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  • Astro by Manuel Marsol book cover
  • Astro by Manuel Marsol book cover
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Astro

by Manuel Marsol Publisher: TRANSIT CHILDRENS ED

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A friendship across an unfamiliar world

$19.95 USD
$33.25 USD $19.95 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Editorial selection

    2025 ALA Notable Book

    Named a 2025 ALA Notable Book.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A friendship across an unfamiliar world

Astro’s arrival on a distant planet brings him into contact with its curious inhabitants and, eventually, a creature who becomes his companion. Their shared explorations of mountains, caves, and oceans give the story a wide-ranging setting, while the loss of that friend turns the journey toward grief, acceptance, and questions about life’s purpose. The description also highlights a layered visual approach combining collage, pencil and ink, and acrylic. Together, these elements frame an exploration of connection and absence within an otherworldly landscape.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 interested in stories about friendship and feelings.
  • Families and educators seeking a picture book that opens discussion about loss and acceptance.
  • Young readers drawn to imaginative planetary settings and mixed-media illustration.

Themes

FriendshipLoss and acceptanceLife’s purposeExplorationMixed-media illustration

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A 2025 ALA NOTABLE BOOK

A 2025 KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

A 2026 BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK

A 2026 USBBY OUSTANDING INTERNATIONAL BOOK

A 2025 FOREWORD INDIES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR FINALIST

An astronaut grapples with the absence of his otherworldly friend in this poignant tale of loss and acceptance from an award-winning Spanish illustrator.


When Astro arrives on a faraway planet, everyone wants to meet him. Who's this strange person, and why is he here? But one kind creature in particular is especially drawn to him.


Together, they form an unlikely bond and navigate the world's curious terrains--mountains, caves, oceans. When the creature is taken from him, Astro must confront the difficult questions that underlie our existence: Why are we here? What is our life for?


Using a mix of collage, pencil and ink, and thickly layered acrylic, award-winning Manuel Marsol's illustrations teem with the vastness and wonder of life near and far.

"I guarantee that nothing else for sale in America right now quite looks or feels like this book."--Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

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In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

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Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.