Shooting For The Stars
My Journey To Become Ireland’s First Astronaut
Written by Dr. Norah Patten, designed and illustrated by Jennifer Farley.
Winner of the 2019 Children’s Book Of The Year (Senior) at the Specsavers Irish Book Awards.
Published by O’Brien Press
Shooting For The Stars
In 2017 Dr. Norah Patten, from Ballina in Co. Mayo, was one of 12 participants from around the world selected to take part in a unique scientist-astronaut training programme, Project Possum. She is now on course to become Ireland’s first astronaut!
Follow Norah as she brings you on a journey high above the earth and into space. You will learn about space travel, astronaut training and life without gravity. Norah will answer those all-important questions such as how long does it take to become an astronaut and where exactly astronauts go to the toilet?!
Did you know that our sun is a star, just like all the stars we see at night?
Did you know that, in space, the astronauts have to use special ropes to hold themselves down while running on the treadmill?
A fun and engaging book about space and becoming an astronaut but most importantly a book about following your dreams no matter how big!
Shooting For The Stars Reviews
Norah’s knowledge and experience are enthusiastically shared on every page with fascinating facts and information to be learned along the way. Anyone curious about space travel and life in zero gravity is in for a treat as Norah answers many important questions such as what do astronauts eat in space and where do they go to the toilet. At all times it seems like Norah is talking directly to us and the accompanying colourful, cartoon-like illustrations by Jennifer Farley are a perfect match to this conversational tone, making this a highly accessible and most enjoyable read. Norah’s personal story is also compelling as she outlines her path to date, emphasising the work, determination and self-belief involved in placing herself at the forefront of potential future astronauts. Her story is one that many young people will not only enjoy but also find inspirational as Norah encourages everyone to follow their dream and work hard to achieve success
Children’s Books Ireland
suitable for 3rd class to 6th class and perfect for a non-fiction read aloud due to its engaging text and colourful illustrations … a special Christmas present
InTouch Magazine
a very child-friendly book with humourous illustrations by Jennifer Farley
Irish Examiner
fun and fascinating
Irish Mail on Sunday
fabulous … fun and captivating
Astronomy Ireland Magazine
part memoir, part non-fiction … the story of one woman’s journey towards being the first Irish astronaut. Packed with interesting facts … attractive child-friendly illustrations add to the book’s appeal
Irish Independent
Got a wannabe astronaut at home? They’ll adore this
Mummypages
a fun and captivating book about space and how to become an astronaut which encourages us to be persistent in our dreams … a fabulously illustrated book which brings the words to life
Astronomy Ireland Magazine
Available from all good book stores and from O’Brien Press
