Curiosity about the Sun during a solar eclipse sends the character on an imaginary journey to the sun. At the end of the mission, young readers will have learned interesting facts about the Sun.

While the story starts with the characters wearing glasses to look at the eclipse, a stronger reminder is needed that looking at the sun without protection can harm your eyes at any time.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.