DK, The European Space Agency Join Forces for Children’s Books

Rocket Licensing, which manages licensing for the European Space Agency (ESA), the organization dedicated to the peaceful exploration and use of space, has announced a major licensing agreement with DK, a global children’s non-fiction publisher, to create a range of ESA books for children and young people.  

The initial launches will include two books: “The Astronaut Diaries: Journals of Andi Futura Aged 11 ½” and a choose-your-own-adventure-style book called “Mission to Mars.” 

The books’ aim to help readers understand more about our planet and its neighbors, as well as how to live on board a space station, space exploration and to entertain. 

An engaging and informative fictional narrative underpinned by STEM content, “The Astronaut Diaries: Journals of Andi Futura Aged 11 1/2,” gives readers a glimpse into the ordinary and extraordinary everyday goings-on that are part of life on a space station. It is partly inspired by the real-life experience of Italian ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti who holds the record for the longest uninterrupted spaceflight by a European astronaut: 199 days and 16 hours. 

The book will be written by children’s author, Emma Roberts, in collaboration with ESA. Aimed at a core audience of children aged from 7 to 12 – but fun and informative for all ages – the book draws on ESA’s work and long history as the only organization in the world that deals with every aspect of space activity. 

The second book, “Mission to Mars,” is a choose-your-own-adventure-style book which will be illustrated by the artist duo Adamastor who have worked in digital illustration for brands, products and editorial projects and have created visuals for motion graphics, gathering national and international awards. For this project they have created a sense of adventure as well as otherworldliness to complement a narrative that describes a journey to the Red Planet for young readers. “Mission to Mars” will be written by Dr. Sheila Kanani, a planetary physicist, science presenter, secondary school physics teacher, “space comedian” and published author.  

The books are scheduled for publication this fall and spring 2025, in time for ESA's 50th birthday. They will be available at bookshops, major stores and online, supported by a comprehensive marketing program. Further titles are planned for 2025 and 2026. 

ESA’s range of licensed products so far includes apparel, model launchers, limited edition prints and books. More partner announcements are due soon.  

 “We are delighted to work with DK for this project,” says Emmet Fletcher, head, branding and partnerships office, European Space Agency. “We are always happy to collaborate with partners, such as DK, who share our goals. In this case it is our ongoing mission to inspire young people to explore space and space science.” 

“It’s not often a series of children’s books comes along that combines a delightful and entertaining narrative with a scientifically accurate and detailed look at the ups and downs of living and travelling in space,” says Katy Flint, senior acquisitions editor, DK Publishing. “These two books do just that! Working with ESA, Emma Roberts and Dr. Sheila Kanani on these highly original and beautifully researched and written books has been a real privilege.” 

 “This exciting new partnership with DK highlights ESA’s huge appeal and shows the depth of exclusive content and expertise that ESA can bring to bear to create successful licensed ranges,” says Charlie Donaldson, joint managing director, Rocket Licensing.