Sun and Moon (1970), The Planets (1969), The Stars (1969)

These are the starting books in the 6 book "First Interest in Space series."

While light on manned spacecraft content there are a number of nice space related illustrations.

Edelman, Jeffrey. Illustrated by Evans, Christopher. Sun and Moon. London: Ginn & Company, Ltd. (16 p.) 22 cm. Softcover. Color drawings. Basic school series. “First Interest in Space #1 series.” 1970

Edelman, Jeffrey. Illustrated by Evans, Christopher. The Planets. London: Ginn & Company, Ltd. (16 p.) 22 cm. Softcover. Color drawings. Basic school series. “First Interest in Space #2.” 1969

Edelman, Jeffrey. Illustrated by Evans, Christopher. The Stars. London: Ginn & Company, Ltd. (16 p.) 22 cm. Softcover. Color drawings. Basic school series. “First Interest in Space #3.” 1969

 I like this illustration of the many kinds of suns.

Illustrations of an alien planet in another solar system. Kind of mind-blowing for a kid in elementary school.

Sky Masters (Oct 27, 1958)

So just a small one today but iconic of the late 1950s: Sky Masters of the Space Force by Jack Kirby and inked by Wally Wood.

This popular comic strip was very successful as an image of America's future in space. It was about Sky Masters of the Space Force, one of the first U.S. astronauts and his adventures.

This strip is from the first adventure of Sky Masters called "First Man in Space" where he discovers the danger of "space raptures" I love the Von Braun space shuttles cruising in orbit.

Rockets and Missiles (1962)

Parker, Bertha Morris. Illustrated by Teason, James. Satellites and Space Travel.  New York: Row, Peterson, and Co. / London : Wheaton. (36 p.) 22 cm. Cloth, DJ.

Text focuses on the basic facts of space flight known up to the time.  Discusses the basic components needed for space flight and projected future space craft and landings on the Moon and space stations.  Also found in softcover. 

 The book lives up to it's title, it is about missiles and rocket. How they work, what were some of the current ones, and just a little about how people were beginning to travel in them.

 I like the color painted illustrations

😇 Back in the 1960s it was necessary to destroy the moon since it was getting in our way 😲

Rockets and Satellites Work Like This (1964 2nd revised ed.)

Taylor, John W.R. Illustrated by Wood, John W. Rockets and Satellites Work Like This (2nd revised edition). London : Phoenix House / New York: Roy Publishers. (71 p.) 26 cm. Cloth, DJ. 1964
"Science Works Like This" series. See 1959 1st edition. 

This book tries to cover a wide range of topics from space history, to rocket theory, modern missiles, and human exploration of space. It uses strong black and white illustrations to share its ideas.

 Some of the current missiles in action

 A few "futuristic" illustration of how Moon exploration was expected to play out.

 The illustration were not updated much from the 1959 edition but I enjoy some of the possible space ships of the future.

 Finally I enjoy these strong final words to the readers of this book: