The author, a self-described “Astronaut Intelligence” teacher, prepares kids who might be interested in space travel with what they can expect if they become astronauts—and what they can do to prepare. He reminds readers that space travel for kids is not a very far-off possibility, especially when it involves the space around the Moon and Earth—or what Mongo dubs “MEarth.” The book offers a blend of practical advice that readers will need to achieve their astronaut-related goals (such as pursuing STEM courses in school), as well as introductions to technical terms related to space travel, including “gravitational sweet spots” known as “Lagrange points.” Mongo also frequently injects humor and helpful tips into his discussions, including the idea that even the smallest things can make a big impact: “Real talk, future Kid Astronaut: nobody’s going to remind you to shower when you’re floating in a space station. Master the small stuff now, because in space, the small stuff keeps you alive.” Arumugam’s occasional cartoon illustrations, consisting of pen-and-ink sketches with mustard-yellow accents, are silly and fun, as in an image of a spacewalking astronaut attempting to brush their teeth with their helmet on. Although the frequent QR codes throughout the text—which connect readers to outside interactive materials—may prove distracting for some, Mongo’s laid-back, casual narrative tone will likely appeal to younger readers. What particularly stands out is the book’s overwhelming sense of optimism for the future. Mongo repeatedly emphasizes that kids have choices—whether they’re deciding what electives to take in school, what career path to follow, or even how much to participate in their own lives (“Life is always going to life, with or without us”).
