How To Eat in Space

School Library Journal Review

This enchanting book cleverly combines science and etiquette in a delightful and educational package. With its charming narrative and captivating illustrations, it takes young readers on a cosmic journey to explore the mysteries of space while imparting valuable lessons on table manners. The story weaves the wonders of gravity in space with polite dining habits, making learning fun and engaging. Children are not only introduced to the basic principles of science but also encouraged to practice good behavior. The book showcases a diverse cast of characters, fostering inclusivity and emphasizing that these manners should be embraced by all. The colorful and playful illustrations perfectly complement the narrative, making it a visually appealing experience for kids. The combination of learning about space and good manners is both unique and effective, offering a well-rounded education—for anyone!

VERDICT Great for educators or anyone looking to teach children essential life skills while sparking an interest in science. Heartwarming and informative, this is a stellar addition to any collection.

IA kid-friendly, accessible, and humorous picture book about the sometimes complicated task of eating while in outer space—spoiler: it's not as simple as it seems!

Without a kitchen, plates, or cups, eating in space isn’t easy. When food floats (and so do you), remember:

1. Be patient: Preparing a meal without gravity’s help takes time.
2. Avoid crumbs: They get everywhere!
3. Clean up after yourself: Today’s stray snack could become tomorrow’s smelly surprise.

Once you learn the dos and don’ts, you’ll be eating like an astronaut in no time!

This fact-filled look at the sometimes complicated task of eating while away from Earth will show young readers what it's really like to live on the space station, with engaging back matter that takes a deep dive into the topic and features photos of real NASA astronauts!

From Booklist

“Taylor selects facts likely to interest children and presents them in an easygoing, conversational style … An enticing choice for kids who dream of space travel.”

From Horn Book

“Taylor’s conversational tone means that asides … feel naturally incorporated. Lewis’s digital art features crisp, energetic scenes of smiling astronauts and their meals floating through a carefully rendered space station.”

Amazon Reviews

Welcome to the space station! This clever book brings kids right into the experience of eating in space, with a bouncy, entertaining how-to structure and so many interesting and FUN facts! A STEM gem, with nice nods to the true space benefits of good manners, patience, cleaning up, avoiding waste, and diversity! This book covers SO much while staying fun and never feeling heavy-handed. Kids are going to want to read it again and again! -Suzy

Two-Sentence Review for an Amazing Book!!!: Learning about astronaut food was most enjoyable to me since I am a foodie and adore all things space! While I knew about food in general in space, I adored learning about the Midair Recapture Manuever and how it applies to food in general and not just in movies. If you teach STEM or have students who adore this topic, this is a MUST READ! -CK

This topic couldn't be told better. Space changes how astronauts do even the most common tasks. Who knew simply eating could be so complex yet fun. The back matter is packed with even more interesting facts and the pictures of real life astronauts eating in space are fascinating. -Robb

What a great topic! This book shows, well, how to eat in space, from actually getting the food into your mouth to throwing away waste, it even touches on how to grow greens in space. Chock full of interesting facts and ideas, there's also plenty of fun with a suggestion to have a pizza party in space! Sure to delight space and food fans alike. -Sarah

Kirkus

“An appetizing guide to space (station) dining.”

Amazon Reviews

A picture book about how to eat in space? Yes, please! I love how this book teaches about space through the lens of humans filling their bellies in a place few humans get to travel to. Using humor, facts, and a how-to structure, Taylor shows readers just how complex, and FUN, it is to eat in space! And who knew astronauts drank their own...well you'll just have to read to find out. Space travel is such a fascinating topic and young readers will delight in learning some of what it takes to be an astronaut. This is a fascinating and entertaining book with crisp, clear illustrations. I recommend it for school, home, and library! -Aimee

Everything you've ever wondered about the logistics of eating in space...plus all the things you never thought to ask! Such a fun read, with just enough fun facts, science, and gross-out details in the main text to engage and delight readers of all ages, plus terrific back matter for those who want a deeper dive. My favorite spread shows examples of the kinds of foods that might be included in an astronaut's "bonus box", like dried pickles or marshmallow fluff, and invites readers to imagine what favorite foods they'd take to space. It would be a great read-aloud, and I can see this becoming a favorite in both classrooms and homes! -Carrie

This is a fantastically informative book chockfull of SO many things I didn't know about eating in space! The text is bouncy, fun, and conversational, which pulls readers in immediately. The art is beautiful and gives the reader so much to look at as well as tons discover on re-reads.

And if that wasn't enough, there's the extensive backmatter which librarians and teachers are sure to love as there's so much in there for classroom discussion, activities, and assignments.

Every home, school, public, and Little Free library should have multiple copies of HOW TO EAT IN SPACE. -Stephanie