When I’m an Astronaut: Exciting New Picture Book Inspires Kids’ Dreams To Reach For The Stars

Written to break career gender stereotypes, this third book in Samantha Pillay’s Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book series, ‘When I’m an Astronaut’  delights and informs as it offers youngsters a giant leap forward in their understanding of what it takes to be an astronaut

Following on from her hugely successful When I’m A Doctor and When I’m An Entrepreneur books, Dr Samantha Pillay adds a third title in her Inspirational Careers for Kids series with the publication of When I’m an Astronaut.

Written to break gender stereotypes, and to encourage youngsters to dream big and aim high, this immersive picture book is supported by an activity book, bursting with fun activities that delve deeper into what’s involved in being an astronaut, whilst stressing the importance of embracing STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, maths) in order to fulfil their dreams.

And with NASA’s planned test launch of Artemis 1 scheduled for the end of this month (August 2022),When I’m an Astronaut is the perfect vehicle for learning more about what’s involved in taking those first small steps towards a career with NASA or another space agency or organisation.

A gem of a book, parents and kids everywhere will have one request for Dr Samantha Pillay – please keep adding to this inspiring and transformative series.

Synopsis

What does it take to be an astronaut?

The simple images in this unique picture book allow children to ponder over the wonders of space while building their self-belief.

Career gender stereotypes and self-efficacy start to form in early childhood. This book encourages children to Dream Big and Aim High.

Find the references for the grown-up astronaut hidden within the images on the author’s website: https://bit.ly/3vVjkEv

Expand your child’s imagination with the companion Activity Book.

Read the other series titles:

Book One: When I’m a Surgeon

Book Two: When I’m an Entrepreneur

The author says:                                                   

“Maths and physics were my favourite subjects at school. I loved solving problems and could spend hours lost in thought. This was not work but pleasure. I would fall asleep and dream about equations and derivations.

“Career gender stereotypes can be embedded by age seven, long before young girls make subject and career choices.

“Reshaping our ideas about femininity, providing STEM role models and challenging stereotypes will help address the gender imbalance in STEM careers.”

Applauded by those involved in the space sector, reviews include:

“The influence of a book like this may be ‘one small step’ in a child’s development, but for some, it will also inspire them to take the next ‘giant leap’.”

Andrew Thomas, NASA Astronaut (retired).

“This one-of-a-kind book brilliantly displays accurate space travel that will spark imaginations, inspire dreams, and delight space lovers, young and old. Look closely at the illustrations for hidden insider details that encourage readers to ask questions and discover even more!”

Andrea Boyd, International Space Station Flight Controller and Deputy of Astronaut Operations for European Space Agency

Garnering five-star reviews from Amazon US readers, these include:

“This beautiful picture book may be directed toward STEM education, but it will reach many others, too. It shows how work and inspiration can take a person toward their dream profession.” – Sunny Sue

“What a great find! Dr. Samantha has done a great job creating a beautifully illustrated book to inspire children, especially young girls, to reach for the stars. When I’m an Astronaut: Dreaming is Believing, has vivid, detailed illustrations that make ME want to go back to school! She even throws in a little whimsy for the kids who love animals, and so clearly shows that realizing your dreams takes hard work and study. I can see her passion in the pages, and was quite amazed when I read her personal story (About the Author), to see how she also, has followed her dream.” – yellow

“This story is simple but very beautiful and inspiring. The illustrations are also out of this world (pun intended). I got the kindle version but plan on getting the hardcover version for my daughters.”  – Teneil

Independently published, When I’m an Astronaut is available in paperback (£10.99/$17.99) and Kindle format (£2.99/$3.99 or free via Kindle Unlimited) on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Sx0mhf and on Amazon US at https://amzn.to/3Pfs3Id

About the author:

Samantha Pillay, a urological surgeon, is no stranger to overcoming adversity to achieve her goals. She was born with hip dysplasia and underwent several operations, spending about 18 months in hospital from age two to four years. She then started school in a wheelchair, taking years to learn to walk. She completed school age 16 and became the first female to complete urological surgical training in South Australia. In 2021 she published When I’m a Surgeon – Book One in the Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book series. Samantha aims to break career gender stereotypes and instil a belief in children that they can fulfil their dreams.

Today, Snoop Dogg, Claude Brooks, the Emmy nominated producer and creator of the children franchise, Hip Hop Harry, and singer/songwriter, October London, announced the official release of the new animated kids series, Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes, on YouTube and YouTube Kids. The original series features a colorful cast of dogs set in a vibrant world where the characters sing, dance and rap educational songs that teach social, emotional and cognitive skills for toddlers to 8yr old children in a positive and upbeat environment. Doggyland is released by Doggyland Media LLC. The series can be found on YouTube and YouTube Kids. In addition, there is an accompanying album, Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes on all streaming platforms. At launch, there are four Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes episodes available, with new episodes dropping every week on Tuesday. Check out the episodes here.

Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes brought together award winning singers, rappers and producers to create original songs and lyrics that focus on the positive social and emotional development geared towards toddlers to 8yr old children. The series will cover a wide range of topics, including letters, numbers, colors, animals, good habits, with a core message of acceptance, diversity and inclusion. The family friendly show encourages kids and parents to come together to learn new skills, as well as spread joy and love to one another.

The cast of vibrant characters is led by Bow Wizzle, voiced by Snoop Dogg, the main character who serves as the adult mentor to the rest of the cast; including Wags, voiced by October London, who is always cheering his friends on and a voice as smooth as Usher; Yap Yap, the high-spirited character who is known for her positive and cheery personality; Chow Wow, an empathic team player and Barks-A-Locks, the curious one of the group who is always discovering new adventures.

“As a father, grandfather and longtime youth football coach, it’s always been important to me to build positive and educational environments for all children. We wanted to bring our show to YouTube and YouTube Kids which provides free access to everyone, so all the kids can enjoy it.” said Snoop Dogg, Co-Creator, Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes. “I’ve always wanted to create a kid friendly series that lets kids be kids and is truly representative of the Culture with everything from the music to the characters. When I started to build my team, it was only right to partner with Claude, who created the iconic series, Hip Hop Harry, which built the blueprint to diverse kids programming, and October London, a talented singer and writer.”

Snoop Dogg has a long history of creating spaces that positively impact youth. In 2005, Snoop Dogg founded the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL), a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to provide the opportunity for inner-city children to participate in youth football and cheer. The SYFL serves children between the ages of five and thirteen, teaching them the values of teamwork, good sportsmanship, discipline, and self-respect, while also stressing the importance of academics. In 2018, Snoop launched Snoop’s Special Stars, a division of SYFL that focuses on special needs children who want to participate in football and cheerleading. Since the start of the Snoop Youth Football League, thousands of kids have participated in the program and several of the kids have gone on to play in D1 colleges and NFL.

“Snoop and I are excited to make an animated children’s show that’s musically based and promotes social, emotional and cognitive learning in an innovative way that both kids and parents alike will be learning together,” said Claude Brooks, Co-Creator, Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes. “I’m a father of a 7yr old daughter and one of the things we are most proud of is having age appropriate songs about “Being Different”, “Not Being A Bully”, “Good Manners” and one of my personal favorites, “Affirmations.” These kinds of songs will hopefully lead to meaningful conversations and help everyone be the best they can be.”

“Working with Snoop, you know our music has to be top notch and make all the kids and families get out of your seat and dance,” said October London, singer and songwriter. “While the Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes show is created with kids as the priority, the whole family will want to watch it and bump it!”

Website

Instagram

Tik Tok

Twitter

Facebook

An Entertainment Industry Mogul and Entrepreneur, Snoop Dogg has reigned for nearly three decades as an unparalleled force who has raised the bar as a globally recognized innovator. Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, DJ, media personality, businessman and Icon. In addition to his extensive work in music, Snoop Dogg is a serial entrepreneur with endeavors in Web 3.0, tech, entertainment, lifestyle, global consumer brands and food/beverage industries.

Claude Brooks is the CEO of C To The B Productions. Claude Brooks started his career as an actor with notable success. He starred in a few series and has over 300 episodes as an actor under his belt. After creating, starring and producing “Claude’s Crib” for Paramount, Paramount Network Television gave him a production deal, which thrived for eight years. In the children’s arena, Claude Brooks created and produced The Discovery Kids’ Emmy Nominated children’s show, “Hip Hop Harry”, for which new content is currently being produced for over 15 digital platforms, and has spawned a live touring show and successful merchandising program.

October London is a multi-genre singer/songwriter, producer and actor born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. In 2016, October London was introduced to Snoop Dogg in Los Angeles and they creatively hit it off. That monumental moment would lead to a two year US/Canada tour with Snoop and a two part debut album Titled “Colorblind: Hate and Happiness.”

The Friendly Mouse is the debut work from talented new writer Sophia R. Tyler and beautifully illustrated by Matthew Sample. Good-natured and eager, Mouse loves his home in the countryside and works in the city. Despite being overwhelmed by his struggles, Mouse chooses to be kind and learns that, sometimes, your job isn’t your most important responsibility. So much in life can be lost if you allow jobs and responsibilities to overwhelm you. Far more is gained when you take the time to show kindness and to treat others as you want to be treated. This small mouse with a big heart is changing the world, one friend at a time.

Raquel Horn is releasing a new kids book next week called “Dusko Goes To Space”. I have the one sheet, preview of the book, as well as a link to it below. Happy to provide any more info to ya.  The book is inspired by the couples 1 year old son (who came to them after many unsuccessful years of IVF). It features their son Dusko as well as their dog Governor. They are also partnering with various schools to make it the book of the month as well as do a mini-book tour. “Dusko Goes To Space” is currently available for pre-order and will be available anywhere you buy books.

https://www.amazon.com/Dusko-Goes-Space-Raquel-Horn/dp/B09KB75T33/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1637170339&refinements=p_27%3ARaquel+M+Horn&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Raquel+M+Horn

A boy named Dusko and his best friend, a French Bulldog named Governor, have big plans today!

After a healthy breakfast from mom, helpful advice from dad, and some doubt from big sister, Dusko uses a little creativity and a lot of imagination to transform a cardboard box into a spaceship. He and Governor blast off on an educational adventure in their rocket, and they learn about the planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and the sun in our Solar System. They make it home in time for dinner and Dusko gets to share the story of his exciting journey with his family.

What will Dusko and Governor do tomorrow?

Presented by Dame Dash Studios, approved by Off School Grounds, written by Raquel M. Horn, illustrated by Alanna Grace Carroll.