Meet Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky. When the United States was scrambling to catch up to the Soviets after their successful launch of Sputnik, they didn’t turn to Mercury Seven astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn. Rather, they began bringing chimpanzees to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico for a top-secret program. The goal? To do everything America needed to make space travel safe for humans and beat the Soviets. Based on extensive research and interviews with living members of the team of veterinarians, handlers, and psychologists who worked with the animals, The Astrochimps offers a fresh perspective on animal intelligence and the rise of the space age. Detailed back matter provides resources, space mission stats, and calls to action for young readers to honor the astrochimps’ legacy and advocate for the humane treatment of chimpanzees today.Vividly depicted at work, at play, in and out of spacecrafts, these chimps played an under-appreciated part in helping the United States win the Space Race.
Dawn Cusick Book order
Dawn Cusick leverages a unique blend of writing and artistic talent, honed over nearly two decades as an in-house author and editor for a craft publisher. Her deep fascination with science and nature now drives her to create engaging children's science books. Beyond her writing, she shares her passion for the natural world by teaching biology at a community college in western North Carolina.






- 2024
- 2017
Animal Tongues
- 36 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Exploring the fascinating diversity of tongues, this book delves into their various shapes, sizes, and textures. It highlights the unique adaptations and functions of tongues across different species, showcasing their roles in feeding, communication, and more. Richly illustrated and informative, it invites readers to appreciate the complexity and beauty of this often-overlooked aspect of anatomy.
- 2017
Get the Scoop on Animal Blood
- 80 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Featuring more than 250 animal facts along with more than 200 color photos, this installment of the award-winning Get the Scoop series, delves deep into the world of animal blood.
- 2016
Animals That Make Me Say Look Out!
- 80 pages
- 3 hours of reading
The narrative features an engaging and lively storyline that captivates readers with its vibrant characters and dynamic situations. It invites audiences to experience thrilling moments filled with excitement and surprise. The emphasis on adventure and the unexpected keeps the reader on their toes, making it an exhilarating read for those who enjoy fast-paced tales.
- 2016
Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! (National Wildlife Federation)
- 80 pages
- 3 hours of reading
That’s so gross! Presented in partnership with Ranger Rick and the National Wildlife Federation, prepare to be grossed out by an engaging and unique look at some of the more disgusting survival techniques from the animal kingdom. From blood-squirting reptiles to blood-sweating mammals to nose-picking primates, learn about some of the ickiest creatures in the animal kingdom and the amazing purposes served by their grotty behaviors. From cleanup to dinnertime to self-defense, each off-putting act is actually an aid to survival! Author Dawn Cusick and the National Wildlife Federation have compiled a volume as attractive as its subject is nasty.
- 2016
Get the Scoop on Animal Snot, Spit & Slime!
- 80 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Snot, spit, and slime may sound gross, but there's a lot of science in these icky fluids. Mucus and saliva help animals eat, breathe, build, communicate, and defend themselves from predators and their environments. From spitting cobras and snot otters to slime stars and snotties, explore the world of animal snot, spit, and slime--Back cover.
- 2014
Prepare for a fascinating exploration of the animal kingdom that delves into the bizarre and often gross aspects of animal behavior. This book challenges budding scientists to embrace the weirdness of nature, uncovering the strange habits and survival tactics of various species. With engaging anecdotes and intriguing facts, it encourages a deeper understanding of the natural world while highlighting the importance of observation and curiosity in scientific discovery.
- 2014
Animals That Make Me Say Wow! (National Wildlife Federation)
- 80 pages
- 3 hours of reading
For more than forty-five years, the National Wildlife Federation has been dazzling families with amazing images and stories. Get ready for some supersonic fun that will make you say WOW! Discover jet propulsion in squid and dragonflies, camouflage in cuttlefish and katydids, photosynthesis in salamanders and sea slugs, vocal sacs in frogs, balance in giraffes and spider monkeys, and antenna fencing in crickets. Want more? How about spiders that use air bubbles like gills, skunks that eat bees, sea slugs that steal stinging cells from jellyfish, bower birds that build sparkling nests, and jawfish that brood eggs in their mouths! This book celebrates amazing animal surprises from all over the world with one-of-a-kind photographs from the NWF archives.
- 2014
Animals That Make Me Say Ouch! (National Wildlife Federation)
- 80 pages
- 3 hours of reading
For more than forty-five years, the National Wildlife Federation has been dazzling families with amazing images and stories. Get ready for some supersonic fun that will make you say OUCH! Discover talon strength in birds of prey, sharp claws in lions and pumas, chewing mouthparts in insects, venom in snakes, and toxins in frogs. More? You want more? How about skunks that eat bees, stinging cells in jellyfish, meerkats that eat scorpions, caterpillars with spines, badgers and bears that bite, and zebras that kick! This book celebrates amazing animal surprises from all over the world with one-of-a-kind photographs from the NWF archives.
- 2013
Get the Scoop on Animal Poop: From Lions to Tapeworms: 251 Cool Facts about Scat, Frass, Dung, and More!
- 80 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Exploring the humorous and often bizarre aspects of animal behavior, this book delves into the world of odors and the creatures that produce them. It presents a collection of amusing and surprising facts about the smelliest animals, showcasing their unique adaptations and the roles these scents play in their survival and interactions. Ideal for readers who enjoy a mix of science and humor, it promises to entertain while educating about the fascinating and often overlooked side of the animal kingdom.