Like some picture books, the story for BEYOND begins on the end papers, with a child and adult gazing up at the stars. But long before we ever reach a title page, we hurtle planet by planet through our solar system
starting with the sun.
We know much
about the mountains and oceans of Earth,
spinning with us
around the flaring sun.
We know something
of the space in between,
where swift Mercury and sizzling Venus track our sky.
When we reach the edge of our solar system, the title page finally announces that we’re now heading BEYOND, into the outer reaches of space. Through the Kuiper belt, an Oort Cloud, places where there are two setting suns, dying nebula, birthing nebula, the center of the Milky Way, and BEYOND.
Lyrical text sets the stage within our solar system and then describes these vast reaches where humanity is just now learning so much more. Do we know exactly what we’re looking at?
No. But the narrative and info bubbles give us clues.
And we can imagine. This is exactly what the reader is invited to do.
The ending uplifts and inspires, for it’s no longer talking solely about the cosmos, but about our growing body of knowledge, our expanding horizons, and the possibilities of our own lives.
Stretching the limits
of what we can detect
(but not what we can imagine),
a colossal, expanding horizon guards the great beyond.
The vastness whispers,
“You are small…
but the adventures that await you
are infinite.”
(the bubble: The observable universe, 93 billion light-years in diameter)
Each page includes side bubbles that provide information, including how far we are now from earth, while the poetic text delivers observations and questions about what we do and do not know. What we can only theorize. After all, this is what scientists do, base their theories on what is known and update those theories when they learn more.
Six pages of back matter delve more deeply into known, juicy facts and more detailed questions surrounding each part of space described in the narrative.
In addition to the usual methods of research, Miranda Paul attended Space Camp to get an eyeful from the experts. Clearly, she absorbed and synthesized a tremendous amount of ever-changing information. Long-time and newly-minted space nerds are going to love this book!
In her illustration note, Sija Hong describes her process for creating the abstract images of outer space, one that brought together facts and feeling, creating a sense of wonder and awe and possibility. A perfect match for the text.
Activities:
To help put space distances in perspective, watch this cool video shot in Black Rock desert in Nevada.
Explore NASA’s website.
Make origami stars.
Pair with The Boy Whose Head was Filled with Stars, a biography of Edwin Hubble, by Isabelle Marinov, What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett, or Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer by Laura Gehl.
Title: Beyond: Discoveries from the Outer Reaches of Space
Author: Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Sija Hong
Publisher: Millbrook Press, 2021
Ages: 1st-5th grade (especially the back matter)
Themes: Space, exploration, curiousity
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
This looks fascinating and inspiring! Thanks for sharing, Jilanne. I’ll check it out!
When I first picked it up, I was surprised by the artistic approach taken by the illustrator. So often in science, we want to “see” what something really looks like. But if we sit with that thought for a moment and realize that so much of space is—empty space—it makes it impossible to depict with illustrations. So this approach makes sense. The vastness of it all keeps blowing my mind whenever I think about it.
This is very different for Miranda Paul. The text is so beautiful and inspires wonder! Breathtaking illustrations! Loved the video you shared in Black Rock. Thanks for sharing this new gem with us, Jilanne!
Thanks, Patricia! Space is a fascinating topic (and so vast it’s a little scary), so I think this approach really hits the mark. Enjoy!
Jilanne, this book looks gorgeous. I love the combination of poetic language and scientific facts.
It truly is an inspired amalgam of subject-language-image. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, I got goosebumps reading the opening. What a wonderful journey Miranda is taking us on. Great video.
Another great one for your library, Joanna! The vastness of space nearly overwhelms me at times.
Wow, Poetic language and Science together…an interesting idea! I knew there was “outer space” but didn’t give it much thought until your review Jilanne, which was very well broken down. It made me want to know more and find this book. Our library loves Space books. Congrats Miranda Paul, Sija Hong, Millbrook Press & all involved.💫🔭🪐🌎🌞
I’ve always been a fan of lyricism and science, and in this case, I think it works well! It’s astounding and humbling to realize our place in the cosmos. I think you’ll enjoy the book!
Tantalizing review, Jilanne. And I love your activities. This really will be a hit with many kids I know (both young & young-at heart). Thanks.
Thanks, Maria! To infinity and beyond! 😂
Thanks, Jilanne. This sounds like a beautiful book. I love inspiring children of all ages to be curious. What a gift to allow room to explore and consider. You know how much I love STEM books.
I hope you like it!
I’ve loved Miranda’s other books, and this one looks out of this world (pardon the pun)! Will definitely be on the lookout for it!
Ha! Good one. I think you’ll enjoy it!