• Age: 9 to 10
• Grade: 3
• Reading age: 8 to 10

"A generally triumphant tally of liftoffs, landings, and scientific insights." — Kirkus Reviews

Since the early days of flight, animals have helped researchers learn how to survive in the sky, and their role continues as humanity voyages into outer space. In 1783, a rooster, a duck and a sheep were placed in a basket attached to the first hot-air balloon. In the age of rockets and space travel, many more animals have travelled into orbit, and most have returned safely to earth.

This book tells the stories of 50 trips into space, with details about the animals and the scientists involved. The experiments, often designed by students, originate from many countries. The book offers an appealing introduction to the purposes of space exploration and the possibilities of safe space travel. It encourages young readers to engage in real science like the young people they will read about in this book.

JOHN A. READ's journey into astronomy began with a small and rickety telescope purchased at his local pharmacy. He found it fascinating to observe the Moon and Saturn with its rings using such meagre equipment. He decided to share these views with others. After writing his first book, 50 Things to see With a Telescope, John retired from a career in corporate finance. He is also the author of 50 Things to See on the Moon and co-author of 50 Animals That Have Been to Space. He is now a telescope operator at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, a board member of the Halifax Centre of the royal Astronomical Society of Canada and is studying astrophysics at Saint Mary's University. John's YouTube channel LearnToStargaze (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAev2dFkQabk9nfqMjDJbiQ) features beginner stargazing videos that closely follow content from The Beginner's Guide to Space book series. He lives with his family in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

John A. Read's profile page

JENNIFER READ grew up in the hills outside San Francisco. A passion for animals led her to a prestigious internship with American Humane's Film and Television Unit in Los Angeles, California, where she worked on movie sets with wolves, horses and many other animals. Jennifer is now a member of the Junior Bengal Lancers, an equestrian society located in Halifax. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her husband and writing partner John A. Read.

Jennifer Read's profile page

• Commended, Junior Library Guild Selection

"A generally triumphant tally of liftoffs, landings, and scientific insights."

Kirkus Reviews

Starred Review

School Library Journal