Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space

Professor Astro Cat

by Dominic Walliman

Blast off with this new edition in the first book in the best selling Professor Astro Cat series! Featuring updated details about how rockets work, recent missions to Mars, space junk, and black holes.



“Conducted by a cat in a retro-futuristic space suit, this tour of the solar system and beyond earns style points for both its illustrations and its selection of “Factoroids.”
-Kirkus Reviews

"Cute characters (such as the titular Professor Astro Cat and his assistant Astro Mouse) give a humorous, conversational tone to this nonfiction book's information about space, our solar system, and changing space exploration technology. Like the text, the book's browsable layout encourages readers to keep exploring. Overall, a great book to nurture interest in and wonder at the infinite possibilities of space."
-The Horn Book


"Both modern in its scientific spirit and with a sensibility modeled after the delightful mid-century children’s books from the Golden Age of space exploration, it tickles young readers - as well as their space-enchanted parents - into precisely that “palpable zest to make contact with the cosmos.”
-Brain Pickings


Professor Astro Cat is the smartest cat in the alley. He's got a degree in just about every discipline under the sun! Speaking of the sun, he happens to be specialist on that too, and Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space will tell you everything that there could be to know about our star, our planet, our solar system, our galaxy, our universe, and many more new insights into the ever-developing science of space and the outer reaches of the universe!

The professor's made sure of that; he's a fastidious little feline! Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space also explores topics such as gravity, extraterrestrial life, time, and many other fascinating subjects that will take you and your children on a journey to the very frontiers of space!

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Space, Cats, Graphic Novels

Hardcover

First published October 15, 2013

About the author

Dr. Dominic Walliman is a YouTuber and award-winning science writer. As well as writing the Professor Astro Cat books he produces the YouTube channel Domain of Science. He worked for several years on quantum computing, receiving his PhD in quantum device physics in 2010.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neat retro graphic design, although I got bored with it before the end.

The writing is lively for factual science explanations, but, well.

I'm familiar with the most of the info included, which didn't make this a good read for me personally, but if you have a nerdlet you want to introduce to science topics this is a good series.

[Book's Calling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schválně kolik z vás zná ocenění Zlatá stuha? Přiznávám, že kdybych nebyl už čtvrtým rokem knižní „bloger“, tak bych o Stuze zřejmě ani nevěděl. A to je velká škoda! Přitom letos už po šestadvacáté odborná porota ocenila několik krásných a kvalitních dětských knih. A jelikož jednou z nich byla i kniha z Labyrintu, rozhodl jsem se, že se s tvorbou tohoto malého českého nakladatelství konečně seznámím. Profesor Astrokocour je nádherně ilustrovaná kniha, která stručně a výstižně vysvětluje a popisuje vše od vzniku vesmíru, jednotlivých planet, Měsíce, přes rakety a vesmírné stanice, až po zamyšlení nad životem na jiných planetách a o budoucnosti zkoumání vesmíru. Na konci je pak několik zajímavostí, například jak dlouho by trvala pěší túra na Měsíc či slovníček vesmírných pojmů.

[Marta Demianiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Świetna na początek przygody z kosmosem, bardzo ciekawie przedstawione podstawowe informacje, do tego świetnie zilustrowane.

[Tetiana Dzhyhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

наукове чтиво на 7+, але хіба можна встояти маючи п'ятирічку, якщо навколо стільки цікавих книжок? дитина трошки запам'ятала космічних термінів типу "космічна станція", "супутник" та "пояс астероїдів", із захватом споглядала карти зоряного неба, слухала факти про планети та ймовірний перебіг подій в контексті освоєння космосу. ну і я разом з нею стала трошки розумніша теж.

[Rhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal. It is so well written and rich with information. There is some rather advanced science in this book, however the illustration and the clarity of writing makes it all so easy to understand. It's funny and accurate. Such a joy to read, and learn!

[Demeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edukačná jazda vesmírom. Niečo čo poteší malých i nás starých. Skvelé #trebacitat

[Maria Pravda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ох, як давно я мріяла про цю книгу - ще відколи побачила російське видання! А як дізналась, що @stary_lev готує переклад - одразу додала до списку бажаних. І ось, нарешті, вона у мене, аби поповнити поличку з позначкою «для Ярослави»☺️
.
З дитинства обожнюю енциклопедії (а є, до речі, такі діти, які їх не люблять?🤔). Більшість була з реальними фотографіями, деякі - з ілюстраціями на білому фоні. Хто створив енциклопедію, який життєвий шлях цієї людини - все це лишалось за межами дитячого сприйняття і, власне, друкувалось дрібним шрифтом наприкінці книги.
.
Професор Астрокіт - персонаж, вигаданий Домініком Волліменом, який щось та й знає про космос. У 2010 році Домінік отримав звання доктора наук з квантової фізики, має свій канал на Youtube, де розповідає про науку, виступає із лекціями на TED, пише книги.

За допомогою Професора Астрокота у «...неосяжному космосі» він доступно розповідає про базові, але водночас складні фізичні явища. Серед іншого, у книзі вміщено розділи про Всесвіт, народження зорі, Сонячну систему, космічні подорожі, зоряне небо, телескопи і навіть про космічне майбутнє!
Книга розрахована на 7-10 років, але давати розглядати її можна значно раніше, а у старшому віці вона може стати улюбленою «настільною» книгою. Окреме «вау!» - ілюстрації, створені Беном Ньюменом. В міру фентезійні, в міру реалістичні - вони не відволікають від читання, а органічно доповнюють текстові блоки. Кольорова гама - моя велика любов! До речі, видання @stary_lev приємне не лише зовні, але й тактильно - завдяки обкладинці🖤

[Ellie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whirl wind exploration of all things space, this is a fantastically informative book that is bursting with colour, energy and exiting information! So bold and interactive, it is sure to trigger awe and wonder in any child, and is told with such passion that it would certainly ignite a desire to find out more. Newman beautifully illustrates Walliman's writing, I think that any reader would struggle to enjoy the antics of Professor Astro Cat and the Mouse as they travel across the galaxies.
A perfect book to have in the classroom, the pair have struck a wonderful balance between basic level understanding of space, and enthusing children in more specialist knowledge. All of the way from planets to spaghettification (!!), there is no sense of dumbing down the information for the target market, all children are capable of learning more than what is 'expected' of them and can be the expert.

[Chris Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about space and all the things included, written in such a child friendly way yet covers all the information needed to be scientifically accurate.
Having it portrayed like a narrative story helps draw readers in, along with the sporadic questions from some of the other characters.

[Morten Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good science book for kids and adults.
The writing is informative in a simple but clever and educational way.
It doesn´t patronize it´s readers, but is full of interesting facts and wisdom.
As an illustrator myself, I really appreciate the artwork too.
The design, colours and textures are really striking fun and interesting.
Great work by Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman, I can´t recommend this book enough!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is targeted for older kids and it’s not a picture book, even though it appears like that. It has a lot of text and the topics are very advanced, more suited to middle grade children. But I liked it and will reintroduce it to my child once he is old enough.

[Ellina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kosmos, rakiety, skafandry, podróże kosmiczne! Po prostu kosmos i to w tak pięknie ilustrowanym wydaniu!💙🌠🌌

[عدنان العبار · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for older elementary school children, or even children in middle school, to learn about space, black holes, dark matter, stars, and the universe as a whole and its beginning (and perhaps end). I loved this and البروفيسور آستروكات: المغامرة الذرية رحلة عبر الفيزياء the most, since they are very accessible for older children, and very informative with a lot of facts and interesting anecdotes.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book all around. Something for even the youngest to spark an interest in astronomy, all the way to older kids and adults, something they can go back to again and again. The information given is quite complex, yet very accessible, and the illustrations are full of retro charm. A real delight!

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations really make the book. Gorgeous, yet fun, funky, and winningly retro. I begged my supervisor to order this book for our collection on the strength of the cover and title alone.

Now that I'm through actually reading it, I am left with still a very positive impression, albeit not quite as much as before.

The text is fun and slightly chaotic to read, as most spreads are laid out kind of like quality infographics. I learned a lot and, aside from some things that were glossed over a tad or that lacked context, I was very satisfied with the text for a younger audience. There were some typos/formatting snafus, however, and I most certainly take exception to the characterization of the unfortunate Laika as a dog who was "rescued" from the streets of Moscow in order to "rocket to fame aboard a Soviet spaceship." The truth of animals being sent into space is an ugly one -- Laika basically died of terror not long after launch -- but blowing sunshine up kids' butts about that reality isn't doing anyone any favors, and poor Laika deserves better than that.

Overall, though, a strong addition to non-fiction collections, and worth it just for the great illustrations.

[Sunnyvale Librarian]

Kids who are looking for an encyclopedia with a twist will enjoy this lively tour of all things space, led by spacesuit-clad Professor Astro Cat. In retro colors and blocky cartoon style, the authors lead readers through our solar system and beyond. Big Bang and asteroids, satellites and stargazing, imagined aliens and the future of space travel – it’s all there, Astro Cat style.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I see you've combined MCM style, cats, and space.... **holds book out in both hands, twirls, and collapses onto couch**

This is a delightfully illustrated collections of necessary and interesting facts grouped together by favorite topics in space.

Great for kids, better for adults.

[AnnieM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Cool design. Excellent layout. Incredible information. Easy to understand.

The illustrations are retro and really add to the feel.

[Natália B]

Dospelí, ktorí si myslia, že sú príliš dobrí na knihy pre deti, takmer nikdy nie sú príliš dobrí na knihy pre deti, skôr naopak :D

a + za kjut ilustrácie ^^

[Dramática literaria - Alys.M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoy en reseñas POCO SERIAS por Dramática literaria, El profesor Astro Cat y las fronteras del espacio de Dominic Walliman, ilustrado por Ben Newman y traducido por Alexandra Stirling. Publicada en Septiembre de 2022 por Barbara Fiore Editora. Encuadernado en cartoné y cuenta con 80 geniales páginas. Esta novela gráfica consigue de manera sencilla, interesante y breve contar cosas muy interesantes sobre el espacio.

Opinión POCO SERIA:

Es la primera vez que recibo una novela para reseñar y me ha hecho muchísima ilusión, así que nada más recibirla la aspire como una aspiradora. No hay nada mejor que el olor de un libro nuevo. Ahora me pongo POCO SERIA. Me ha sorprendido tantísimo y se me ha quedado tan corto. El espacio es un tema que me ha interesado desde pequeña, desde que mi padre ponía documentales en la tele y me quedaba embobada. Ya siendo una adulta, me he inclinado más por los docu de alienígenas, son fascinantes. Pero he descubierto con este libro cosas sobre el espacio que me han hecho explotar la cabeza. No literalmente, claro. Hahaha.
Me gustaría mucho destacar que el formato y el modo que se ha aplicado en esta novela la hace tan fácil de leer y entretenida, sobre todo, los personajes aportan un poco de humor que hace inevitable encariñarse de ellos. Creo que libros como estos son los que deberían de dar a los peques en el colegio, les ayudaría mucho a aprender del espacio y cómo funciona. Aunque como dice en ella, hay cosas que todavía se desconoce de la misma y será fascinante descubrirlo.
Quiero admitir que el capítulo de la vida en otros planetas ha sido sin duda uno de mis favoritos. Quería más sobre las teorías del tipo de “seres vivos” que pueden existir. Esos seres hechos de otra materia. Después, el de los agujeros negros es un misterio tan atrayente que da hasta miedo. hahahahaha. Y el de la basura espacial, típico de los seres humanos. hahahah.
Con todo esto, quiero decir que no es solo es una novela para peques, yo la he disfrutado mucho y no he podido evitar estar comentando cada capítulo con mis hermanas de lo fascinada que he quedado con los detalles del universo.
¿Recomendaría? Por supuesto, sino que un gusano alienígena aspira pedos nos haga una visita. (Lo entenderás cuando la leas)
¡Un abrazo enorme y hasta pronto!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on constellations, planets, moon exploration, the sun, stars, and more.

Easiest to read a few pages at a time (like you might read an Usborne encyclopedia).

Written in British English, which is noticeable in only a few instances -- "lorry", "hoovering/hoovered", and "Sat/Nav". The space stuff seems to be mainly a NASA perspective.

Feel like saying "Challenger and Columbia were lost in accidents" is fairly inaccurate (it makes it sound like they were misplaced) and also disrespectful to the people who died.

About visible light telescopes, it says "The first telescopes were used to discover the planets...." I don't feel like that's true as I'm sure we knew about most (all?) of the planets before the first telescopes. I do think that telescopes helped us learn a lot more about the planets in our solar system.

But those are quibbles and the book, in general, is quite good.

Definitely worth having around if you have elementary aged kiddos.

[Sannro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vi läste och pratade om boken över ett par kvällar. Den är fint illustrerad, mycket information i flera olika rutor på varje sida.

I flera kvällar har nu vi läst böcker om historia, grekerna eller olika indianstammar i Sydamerika, och det är en stor skillnad på hur böckerna är upplagda. Historieböckerna var lättare att läsa högt då det var en sammanhängande text att följa. I den här boken kan det vara upp till 8 små rutor med text på en sida. Läser man då högt för ett mindre barn behöver man kanske peka vilken bild det man just nu pratar om hör till.

Då jag läste högt delade vi upp det på ett par kvällar, då blev det underlag till trevliga pratstunder om planeter och intressant fakta. För ett barn som läser själv är det en trevlig bok att bläddra i.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Professor Astro Cat knows how to explain complex things about our universe in cool, simple, and very understandable ways! The chart that compares sizes of planets is brilliant --if the Earth were a cherry tomato, Jupiter would be a watermelon! Fire burns as a circular flame in zero gravity. If I were a teacher of gifted and talented students, I would have students read this book and then write their own science fiction story that would need to incorporate knowledge of amazing facts within this adorably illustrated book. After all, there could be 17 billion planets in our galaxy with life on them!

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possible to read this straight through, but that's a lot -- much easier to dip in and read a few pages at a time. Each two page spread is on something different (for example a particular planet, satellites, the death of stars). Very friendly and understandable with a lot of information (that, at least in the areas I know about, was more or less accurate).

The endnotes include a glossary but no other resources.

[Gabka Koščová · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krásna kniha! Nebojte sa ju kúpiť, aj keď ešte nemáte deti. Ja som ju kúpila malému synovi v rámci rozširovania knihovničky do budúcna, ale už sme to celé spolu zhĺtli, hoci on len pozeral na obrázky a počúval môj hlas. Ja ako “dospelák” som bola z knihy nadšená. Krásne spracovanie a plno zaujímavých vecí. Takto by mali vyzerať učebnice na základných školách!

[Oleg Gerdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дотепно і змістовно. Гарні ілюстрації. Хіба колір тексту часом варто було б інший, залежно від тла - зле видно.
Зокрема відкрив для себе, що "галактика" - "молочне коло", що Юпітер має супутника розміром із Меркурій.

[Rhianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my GOD I adore this book. Amazing science facts, cute as hell illustrations on stiff matte pages perfect for page turning, CATS. The list goes on and on.

[Kayla Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly in depth space facts picture book all pulled together with well designed illustrations.

[Sha'Tisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was the art style delightful and refreshing, the book was incredibly informative- likely equally informative for children and adults alike!

[Haley Hoenke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science, Space