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Summary: Into space with Byron Barton
Review: "I Want to Be an Astronaut" is another good entry in the series of young children's books by Byron Barton. This one opens, "I want to be an astronaut, a member of the crew." Such simple text is combined with Barton's distinctive illustrations. Bright, solid colors and heavy outlines combine to create figures that have an iconic feel; his pictures make me think of a sort of modern variation on Mayan hieroglyphics.In the book we see the space shuttle taking off; astronauts working, eating, and sleeping in zero gravity; a cutaway view of the shuttle; etc. Nice touches include a view of earth from space and the portrayal of a multi-ethnic shuttle crew. Recommended for small kids.
Rating:
Summary: Into space with Byron Barton
Review: "I Want to Be an Astronaut" is another good entry in the series of young children's books by Byron Barton. This one opens, "I want to be an astronaut, a member of the crew." Such simple text is combined with Barton's distinctive illustrations. Bright, solid colors and heavy outlines combine to create figures that have an iconic feel; his pictures make me think of a sort of modern variation on Mayan hieroglyphics. In the book we see the space shuttle taking off; astronauts working, eating, and sleeping in zero gravity; a cutaway view of the shuttle; etc. Nice touches include a view of earth from space and the portrayal of a multi-ethnic shuttle crew. Recommended for small kids.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice book for little kids
Review: I bought this one several years ago for my oldest son, now my little guy loves it, too. It seems a bit sad to me now in the wake of the Columbia tragedy ("I want to be an astronaut, a member of the crew" sounds somewhat different now), but that doesn't really affect little kids. If you or your kids are space nuts, this is a good one to begin with.
Rating:
Summary: Nice book for little kids
Review: I bought this one several years ago for my oldest son, now my little guy loves it, too. It seems a bit sad to me now in the wake of the Columbia tragedy ("I want to be an astronaut, a member of the crew" sounds somewhat different now), but that doesn't really affect little kids. If you or your kids are space nuts, this is a good one to begin with.
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Summary: Where's the moon????
Review: I checked this book out after my 3 yr old preschoolers had done a theme week on space at school. My son looked at it before I had read it and the first thing he told me is "there is no moon in this book". Every picture of "space" shows the earth in a larger than life format (doesn't the earth look tiny from outer space??), yet not once is there a hint of the moon or stars or anything resembling "space", especially in the eyes of a child. Aside from that annoyance, this book still has the great illustrations of other Byron Barton books. My guys' favorite picture is the shuttle blasting off. They also enjoy the pictures of activities that take place inside the shuttle - eating, sleeping, working and most of all, floating upside down! Now THAT's what we expect in a book about astronauts!
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Summary: A Winner
Review: I raised two boys on this book - it was their favorite when they were little. Now they are in college and I have a 16 month girl. This has already become her favorite. When we do the bed time routine she goes right for this book every night!
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Summary: Incredibly Interesting Book
Review: I remember being exposed to this book as a child (possibly when I was 4 yrs. old). I remember the time I just spent looking at the illustrations, especially the picture of the layout of the space shuttle. Even when I look back on this book, I still love it! I have to say the illustrations add so much to the story, still complement them, and yet speak their own story. I recently found this book again back in my own personal children's story bookshelf. Just looking through it again brings back fond memories. I would definately recommend this book to any parent who has a small child who is interested in space and astronauts!
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Summary: Alex's top choice
Review: My 18 month old LOVES this book. It is always his first choice. The pictures tell the story so nicely. I am tired of taping together our paperback version, so am purchasing a hardcover copy as well as other Byron Barton books. I must agree with other reviewers however; this book should not be classified at appropriate for 4-8 year olds.
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Summary: I wanted to be an astronaut, but I'm nearsighted
Review: Seriously, this is a great book. I came across it in a bin at my son's playgroup, and I ordered it as soon as I got home. This book is fun, and it appeals to my 3-yr-old as well as my 1-yr-old. Now my son (3) has a rough idea of what the earth looks like, what space is, what a space shuttle is, and what astronauts wear and eat. My daughter still just likes the high-contrast pictures.
Rating: 
Summary: I was disappointed
Review: This book was presented as appropriate for 4-8 year olds. Amazon needs to re-classify this book for 2-3 year olds. This was the first time I regretted my purchase.
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