Title: When I’m an Astronaut

Author: Dr Sally Pillay

Genre:  Non-Fiction: Children

Year: 2022

The simple images in this unique picture book allow children to ponder over the wonders of space while building their self-belief.

Career gender stereotypes and self-efficacy start to form in early childhood. This book encourages children to Dream Big and Aim High.

Expand your child’s imagination with the companion Activity Book. Find the references for the grown-up astronaut hidden within the images.

Get your copy (paperback or ebook): When I’m an astronaut

My rating: *****

My review:

“When I’m an Astronaut” by Dr Samantha Pillay is the third in the Inspirational Careers for Kids series. It is an absolute delight to see such a straightforward and universally accessible book adding wonder and adventure back into STEM subjects. The illustrations by Harry Aveira are engaging and add another dimension to the story. The joyous book has something to offer all children, everywhere. I hope that every library, childcare centre, pre-school and primary school stocks at least one copy of each book. 

About the Author:

Samantha finished school at age 16 years and commenced studying medicine at The University of Adelaide. Driven to take on challenges, she became the first woman in South Australia to complete the adult Urological Surgical training program despite physical limitations from congenital hip dysplasia.

Whilst training in urology, Samantha saw a need for a greater focus on incontinence treatments for women and a need for specialised care. Her vision was to establish a sub-specialty practice bringing the best treatments available to the women of South Australia. She became the first urologist in South Australia to exclusively specialise in female and functional urology, establishing Continence Matters in 2002, subsequently building her single surgeon practice into a Centre of Excellence.

Dr Pillay has served on numerous National and State boards and committees, including;

Chair of the Female Urology Special Advisory Group for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand from 2007 to 2013. Samantha has devoted her career as a surgeon to treating incontinence, reducing the stigma, and educating doctors, health professionals and the community, creating the Online Continence Course for Health Professionals.

She is a professional speaker motivating lifestyle changes to prevent chronic diseases.

She is a single mother, surgeon, running a business and a household, who enjoys writing in her spare time.

Check out the author’s other books:

• The No Recipe Cookbook – a cookbook for people who don’t cook.

• The Inspirational Careers for Kids children’s picture book series with companion Activity Books:
  • When I’m a Surgeon
  • When I’m an Entrepreneur