Dogs in Space: The Amazing True Story of Belka and Strelka

Author(s): Iris Deppe (Illustrator); Victoria Southgate

Children's Non-Fiction

Meet Belka and Strelka, the two dogs who changed the face of space history and became international celebrities in the process!

In 1960, two stray dogs were plucked from the streets of Moscow to become space pioneers.

This quirky and delightful picture book tells the incredible true story of these heroic strays. Selected from a number of potential canine cosmonauts, Belka and Strelka are put through their paces on the ground, as they practice rocket simulations and wearing spacesuits, before being launched into outer space as the first ever living creatures to successfully orbit the Earth.

Miraculously, the dogs survive the mission and upon their return embark on a tour of the USSR, clad in their carefully tailored jumpsuits - one red, one green - becoming international celebrities in the process. As for their legacy, less than a year after their safe return the Soviet space programme felt confident enough to send the first human into space.


Product Information

Victoria Southgate (Author) Vix Southgate has a passion for the history of space exploration. She has worked with the British Council, researching and writing about Russian achievements in space exploration, and is the developer of CASSiE - a creative marketing initiative to help engage children with the history of space flight and exploration.Iris Deppe (Illustrator) Iris Deppe is an accomplished illustrator and graphic designer whose work has featured in books, magazines and newspapers as well as on album covers, music posters and t-shirts. She is the illustrator of Little Bell and the Moon, a beautiful picture book that introduces children to the most difficult of topics with warmth, positivity and humour. Iris's artwork reflects her passions and interests, including animals, the 60's and 70's and bright, primary colours.

General Fields

  • : 9781526360571
  • : Hachette Children's Group
  • : Wren & Rook
  • : May 2018
  • : March 2018
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Iris Deppe (Illustrator); Victoria Southgate
  • : Hardback
  • : Iris Deppe