Just announced by American publisher SmartPop are two Star Trek board books, due for release in September, clearly designed to cunningly convert young readers into fans of the long-running SF franchise created by Gene Roddenberry!
Star Trek: My First Book of Space, written by Erin Macdonald, PhD, and Star Trek: My First Book of Colors (yes, I know that’s an American spelling), written by Robb Pearlman, both books illustrated by Jason Kayser, are both available to pre-order now.
Thanks to its innovative storytelling, breathtaking special effects, and engaging characters, Star Trek has, for over 55 years, captivated the imaginations of generations of fans. But far more than a simple entertainment, Star Trek has long been cited as the inspiration for countless scientists, engineers, writers, artists, and, of course, astronauts, to enter and succeed in their chosen fields of study.
Now, for the first time, in Star Trek: My First Book of Space, written by Erin Macdonald, PhD, an astrophysicist and Star Trek science consultant, the youngest Trekkie can explore strange new worlds and see the universe through a Starfleet Academy telescope.
Illustrations of some of Star Trek’s most iconic space-faring vessels, including the U.S.S. Enterprise, U.S.S. Voyager, space station Deep Space Nine, a Klingon Bird of Prey, and the Kataan probe, are paired with real photographs of a nebula, the planets, Pluto, the Sun, and even a nebula.
Star Trek: My First Book of Colors, written by Robb Pearlman, lets young readers explore strange new worlds and see the universe through the eyes of a Starfleet cadet.
Enjoy illustrations of a SHINY SILVER space station, a GORN GREEN captain wearing a GOLD lame tunic and BROWN gauntlets, and of course Starfleet officers wearing BLUE, YELLOW, and RED shirts!
Author Robb Pearlman is a pop culturalist, a frequent guest and speaker at Star Trek and pop culture conventions, and New York Times bestselling author of over 50 books for adults and children, including ten Star Trek books.
Both books offer readers and fans of all ages an age-appropriate, entertaining, and energising first contact with a comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education. And because these pop culture primers are filled with more visual Easter Eggs and jokes than there are stars, the publisher says they make the perfect gift for the adult collector, too!
The illustrations for both books are by Jason Kayser, a designer and illustrator specialising in book design who is available for freelance work. He has over ten years of experience in book publishing and has designed over one hundred books, across a range of categories including pop culture, humour, arts and entertainment, cookbooks, children’s books, and brand licensed titles.
These include Body by Starfleet, published by Running Press Book Publishers, a Star Trek fitness guide, written by Robb Pearlman, featuring some fan favourite characters he both designed and illustrated.
Star Trek: My First Book of Space (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
Author: Erin Macdonald, PhD
Illustrator: Jason Kayser
Publication Date: 6th September 2022
Publisher: Smart Pop, an imprint of BenBella Books, Inc.
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 22
ISBN: 9781637741665
Star Trek: My First Book of Colors (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
Author: Robb Pearlman
Illustrator: Jason Kayser
Publication Date: 6th September 2022
Publisher: Smart Pop, an imprint of BenBella Books, Inc.
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 22
ISBN: 9781637741641
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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