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  • Published: 10 January 2023
  • ISBN: 9781761049491
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $14.99

Blast Off!



Are you ready to explore? 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . .

Are you ready to explore? 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . .

Rocket through the solar system in this funny, fact-filled whirl around the planets. Join two junior astronauts as they discover what makes each planet unique and what might happen if you were to get too close. 'You couldn't land on Mercury - the heat would burn your bum!'

Written in rollicking verse and beautifully illustrated, Blast Off! is an enticing mix of narrative and information. The story is perfectly pitched for preschool and early primary school children who are brimming with curiosity about the world around them, while bonus fact pages add a little extra depth for children (and adults) who want to know more.

  • Published: 10 January 2023
  • ISBN: 9781761049491
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $14.99

About the authors

Shelly Unwin

Shelly Unwin is an exciting new children’s author. She grew up in England’s Peak District and studied teaching and biology at university in Birmingham. Shelly now lives in Sydney with her husband and children. Shelly’s first children’s book series was published in 2017 and Blast Off! is her first book with Penguin Random House Australia.

Ben Wood

Ben Wood has been illustrating children’s books and products for over a decade. He has worked with many Australian publishers and authors, and loves the challenge of interpreting an author’s words into images. Growing up in country Victoria has influenced Ben in his work, as animals and nature are some of his favourite things to draw. When he isn’t in his home studio, Ben visits schools to teach students about illustrating stories.

Praise for Blast Off!

I love everything about this picture book . . . the rhyme is perfection and the illustrations are superb. Blast Off! is a wild adventure through space every kid is going to adore.

Shaye Wardrop, Kids' Book Review

A fast-paced, rollicking journey through the solar system that will inspire curiosity about outer space and the planets within it.

Nicole Smith-Forrest, Read Plus

Combining clever, engaging text-in-rhyme with illustrations that add so much more to the adventure . . . a fun way to take a journey out of this world.

Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf

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Blast Off! activity pack

These solar system activities are simply out of this world! Have fun colouring and exploring the planets with Blast Off!

Teachers' notes