Dogs in Space: The Amazing True Story of Belka & Strelka

Gr 2–4–This volume chronicles the tale of two dogs, Belka and Strelka, who were sent into space by the Soviet Union. The simple, colorful illustrations complement the text and show how the dogs were trained to stay calm and how they were fitted into their canine spacesuits. Launched into space on August 19, 1960, the animals successfully orbited the earth and returned safely. The artwork depicts smiling canines. Following their space adventure, the dogs lived healthy, happy lives—Strelka even gave birth to six puppies. Once stray dogs, wandering the streets of Moscow, they became heroes around the world and paved the way for the first man to go into space. The volume concludes with a brief synopsis of other animals that traveled into space, including a French cat, and an overview of space journeys, beginning with Belka and Strelka's adventure to the International Space Station and ending with a possible upcoming trip to Mars.