I’ve always been interested in the intersection of STEM and art. When I was younger, my parents thought I’d grow up to be a scientist. Imagine their surprise when I chose to attend art school! Even then, my love for science topics never faded. I’m a frequent listener of science news podcasts like Science Friday and Science Quickly. As a graphic designer for a research university, it’s my job to take technically dense scientific information and make it interesting for the public. This list is full of inquisitive, four-legged scientists that stole my heart. I hope they’ll do the same for you!
I instantly fell in love with Bloop, the tiny, power-hungry pug.
Tara Lazar is always clever and hilarious. Her observation (through Bloop’s eyes) of who’s actually in charge of Earth, the people or the dogs, created an interesting premise for a unique story when paired with the intergalactic setting. Mike Boldt’s illustrations are expressive and energetic.
This book was a ton of fun to read out loud. Finding funny voices for all the over-the-top characters was easy and made the kids laugh.
1
author picked
Bloop
as one of their favorite books, and they share
why you should read it.
This book is for kids age
4,
5,
6, and
7.
What is this book about?
Bloop, the little green alien, must conquer Earth, and his first step is figuring out who's in charge. The answer? Dogs! This picture book about an alien who looks like a pug is laugh-out-loud funny-and full of heart, too! The perfect story for dog lovers!
In his quest to become the next Emperor of Planet XYZ, Bloop makes too many bloopers. So he's sent to Earth to conquer that crazy planet first. Who's in charge there? One visit to the park and Bloop knows: dogs, of course!
Bloop tries to master these maddening mutts and prove that he's top dog.…
This picture book is pure eye candy. I want to frame and hang every page on my wall.
The dog characters are perfectly dopey, and Aiko’s over-the-top expressions throughout the book made me laugh. The story reminds me of something straight out of a kid’s wild imagination.
The book has a mysterious air about it as the plot builds to become more ridiculous with every page turn.
Talking space dogs + courageous girl astronaut + giant hungry catfish = one fun picture book
Aiko is a courageous astronaut, specially trained to brave the extremes of space. The whole of humanity is counting on her success. But on a planet that shows signs of life, something goes awry, and when she wakes up, she finds . . . a pack of dogs? And . . . they can talk?
Descended from the valiant astro-dogs who first traveled in space, these canines have cut off all contact with Earth. They've found a new planet where they can live, far…
Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…
A "dog" walking around on two legs and acting appalled by typical dog behavior is so silly. I found myself laughing at Stephen and his guest going about their day, and then crying when it was time for his guest to say goodbye.
Cummins is also such a talented illustrator. Her timing and point of view are impeccable, her books are always some of my favorites.
From the bestselling creator of Stumpkin and Vampenguin comes a whimsical picture book about the unexpected friendship that blooms between a boy and a dog of intergalactic origins.
A visitor from outer space comes to Stephen's yard one night. It may look like a Dalmatian, but it certainly doesn't act like one. At first, Stephen and the visitor get off on the wrong paw. They quibble over kibble, debate sleeping arrangements, and must abandon earth dogs' approach to bathroom breaks altogether to keep the peace. Is a shared love of bacon a strong enough foundation for this ordinary earth boy…
I found the short, rhyming phrases unpredictably hilarious. I found that the length of the book made it perfect for that one last book before bedtime (I can get through it in just a couple minutes) or for newly independent readers who want to read the book themselves. The dog main character is so endearing, I fell in love with him immediately.
1
author picked
Spacebot
as one of their favorite books, and they share
why you should read it.
This book is for kids age
4,
5,
6, and
7.
What is this book about?
"The book has many laugh-inducing pages for independent readers, listeners, and viewers..." -School Library Journal "Rollicking and joyous." -Booklist (starred review) "Silly, quirky...Make space on shelves for this one." -Kirkus Reviews
When a mysterious visitor arrives in the night from outer space, it's up to the family dog to determine if they're friend or foe. This rhyming read-aloud by award-winning author-illustrator Mike Twohy will surprise and delight young readers.
One quiet evening, a dog is settling down inside his family's house when a strange rumbling emerges from the sky. Electric energy surges and makes everything start to vibrate, including the…
Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…
She’s still a little too young for actual picture books but loves board books. Anything with lift flaps is a huge hit. Where’s the Astronaut? does one better, it has lift flaps and a mirror! The flaps are made of felt which makes them extra durable. I’ve been fueling my little girl’s love of space from birth, so this board book was a must. I love the bold, geometric art style and all the big, smiling characters (including a space dog!).
When we get to the page with the mirror, she likes to lean in, almost touching her nose to the page, and giggle at her reflection in the book.
Part of Ingela Arrhenius's best-selling felt flap series, which has sold over 2 million copies. Perfect for babies and toddlers!
Celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing with little ones by lifting the felt flaps to discover four hidden space-themed friends. Then find the mirror under the final flap! Parents love these books because they are simple yet robust, and little readers adore them because they're fun and easy to play with.
An adorably confused dog dreams of the adventures he’ll have on the moon in this space-themed picture book. Rover the dog is convinced he would make a perfect lunar rover. He can handle any kind of terrain. He can dig up rock samples. And he’s even spaceship-trained!
Kids will love the dramatic irony while cheering for Rover to achieve his dream. With backmatter about moon exploration and the different parts of a space rover and hilarious illustrations, Earth Rover is the perfect picture book for kids, and dogs, who love space.
