Astronaut Mark Kelly Lands Picture Book Deal

By Maryann Yin 

Astronaut Mark Kelly has inked a deal with with Paula Wiseman Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, for a picture book called Mousetronaut. Publication is set for October 9th.

Artist C. F. Payne will illustrate the book. Publisher Paula Wiseman will edit the book. Executive vice president Jon Anderson negotiated the deal with Williams & Connolly LLP attorney Robert B. Barnett.

Here’s more from the release: “Mousetronaut tells the story of a small mouse that wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. The little mouse works as hard as the bigger mice to show readiness for the mission . . . and is chosen for the flight! While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when only the smallest member of the crew can save the day.”

Kelly (pictured, via) had previously co-written a memoirGabby, with his wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and the late journalist Jeffrey Zaslow.