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Monday, August 14, 2017

To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space. Written by Dr. Dave Willilams and Loredana Cunti, with illustrations by Theo Krynauw. Annick Press, 2016. $14.95 ages 8 and up

" ... astronauts exercise up to two hours a day in space. But the space station isn't a typical gym. Harnesses are needed to keep us on the exercise equipment, and here, no one wants to see you sweat. In fact, keeping sweat away from your body - and from everything else - means wearing dedicated exercise shirts and shorts that absorb sweat."

Did you dream of being an astronaut, or do you know someone who does? Kids are sure to find this book fascinating because it has to do with everything astronaut. There are many things we don't know, unless we have been there.

So, the authors have decided to fill us in, by answering questions we might not realize we want to ask, especially for budding astronauts. They are not afraid to speak frankly about toileting aboard a spaceship, or while wearing a suit designed to protect those who travel into space.

"A space walk  can last between six and eight hours. That's a long time to wait for a bathroom break. So, when it's time to lift off, do a space walk, or reenter Earth's atmosphere, it's back to basics. Time to bust out the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG) - better known to Earthlings as a diaper."
In ensuing chapters, the authors describe how those travelling in space manage to stay clean and neat, take care of their hair, handle the art of brushing their teeth, even blowing their noses. They describe the space suit, eating aboard the spaceship, and how food tastes in space.

"The taste of food in space is different from the taste of food on the ground. It's not that food tastes bad, it's just that it tastes ... less. For some astronauts, the bland blahs improve as the mission goes on, but for others, the sensation lasts for the entire mission."

The cartoon art and clear photographs will be a welcome addition for those interested in a future in space. I think you will find there is a lot you did not know prior to reading this informative book.

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