Aldrin, Buzz (text) Wendell Minor (paintings): Look to the Stars.

ALDRIN, Buzz (text) Wendell Minor (paintings) Look to the Stars Puffin, 2009 40pp $16.95 pbk ISBN 9780143503804 SCIS 1407451

From Copernicus to the possibility of a trip to Mars, this icon of astronauts describes the advances made over the centuries. The Wright brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Chuck Yeager and others, including the German rocket scientist Werner Von Braun, played their part in the development of the U.S. space program, and all are given due acknowledgement by Aldrin. Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin are mentioned, but the emphasis is on American feats, with very little on the advances by European programs. Despite this view, there is much to attract the young reader. There is an excellent time line of advances, an account of all the Apollo missions, and a general tone of enthusiasm. Aldrin emerges as a thoughtful and confident scientist, and Minor's paintings are clear representations of the instruments and vehicles which brought humans closer to the stars.