Pigs Really Can Fly!

Aug 3

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Mary L. Schmidt Author Interview

Horace in Space follows a little pig with big dreams who wants nothing more than to venture into the great beyond. Where did the idea for this book come from?

I’ve written children’s books for about a decade now. I always wanted to write a book for kids and the ISS. Then it hit me – Pigs really can fly! And that started the entire idea.

Is there anything from your own childhood included in your characters’ traits and dialogue?

Not so much. We had a telescope when I was little, and we looked at the moon and stars. But the ISS fascinates me. I’ve timed and researched when the ISS will fly over my area on a particular night. I get away from city lights and, clear as day, one can watch it orbit from one point in the sky until out of view. I’ve taken pictures and videos. One can easily find out when it will next be over their locale. It is visible in the daytime as well.

Why was it important for you to include facts woven throughout Horace’s narrative?

Facts are facts. My children wanted to know facts from the books I read to them, and that means I want to give out some facts for children to think about, ask more questions, expand their minds to move forward.

Can young readers look forward to more adventures from Horace? What are you currently working on?

Horace may have more adventures, or I will choose another baby animal. Horace In Space is book number sixty-one for me, so I’m also slowing down a bit. Next up is a children’s book or adult sci-fi.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Horace is a boy pig who dreams of flying to space in a spaceship or a rocket. He loves his colorful dreams and adventures in space. One day, a man called and invited Horace to fly in space to the International Space Station (ISS). Horace was excited, and he started packing a suitcase. His favorite snacks were packed in an outside zipper case. Then Horace learned he could not take a suitcase or his favorite snacks. He was shown how to put on a space suit for his flight into space. The rocket lifted from the ground, flew Horace straight to the ISS, and then his spaceship docked. Horace had arrived! While at the ISS and in space, Horace learned about the space station, how to take a spacewalk, and he thought he had a floor he was walking on, but no! He was out in space, connected to a rope and floating away from the ISS! Children learn about Horace and his adventure in a space rocket, what he could eat and drink during his visit, and they have multiple opportunities to ask questions about the ISS. Horace also took pictures of planet Earth from space. Children learn about Horace being in a weightless environment and about gravity. Learning about the ISS in a fun illustrated book keeps children entertained. Horace teaches children how he got back to Earth and his big splashdown! Children learn about nature, space, Earth, and the ISS. Children gain a greater understanding of pigs and what they like to eat. The concept and principles of flying to the ISS are taught with young children in mind and through colorful illustrations to keep children engrossed in the story. Children learn about being in a weightless environment and about gravity. Learning about the ISS in a fun illustrated book keeps children entertained. Children learn about nature, space, Earth, and the ISS.

Posted on August 3, 2025, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.

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