Courtney Dawson. It takes a look back at a child who loved to look at the stars and grew up to become the first United States astronaut to walk in space.
Edward Higgins White II was an American aeronautical engineer, United States Air Force officer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. White was selected as one of the second group of astronauts. He was assigned as pilot of Gemini 4 alongside command pilot James McDivitt. On June 3, 1965, White became the first American to walk in space.
Wellins' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, informative, and lyrical. A bouncy rhyme scheme distinguishes this profile of Edward White. Backmatter includes a historical note, timeline, and bibliography. Digital illustrations by Dawson have a cartoonish appeal; subtle airbrush textures enliven the art.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It covers White's lifelong fascination with the stars and hesitancy to head indoors. It covers White's childhood activities – including the Boy Scouts, his famous pilot father’s influence on White's U.S. Air Force career, and his eventual work with NASA. Though this picture book conveys slim biographical information, it’s an introduction to a space pioneer that's ideal for the youngest readers.
All in all, The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space is a wonderful book for children with stars in their eyes.
Edward Higgins White II was an American aeronautical engineer, United States Air Force officer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. White was selected as one of the second group of astronauts. He was assigned as pilot of Gemini 4 alongside command pilot James McDivitt. On June 3, 1965, White became the first American to walk in space.
Wellins' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, informative, and lyrical. A bouncy rhyme scheme distinguishes this profile of Edward White. Backmatter includes a historical note, timeline, and bibliography. Digital illustrations by Dawson have a cartoonish appeal; subtle airbrush textures enliven the art.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It covers White's lifelong fascination with the stars and hesitancy to head indoors. It covers White's childhood activities – including the Boy Scouts, his famous pilot father’s influence on White's U.S. Air Force career, and his eventual work with NASA. Though this picture book conveys slim biographical information, it’s an introduction to a space pioneer that's ideal for the youngest readers.
All in all, The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space is a wonderful book for children with stars in their eyes.
April 1, 2021
I love how this biography focuses on the relatable feeling that all children have had, of enjoying themselves so much at something that they don't want to stop. Throughout the rhyming text, we hear the refrain: Still the stars would beckon him/till Father hollered, "Come back in."/He'd resist, but then he'd go/Walking back so slow, so slow. The story shows the clear path of Edward's fascination with the stars and space that led him to become an astronaut, where (as the back matter shares) he did not want to come back into the space shuttle during his first space walk among the stars. The back matter also includes a detailed timeline and bibliography.
April 7, 2021
This book is a love letter to space and to those, like Edward White, who are brave enough to explore it. The rhyme makes this a great read aloud and gives the book wider appeal to children of different ages. I can imagine toddlers loving the sound of it and elementary students being fascinated with the science of walking in space and the preparation and courage required to do that. The rhyme also gives this book a lullaby-like quality that makes it a wonderful bedtime story; kids can dream of reaching the stars as they fall asleep. The repeating stanza about the stars beckoning Edward has a nice twist at the end, as Edward’s spacewalk reminds him of the beauty of being back home. The back matter includes more information about important dates in Edward’s life. This book is sure to inspire children to learn more about Edward White, the first American to walk in space. And the lyrical, rhyming text and lovely, star-filled illustrations will pull them back into the book for many repeat reads.
March 5, 2021
This book is stellar! A biography of Edward White, the astronaut who took the first space walk, the story is told in simple, lyrical rhyme, with a refrain that foreshadows the famous walk among the stars: "The twinkling stars would beckon him/til Mama called out, 'Come back in'/He'd resist, but then he'd go,/walking back . . . so slow . . so slow." The illustrations are eye catching and appealing, and beautifully tell the story of someone who yearned for the stars but also loved his family back on earth.
November 5, 2021
This gorgeously written book tells the inspiring true story of Ed White, the first human to walk in space. The illustrations and the lyrical rhyme will engage even your youngest readers while building their foundation of STEM knowledge and concepts. I plan to give several to the young readers in my life. It is just such a treat to read. I just loved it! Prepare to be asked to read THE STARS BECKONED again and again. #stemeducation #nonfiction #picturebook
April 19, 2021
I've read a lot of children's books about space travel - but none about Ed White, who tragically died in an Apollo 1 preflight test. The Stars Beckoned beautifully and lyrically shares Ed's life story, from his childhood to his first spacewalk. The rhyme is comforting, and the book has a wonderful refrain that speaks to Ed's passion for space.
May 12, 2021
So nice to have such a lovely book to honor the life and memory of Ed White, the first American to walk in space.
June 8, 2021
Loved this nonfiction narrative picture book about Edward White's walk in space! The STARS BECKONED is visually pleasing and whisks you away with Candy's lyrical writing and refrain.
The perfect picture books for any budding astronomer or astronaut.
The perfect picture books for any budding astronomer or astronaut.
April 8, 2021
An emotional resonant rhyming text that informs as well as connects young readers to the joys of space and the possibilities. I loved learning about Edward White and the text makes this easy for young readers to understand and read. There's a lovely refrain throughout that pulls everything together and one of my favorite lines from the book is "Daring pilot, brave cadet, 3,000 hours in a jet." The Stars Beckoned has a classic feel and would also be a great book to read as you're tucking your kids into bed!
April 17, 2021
The Stars Beckoned is a beautiful, lyrical story about dreaming among the stars. This biography traces Edward White's childhood dreams to his young adulthood. My heart rose and sank with the refrain. It drew me into the emotional depth of Edward's longing to be with the twinkling stars. Candy Wellins' rhyme and rhythm has great kid appeal. Courtney Dawson's colorful drawings illustrate what a lifelong love for space looks like. Edward White's achievement as the first American to walk in space is one not to be forgotten. The historical note reminds us of the sacrifices it takes to reach great heights. I recommend this biography for all readers young and old.
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June 3, 2021With stunning art that pops off the page and beautiful rhyming text, The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space will grab any reader, especially those who love space. But beyond a story about space, this story has a beautiful refrain that carries throughout the book and reminds us all what passion looks like. Share with the little ones in your life about this wonderful and little know historical figure and give them hope and excitement while you're at it!
May 13, 2021
Candy Wellins’ lovely language captures the essence of who Edward White was as we watch him grow from a boy to become the first American to walk in space. The rhyming text is inviting to the listener, and the repeated refrain (He’d resist, but then he’d go, walking back…so slow…so slow) reinforces the astronaut’s passion for space exploration. The simple illustrations enhance the text and are perfect for a young audience. A must reader biography for everyone, especially young space enthusiasts.
May 20, 2021
Need a PB bio for the preschool set? THE STARS BECKONED: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space by Candy Wellins, illustrated by Courtney Dawson is a winner! What child can't relate to being so full of wonder and in love with what they are doing that they just can't come inside? That's just how White felt walking in space. Wellins writes in rhyming verse making this book a wonderful read aloud during storytime. Courtney Dawson's illustrations are simple and uncomplicated, adding to the kid-friendly nature of the book.
May 19, 2021
Lovely picture book biography that even the youngest of readers will enjoy! The rhyming text with repeated refrain, paired with beautiful illustrations will keep kids of all ages engaged about the fascinating, Edward White. Older readers will benefit from the extensive, organized backmatter. This must-read beckons all who turn the page!
May 17, 2021
I love non-fiction books that are written to engage younger audiences. This is a fantastic picture book written in simple rhyme about Edward White, the first man to walk in space. This book would definitely be fun to read to toddlers as well as older children who will be curious about the additional details to be discovered in his life and accomplishments!
August 2, 2021
This book is the reason my six year old daughter developed a love for outer space, which was previously not on her radar. We love this story for its rhythm and flow, and also for the obvious awe Edward White had for space and life and his family. Candy Wellins did an outstanding job describing Edward’s journey in a fun, simple but also profound way that appeals to both children and adults. The illustrations add a perfect visual, and the combination makes for a wonderful read that is enjoyable for the whole family.
May 12, 2021
I can't think of many---any?--- rhyming picture book biographies, and I was pleasantly surprised with this one! The opening lines of The Stars Beckoned sets up an arc that pulls the reader in and effectively tells the story of Edward White's walk in space. The rhyme, rhythm, and structure make White's story accessible even to the youngest of readers, as do Courtney Dawson's illustrations. Recommended for any classroom exploring space, or any child who loves to look up at the stars.
May 7, 2021
This picture book is a beautiful, lyrical story about Edward White, the first American to walk in outer space. Candy’s rhythm pulls the reader into the story as they watch Edward’s life unfold. You can feel the awe he has for the stars and space, and her repeating phrasing is used perfectly. Great illustrations too. Really loved this book!
April 14, 2021
You feel Edward White's love of the stars and space via the text in this beautifully written and melodic nonfiction picture book. I especially love the repeating lines that build up to a surprising ending. The words are coupled with expressive and inspiring art that makes you want to run outside and look up into the night sky. I highly recommend!
March 11, 2021
This biography is perfect for the earliest readers. Wellins's rhyme and meter hold a perfect structure for the delivery of this whimsical telling of the life and legacy of pioneering space-walker, astronaut Ed White. For young folks and their readers who love space, history, and feeling inspired, this is nonfiction at its finest, and it offers the perfect jumping-off-point for older readers interested in biography.
February 9, 2021
Sweetly told and simple biography of the country’s first man to walk in space. The Stars Beckoned reads almost like a lullaby, casting a dreamy spell with gentle repetition over readers and sparking a longing to be closer to the stars. Like Edward White readers will also come to love the night!
April 29, 2021
With lyrical text that's a pleasure to read aloud, Edward White's longing for space and the stars is palpable. The lyrical rhyme and mesmerizing refrain that twists back on itself in the end pulls the reader in and provides the pacing for the story. We're first introduced to White and his longing as a child, seeing him and his imagination reluctantly returning to Earth and people as he gazes into the night sky. His reluctance to return to Earth is emphasized in each spread as he goes to school and then works to become an astronaut. The climax comes as he's walking in space, and must reluctantly return from his walk. But at this moment, he realizes that human connection, and most importantly, his family are truly more important than space, so he eagerly returns to their love and hugs. Back matter includes an author's note and timeline of events. Great book for the pre-k through 3rd grade set, and a wonderful read aloud for storytime.
June 13, 2021
Rhyming picture book biography in verse. Relatively little text, so aimed younger than many pb biographies. The story is built around repeating lines about how fascinated White was by space and his reluctance to stop looking out at space and the stars.
There are some time skips in the main text that I found odd, and the switch to focus on his family at the end came a little out of nowhere.
Also found it really jarring to see the line "He soon joined a group of men who risked and dared, again, again" on a page that clearly shows women working as computers but also seems to show White doing calculations? I want to interpret the "men" in the text as potential astronauts, but the text and illustration really aren't lining up to make things clear.
The main text does not mention his death as part of Apollo 1; both the historical note and the timeline in the backmatter do.
There are some time skips in the main text that I found odd, and the switch to focus on his family at the end came a little out of nowhere.
Also found it really jarring to see the line "He soon joined a group of men who risked and dared, again, again" on a page that clearly shows women working as computers but also seems to show White doing calculations? I want to interpret the "men" in the text as potential astronauts, but the text and illustration really aren't lining up to make things clear.
The main text does not mention his death as part of Apollo 1; both the historical note and the timeline in the backmatter do.
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June 16, 2021What a beautiful poem about the starts and Edward White. This bio is a bio all the kids will love. We see Edward as a kid and how amazed he was when he looked at the stars. As he grew, he still has the same fascination. Kids will relate to him. He follows his passion. The story is told in such a lyrical way. It's a poem about stars, Edward, dreams, and love (to his job and to his family). The illustrations are also beautiful. We feel transported to Edward's dreams. And I love the refrain - he walks slow, slow, so slow. And the fast, when he gets back to his family. Wow. This book gave me goosebumps. And tonight, I might go outside and stare at the stars.
September 28, 2021
Written in rhyming poetry with repeated phrases, this book is a perfect read-aloud for preschoolers. They will enjoy the topic of space but are unlikely to learn much about Edward White unless the adult reading the book also goes over the end matter. I appreciated that the author refers to the stars as "big and bright" to indicate that Edward was born in Texas but only Texas children will get the reference. I also appreciated that the illustration of Edward working on problems at a blackboard also included two black women working in notebooks. I imagine one of them was Katherine Johnson. An enjoyable read with many possible jumping off points for further discussion.
September 7, 2021
This book, written in rhyme, tells the engaging story of a lesser-known astronaut who was the first American to walk in space. Focusing on Edward's love of the stars from childhood onward, with a refrain underscoring the point, the story comes full circle when Edward's own children are finally the one thing more inviting to him than the stars. A sweet and inspiring story with delightful illustrations. Back matter includes more detailed information about Edward White and photos, as well as a timeline.
November 17, 2021
This book wonderfully captures the drive and passion Edward White has, that led him to become an astronaut and the first American to walk in space. Written in lyrical rhyme, the author highlights the emotions of refrain, patience, and persistence this astronaut experienced throughout his life, but yet he pushed through and continue to reach for the stars as he hears their beckoning. I especially love the echoing in rhyme towards the end where he ran to his kids, "so fast, so fast". Great #stem picture book to be included in any classroom, library or space-loving child's shelf!
February 4, 2022
This biography of astronaut Edward White would engage even the youngest of children! The young Edward loves to watch the sparkly stars making him a highly relatable protagonist. The story is written in lyrical rhyme with a rhythmic refrain that children will love to repeat. I love how this lovely refrain is used throughout the story to describe different moments throughout Edward White's life and then slightly changed toward the end to reflect a change in Edward. The art is delightful, and backmatter includes more detail on Edward White's life.
December 8, 2025
Need a PB bio for the preschool set? THE STARS BECKONED: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space by Candy Wellins, illustrated by Courtney Dawson is a winner! What child can't relate to being so full of wonder and in love with what they are doing that they just can't come inside? That's just how White felt walking in space. Wellins writes in rhyming verse making this book a wonderful read aloud during storytime. Courtney Dawson's illustrations are simple and uncomplicated, adding to the kid-friendly nature of the book.
June 22, 2021
I had never heard of Edward White, and so I think this would have been better if it were treated as a true nonfiction picture book biography instead of a "rhyming text" book aimed at younger readers. The meat of the story is in the last 2 pages, where we learn about who Edward White was and what he said and did during the first spacewalk (and beyond) - I wish the author had chosen to tell the story in prose text. (Example - Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man by David A. Adler)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews