To coincide with NASA’s Artemis program, the agency released three children’s picture books in Spring 2025: Hooray for SLS!, Our Friend Orion, and There and Back with EGS. Aimed at kids ages 3–8, these books combine charming illustrations with accessible explanations of rocketry, spacecraft, and the upcoming lunar missions.

Book Overviews

• Hooray for SLS! (Lane Polak & Heather Rose Legge) celebrates the Space Launch System—the most powerful rocket ever built.
• Our Friend Orion (same authors) introduces NASA’s Orion spacecraft, explaining how it carries astronauts safely and returns them to Earth.
• There and Back with EGS (planned third title) will spotlight the Exploration Ground Systems team’s role in launch pad operations and mission support.

Educational & Family Benefits

1. STEM Foundations: Early exposure to engineering and space science vocabulary.
2. Visual Engagement: Colorful art keeps young readers captivated.
3. Curiosity Spark: Inspires questions about science careers, teamwork, and exploration.
4. Cross-Disciplinary Links: Encourages drawing, model-building, and simple experiments at home.

Activity Suggestions

• DIY Rocket Models: Build paper rockets and discuss thrust and gravity.
• Story Extensions: Act out scenes—“blast off!” countdowns.
• Family Discussions: Talk about what you’d pack for a Moon trip.

Conclusion

NASA’s Artemis children’s books are more than bedtime stories—they’re primers for a new generation of explorers. By blending engaging narratives with real science, these books help families journey to the Moon—one page at a time.

Q&A Section

Q1: Where can I get these books?
A1: Available free as downloadable PDFs from NASA.gov or in print through online retailers.

Q2: What ages are they best for?
A2: Recommended for ages 3–8, with simple text and bright illustrations.

Sources:

• NASA Artemis Children’s Books overview NASA
• NASA “Our Friend Orion” press details NASA