# Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story - Hardcover

by **Mark Kelly** (Author), **C. F. Payne** (Illustrator)

**A #1 _New York Times_ bestseller**

**"This little mouse may well inspire some big dreams." --_Kirkus Reviews_**

**"In this picture book based on the space shuttle _Endeavor_...Meteor is one of the smallest mice, but the most hardworking...the values of being small, useful, solving problems, and working hard--as opposed to being big and strong--will inspire young readers." --_School Library Journal_**

**"Inspired by this real-life mouse, Kelly's first children's book tells the story of Meteor, a lightly anthropomorphized rodent who turns his tininess into an advantage when an important key gets stuck in a crack between two monitors...textured images and vivid portraits that make it absolutely clear that space travel is a larger-than-life adventure." --_Publishers Weekly_**

**A heartwarming picture book tale of the power of the small, from bestselling author and retired NASA astronaut Commander Mark Kelly.**

Astronaut Mark Kelly flew with "mice-tronauts" on his first spaceflight aboard space shuttle _Endeavour_ in 2001. _Mousetronaut_ tells the story of a small mouse that wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. The little mouse works as hard as the bigger mice to show readiness for the mission . . . and is chosen for the flight While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when disaster strikes--and only the smallest member of the crew can save the day. With lively illustrations by award-winning artist C. F. Payne, _Mousetronaut_ is a charming tale of perseverance, courage, and the importance of the small

### Author Biography

Mark Kelly has served as the junior US Senator from Arizona since 2020. He was a captain in the United States Navy when he commanded the final mission of space shuttle Endeavour in May 2011. A veteran of four space flights to the International Space Station, he is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and holds a master's degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

C. F. Payne has illustrated more than a dozen picture books, including the _New York Times_ bestselling _Mousetronaut_ by astronaut Mark Kelly; the Texas Bluebonnet winner _Shoeless Joe & Black Betsy_, written by Phil Bildner; and the _New York Times_ bestsellers _The Remarkable Farkle McBride_ and _Micawber_, both by John Lithgow. He teaches at the Columbus College of Art & Design, where he is the chair of the Illustration Department. Payne lives with his wife and children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Visit him online at CFPayne.com.

**Number of Pages:** 40

**Dimensions:** 0.5 x 10 x 10.2 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** October 09, 2012

**Award:** Black-Eyed Susan Award (2014)

**Award:** Young Hoosier Book Award (2015)

**Award:** Golden Sower Award (2015)

**Accelerated Reader:**

**Quiz Name:** Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story

**Interest Level:** Lower Grades, K-3

**Reading Level:** 5.9

**Point Value:** 0.5

## Details

- **Price:** 19.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 19.99 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story - Hardcover

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> Updated: 2026-07-21