Laika: Astronaut Dog

Okay, sure - the story isn't historically accurate, but I don't care one bit. This is a beautifully illustrated children's book with a cute story that is well-written. The minimalistic illustration style combined with the cute characters makes this book extremely attractive from a design point of view. I really do like the way it was put together, and the style is perfect for the subject matter. And for those who absolutely must know the true history, there is are much more exhaustive books written for adults that tell a much more detailed picture. For my money though, a little dust jacket note at the end that explains what likely happened when this Muscovite mutt's craft began re-entry is more than enough. Beautifully designed and printed, this is a great collection for a childrens book library, or just your coffee table if you're into this kind of stuff.

I read this to my eight-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl as part of a study of space history we are doing at home. It is written so as to be appropriate for children as young as three or four. Because of the compelling topic, however, my children were rapt with the story and did not complain that the book was better suited for a younger audience as they might have. Unfortunately there is a shortage of books about the subject of Laika for this age group--the books available are either in a comic book format or written for older children. This book tells the story of Laika with simple, short text and unique illustrations. The ending portrays Laika as finding a new, loving family rather than succumbing to heat and stress. This confused my children and because of the ambiguity of the illustrations they asked me if aliens had rescued Laika. To clear things up for them I read them the author's note at the end of the book.

I appreciate the light-hearted version of Laika’s life. The story is inaccurate (thank goodness). She does pass away, but, the whimsical ending softens the heartbreak. The art and color theme is vintage pop-esque. Great binding and good quality. Our copy had some ink bleeding on two pages, but we are sending it back and re-ordering another because we want our nephew to have this book. This is safe for those little hearts who enjoy space stories. My family recommends it.

Nice illustrations, but c'mon. Do you really have to add that someone rescued Laika from the ship and she found a family? This final take is a slap in the face for what really happened to the poor dog who died from apparent temperatures in space - the ship malfunctioned, overheating. This children's version puts a creepy, dishonest ending to a story that was "not so good for the dog!" Even if readers realize the "happy home" for Laika is wishful thinking, it is disrespectful to add this since the dog gave up her life (not by choice) to be the first living "guinea pig" in space. It has the risk of glossing over a real situation where we sent non-human animals into space and many of them died. You may or may not agree with doing this to these animals, but don't share a story that tends to glorify Laika's life and her non-volunteer mission. I'll use this to share with my students with heavy emphasis on sarcasm.

Luv the art style, and it's a simple tale with a happy "Laika lives" ending that kids will luv. Of course, the real truth is far sadder ... but this is a sweet story and lovely to the eye and heart. Buy the book, give a donation to a charity to help all the real life doggies like poor Laika really out there needing our care and help.

Sweet alternative ending of the true story of Laika. My 5 year old knows Laila's fate in the true story from reading about space exploration. It seemed to bother him so I decided to search for a good children's book about Laika which might explain the story in softer terms. This book has an alternative happy ending which filled my boy's mind with a creative and positive story associated with Laika.

Lovely book, if only because the story of 'Laika the Space Dog' has always been dear to my heart. The world owes a strong debt to this poor little pioneering pooch whose life was sacrificed (rather needlessly) to establish the USSR as having launched the first successful bio-satellite into earth orbit. I have a number of books on 'Laika', but each is as precious as the next. This is a graphic illustration type book, quite basic and colorful in a manner that would appeal visually to children.

I love this version of Laika with a happy ending. A wonderful way of introducing the young ones to a part of space age history. Also loved the russian style of illustrations that went with the story. Delivered on time.

Superbly illustrated.

A bittersweet look on the story of Laika, the first dog in space. A beautiful book, greatly written and incredibly illustrated. Slava!

Libro illustrato sulla storia di Laika, molto carino e ben fatto.

La historia es bonita. El libro es muy grande para el contenido que tiene. Para niños de 6 añis

Lovely picture book telling the story of the first astronaut - a dog, named Laika. The book is illustrated in classic pseudo-Soviet style. Very moving particularly the re-imagined ending. I am a space nut and really enjoyed this as an adult and in also sharing it with children in infant schools (R and KS1 classes).