After Felix Baumgartner has a snooze, a bite to eat, and some mingling with family and friends he will, no doubt, want to think about what he can do to top his 24 mile fall to Earth. Well, I’ve got a suggestion — how about biking to the Moon? Mordicai Gerstein‘s How to Bicycle to the Moon to Plant Sunflowers isn’t out till April, and I normally wouldn’t mention a book so far before its publication date, but I just read an ARC of this comic-like book for young readers and am unable to resist pointing out the uncanny possibilities for Mr. Baumgartner. I mean:
- Both feats involve the number 24. That was the number of miles Mr. Baumgartner fell to earth and it also just happens to be the number of steps Mr. Gerstein provides for getting to the moon by bike.
- Both require space suits. Mr. Gerstein gives potential moon cyclists a sample letter requesting one of NASA, but Mr. Baumgartner already has his.
- Both require agreeable family members. I’m guessing Mr. Baumgartner’s are good with anything he does, but if not Mr. Gerstein offers some tips to get parents on board.
- Both adventures are faster on the return trip. We saw that with Mr. Baumgartner breaking the sound barrier and Mr. Gerstein assures us that “… the RIDE BACK will seem A LOT FASTER. I don’t know why, it just ALWAYS does on any trip.”
I’m sure you’ve all see the video of Mr. Baumgartner’s fall. For a taste of Mr. Gerstein’s plan you will need to click on amazon’s Look Inside feature to see a few pages. And then be sure to keep an eye out for the finished book this coming April as it is a lot of fun indeed.
educating alice 