From picture-book master Byron Barton, this is the perfect story for young readers who love outer space and want to know more about how NASA astronauts do their job. Once in orbit, the astronauts get a taste of ready-to-eat food, experience zero gravity, go for space walks, and even fix a satellite. It's fun to fly aboard the shuttle...and then come back to earth. Byron Barton's signature bright, graphic artwork and straightforward text is a perfect match for the preschool crowd. Blast-off! Up into the shy goes the space shuttle. Into orbit, the astronauts get a taste of ready-to-eat food, experience zero gravity, go for space walks, and even fix a satellite. It's fun to fly aboard the shuttle...and then come back to earth. ‘A young girl declares her longing to ‘fly on the shuttle into outer space.’ The familiar acts of eating, sleeping, and working become intense and special as she and the rest of the crew go about their business. The illustrations positively glow in this simple, lyrical picture book that will have nearly everyone off and flying.’ —SLJ. Notable Children's Book of 1988 (ALA) 1988 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book) Best Illustrated Children's Books of 1988 (NYT) Oustanding Science Trade Books for Children 1988 (NSTA/CBC) Byron Barton (1930–2023) was the creator of many picture books for young children, including My Car , Building a House , and The Little Red Hen .