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Pigs Really Can Fly!

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.

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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.

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Horace in Space

Jul 27

Posted by Literary Titan

Mary L. Schmidt’s latest children’s book follows young Horace, who is no ordinary pig. He’s a dreamer with his snout pointed firmly toward the stars. His greatest ambition? To venture into space. Yet, despite his lofty hopes, he quietly doubts that his dream will ever lift off. Until, unexpectedly, it does. A formal invitation arrives, and Horace is headed to the International Space Station.

Horace in Space is a delightful children’s book that effortlessly blends whimsical storytelling with factual space education. Tailored for children aged 1 to 8, this charming tale is brief in length, fitting for young attention spans, but rich in imagination and heart. The book’s vibrant illustrations serve as both emotional cues and narrative anchors, helping children see what Horace feels, thinks, and experiences.

Schmidt captures Horace’s sense of awe with genuine warmth. His naive excitement, so relatable for young readers, evolves into a more grounded understanding as his fantasy meets the real-world challenges of space. In doing so, Schmidt crafts a gentle lesson: reality might differ from dreams, but that doesn’t make it any less extraordinary.

The book strikes a thoughtful balance between imaginative adventure and educational value. Without ever sacrificing the fun, it introduces children to life in orbit, from the thrill of liftoff to the peculiarities of floating in microgravity. Facts are woven naturally into the narrative, ensuring that learning feels organic rather than instructional.

While Schmidt’s prose may not echo the playful cadences of Dr. Seuss or the clever wordplay of Shel Silverstein, Horace in Space still stands as a delightful addition to any young reader’s collection. Horace himself is an endearing protagonist, one whose journey feels ripe for expansion. It’s easy to envision this story as the launchpad for a larger series.

Horace in Space delivers more than just a tale about a pig in orbit; it offers young readers a chance to explore, imagine, and discover alongside a character who is every bit as curious and wide-eyed as they are.

Pages: 26 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F9VX3XZ7