Bonnie's Rocket
"In a fresh perspective on events that changed the universe, Bonnie's Rocket reveals to readers that STEM is at its most powerful when it is personal." --Andrea Beaty, New York Times bestselling author of Rosie Revere, Engineer
Bonnie's father is an engineer for the Apollo 11 space mission. Bonnie is an engineer too, developing a model rocket that she plans to shoot high into the sky. While Baba works on the moon-landing module far away, Bonnie designs, builds, and tests her own project -- with sometimes disastrous results! Throughout the process, Baba's letters encourage her in her work, and after the astronauts return from the moon, Baba comes home in time to see Bonnie launch her amazing rocket.
Inspired by the experiences of the author's grandfather, who helped design the space suits and life-support systems on the Apollo 11 lunar module, Bonnie's Rocket celebrates the diverse team that contributed to one of the United States's greatest achievements. It's also a heartwarming father-daughter story and a terrific gift for budding engineers and space fans of all ages.
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Emeline Lee is an author of children's literature. Her debut picture book, Bonnie's Rocket, illustrated by Alina Chau and published by Lee & Low Books, is a STEM-friendly story set during Apollo 11. Her next book, Gwei, the Hungry Ghost, will be illustrated by Basia Tran and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers (releasing spring 2026). She studied English literature and environmental sustainability at Columbia University. Find her on the web at emelinelee.com and follow her on social media at @EmelineLeeBooks.
Alina Chau dreamed of being an astronaut when she grew up, but instead went on to a career as an award-winning artist and filmmaker. She illustrated The Nian Monster, which received the 2018 APALA Picture Book Honor, alongside many other beautiful picture books. Her animation credits include Star Wars: The Clone Wars; and numerous best-selling games. She lives in southern California. Visit her website at alinachau.com and find her on Instagram at @alinachau.
"In a fresh perspective on events which changed the universe, Bonnie's Rocket reveals to readers that STEM is at its most powerful when it is personal." -- Andrea Beaty, New York Times bestselling author of Rosie Revere, Engineer
"Inviting illustrations depict Bonnie's methodology, using her notebook as the backdrop for many spreads. Paired with the parallel narrative of an engineer father away working on a space mission, the moments of distance, encouragement, and shared interest provide additional emotional resonance. . . An engaging father-daughter STEAM story full of support and scientific inquiry." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Lee offers a compelling portrait of design thinking. . . Chau's watercolor and digital illustrations showcase both the efforts and the emotions of the would-be engineers." -- Publishers Weekly
Yellowhammer Book Award Honor 2024 - Alabama School Library Association
