iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 05/03/2026

True story: the first liquid-fueled rocket was launched 100 years ago on March 16, 1926. 😲 The Nat'l Air + Space Museum is celebrating 100 years of rocket science with a Soar Together Family Day, and @scottymagoon.bsky.social + I will be there to share ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS! Join us!

Event announcement for a Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams story time event with author Chiara Colombi and illustrator Scott Magoon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, on Saturday, March 14 from 10a to 2p.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 27/02/2025

Dear friend and fellow space author @rienealwriter.bsky.social joined me to help launch Rocket’s second mission, ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, by Scott Magoon and me with Linden’s community of readers. Thank you, Linden Tree, Rie, and all who joined us!

Authors Chiara Colombi and Rie Neal, both white women, sit on the window sill in front of Linden Tree, smiling at each other over the picture book Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams. Bookshelves of local authors are behind them, and in the foreground is a table with lunar activity sheets on top of a galaxy-themed tablecloth.

Authors Chiara Colombi and Rie Neal hold up each other’s space-themed children’s books inside Linden Tree Books. They are smiling at the camera. Rie holds the 2 Rocket Ship picture books, and Chiara holds 3 of Rie’s Astrid the Astronaut chapter book series.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 27/02/2025

Rocket's launch event at @lindentree.bsky.social this weekend was a veritable planet parade of special crewmates, between the young space enthusiasts gathered for story time, Linden Tree’s stellar staff, and the conjunction of two #kidlit #space authors beaming in the glow of each other’s books!

A photo from the launch event for Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams at Linden Tree Books. The event is taking place on the sidewalk in front of the bookstore, where there is outdoor furniture and a big window opening onto the store. The author, a while woman with long brown hair, holds up the book to an audience of young kids and grownups. Along the top of the photo is a banner of stars and moons, and the words “Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams” with a heart-shaped graphic linking the book’s title to the store’s name on the front of the store.

Sitting in Linden Tree’s window, author Chiara Colombi reads from and holds up a spread from ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, showing the rocket’s flight trajectory to the Moon.

Another photo from the reading, with the audience in the foreground. The author is imitating the nervous face of the Lunar Lander in the story.

Author Chiara Colombi presents the lunar phases to the audience outside of Linden Tree Books.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 13/02/2025

2 more Bay Area lunar launch events this weekend! Join me at Banter Bookshop on Sat + Linden Tree Books on Sun to touch down on the Moon with ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by Scott Magoon + me! We’ll read Rocket’s 2nd mission, then explore the phases of the Moon. Mission patch stickers for all!

A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background, with the event details for author story times at Banter Bookshop and Linden Tree Books, two picture book covers, and an author photo overlayed on the surface of the Moon. Along the top of the Moon are the words “Rocket Ship Events”, and along the bottom are the words “Reading + signing, + free mission patch stickers”. The event details are shared in the thread.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 07/02/2025

I hope to see you and your fellow space-explorers there! #kidlit #stembooks #authorsigning #storytime

A photo of my hand holding a small model moon, which is a sphere painted half black and half white. In the background, there is a felt board with felt moons showing the different moon phases arching over a felt rocket ship.

A photo of a felt waning gibbous moon on a black felt background. Resting on and around the moon are stickers for the picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS. There are 2 Lunar Lander stickers, one Rocket Ship sticker, and a mission patch sticker.

A graphic featuring the cover of picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, hovering above the illustrated surface of the Moon and a starry background. Around the book cover are the words “ORDER VIA LINK IN BIO” and “ON SALE NOW”. Alongside the book cover is the book cover of the series’s first book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 07/02/2025

Join me at @hicklebees.bsky.social in San Jose tomorrow Feb. 8 at 11am as we launch ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by me + Scott Magoon! I can’t wait to connect with Hicklebee’s community of readers. We’ll read Rocket’s 2nd mission + explore the phases of the Moon with models galore. Stickers for all!

A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background, with the event details for an author story time at Hicklebee’s bookstore, two picture book covers, and an author photo overlayed on the surface of the Moon. Along the top of the Moon are the words “Rocket Ship Events”, and along the bottom are the words “Reading + signing, + free mission patch stickers”. The event details are shared in the image caption.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 04/02/2025

We are go for translunar orbit! ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by me + Scott Magoon has landed on shelves! A lunar mission, yes, but what is this book really about? It's about how we respond when things don’t go our way. When our dreams don’t come true. Or when things take a turn for the unexpected... 🧵

A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background. Overlayed on the Moon is: the cover of the picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS; a lunar lander with a cloud of dust rising around him; and the words “LANDED!” and “On sale now”. In the upper right corner, against the starry sky is a rocket ship, gazing down at the Moon.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 03/02/2025

We are T-minus 1 day to ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS’s release. Mission patch and Lunar Lander stickers have arrived at my door, and I spent the weekend making felt versions of the Moon’s phases for an activity I’ve got planned for my upcoming bookstore events. We are so ready for launch!

A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background, with a schedule of bookstore events, two picture book covers, and an author photo overlayed on the surface of the Moon. Along the top of the Moon are the words “Rocket Ship Events”, and along the bottom are the words “Reading + signing, + free mission patch stickers”. Full event schedule is viewable on my website: www.chiaracolombi.com

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 03/02/2025

Kicking off launch week with some wonderful news: ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS is an Amazon Editors’ Pick, among the Best Books of the Month for February! 🤩 Thank you, Amazon editors, for giving Scott Magoon’s and my book an extra booster as we gear up for launch!

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 28/01/2025

ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by me + Scott Magoon releases in just 1 week!! I’m so excited for you to meet (the most adorable) Lunar Lander (that has ever existed) (with many thanks to Scott!). Pre-order details for signed books with exclusive stickers in the thread!

An illustration of a waxing gibbous moon against a starry background. On the light side of the moon is a large number 1 and illustrations of a lunar lander descending toward the lunar surface. On the dark side of the moon is the rocket ship that deployed the lander.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 26/01/2025

Book bans are not a hoax. All kids deserve to see themselves in stories. Here are just a few of the many books I’m grateful to have on the shelves at home and at my local indie Banter Bookshop. #readfreely #diversebooksopenminds

A photo of me, a white woman with long brown hair, smiling and sitting in the kids section of my local bookstore, holding up three picture books.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 22/01/2025

I’m so grateful to the organizers of @kidlitforla.bsky.social for helping the children’s publishing industry unite in raising funds to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. My donation is one among 380 items in the auction which runs through Sunday, January 26th (until 9pm PST)!

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 21/01/2025

What's your favorite moon phase? While I do love a waxing crescent, there's something mesmerizing about the crisp precision of a quarter moon. Today’s third quarter moon rose just past midnight...and ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by me and Scott Magoon rises in just 2 weeks!!

An illustration of a quarter moon against a starry background. On the dark side of the moon is a large number 2 and illustrations of a rocket ship deploying a lunar lander.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 15/01/2025

With ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS’s countdown officially underway, I’m excited to announce my February launch events: Rocket Ship + Lunar Lander are heading to the Moon at 3 iconic Bay Area bookstores! I would be so happy to see you + your fellow space enthusiasts at any of these events. #kidlit 🚀🌔

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 15/01/2025

Anyone else gaze up at last night’s full moon and wish they could get just a little bit closer? I couldn’t imagine a better wish to kick off the countdown to Rocket’s next mission. 🌝 ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, by me + Scott Magoon, lands in bookstores + libraries in just 3 weeks on 2/4/25!! #kidlit

An illustration of a waxing crescent moon against a starry background. On the dark side of the moon is a large number 3 and illustrations of a rocket ship transporting a lunar lander.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 08/01/2025

Of all the magic I’ve experienced since Rocket launched into the world, nothing brings happy tears to my eyes quite like this: I am honored + humbled + so grateful to share that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has chosen Rocket Ship, Solo Trip by me + Scott Magoon as one of their 2025 books!!! ☺️

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 24/12/2024

3...2...1... Happy Holidays! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season bright with twinkling lights and twinkling stars! Huge shout-out to illustrator Scott Magoon for creating this adorable illustration of our Rocket Ship! #snowflakeexhaustFTW #nobutseriouslythough #ecofriendly+epicsnowballfights

A holiday-themed illustration of Rocket Ship, from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, blasting off alongside a pine tree decorated with planets, moons, and stars. Rocket's exhaust is made of snowballs and snowflakes. The image includes "3... 2... 1... Happy Holidays!"

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 16/12/2024

p.s. Did you know they’ve got a drone dressed up as an X-wing???! Be still, my Star-Wars heart. 🤩

Chiara photo bombs a drone dressed up like an X-wing.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 16/12/2024

Oh, and check out the artwork several kiddos created on-site! This is what it’s all about for me. Inspiring readers to explore space, express their creativity, and bring new ideas to life. #kidlit Thank you, Smithsonian and Udvar-Hazy, for having us! We hope to flyby your way again soon!

A paper airplane rocket ship and a drawing of a rocket ship, created by kids at the event.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 16/12/2024

We were joined by family, friends, and so many space explorers, and supported on our mission by the incredible Smithsonian staff and ASL interpreters. Heartfelt thanks to all who joined us and helped our Rocket blast off with big countdowns and even bigger grins.

Chiara and Scott signing copies of their book at the book signing table.

Chiara's homemade Lego build of Rocket Ship photo bombs the Discovery Space Shuttle.

Chiara's homemade Lego build of Rocket Ship photo bombs a Mars rover.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 16/12/2024

It was surreal and humbling to hear our voices echoing through an aircraft hangar that is home to so much history and so many works of engineering art. Every time I step into Udvar-Hazy, I am awed by the space (and spacecraft!). And now our Rocket Ship has launched amidst it all!

Kids approach Scott's drawing demo, while Chiara fields their questions.

Scott sits at the story time table with a copy of picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, while a young fan dressed up as a rocket ship approaches the table.

Co-creators Chiara Colombi and Scott Magoon hold up their book in front of their presentation at the Air and Space Museum.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 16/12/2024

The stars aligned at the Nat'l Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center this weekend—and by stars, I mean rocket ships + rocket ship enthusiasts! What an absolute joy to finally meet ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP’s rock(et)star co-creator, Scott Magoon, and to share our story in such a jaw-dropping setting.

The co-creators of picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, Chiara Colombi and Scott Magoon, share their story at the Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center.

Chiara reads from picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, which is projected onto a TV screen, while Scott holds up the book, with an audience of kids and adults in the foreground.

Scott presents a live drawing demo while Chiara holds a mic for him and children approach the TV screen to observe.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 29/11/2024

Rocket Ship, Solo Trip is blasting off at the Nat'l Air and Space Museum with a full crew on board! 🤩 For the first time ever, Scott Magoon + I will meet in person to launch Rocket together! We’ll be at the Chantilly, VA, museum as part of their “Big Explosions” Family Day on Sat, Dec 14th! #kidlit

Event announcement for a Rocket Ship, Solo Trip event with author Chiara Colombi and illustrator Scott Magoon at the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA, on Saturday, December 14 from 10a to 2p.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 23/11/2024

Dropped some sick beats at the studio... 😏 Jk, the first photo is totally staged. But the audiobook of ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, by me and Scott Magoon, is no joke!! I had the thrill—and challenge—of recording the narration last week. Rocket's audiobook is slated for release in January 2025! #kidlit

A photo of me, a white woman with long brown hair, pretending to sing like popstar Ariana Grande from the picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. In the photo, I am sitting in a recording booth.

A photo of me sitting in a recording booth, set up to record the audiobook narration of ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP. I have headphones on, there is a mic on a boom in front of me, and ROCKET SHIP is set up on an ipad on a music stand.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 15/11/2024

✨🌜 Cover reveal!!!🌛✨ My heart is beaming like tonight’s full moon to share this first look at ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP’s follow-up mission, ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS! Illustrated by Scott Magoon, written by me, and launched by our wonderful crew Viking Children's Books...

Cover of the picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, featuring a rocket ship blasting off over the Moon on which a lunar lander sits. The characters are smiling at each other and Rocket's exhaust is a rainbow blast. Written by Chiara Colombi and illustrated by Scott Magoon.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 31/08/2024

A fresh Saturday #kidlitstack = long weekend adventures ahead 😎

A stack of library books, including 17 picture books and 5 graphic novels, many of which feature a round, red NEW sticker on the spine.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 02/08/2024

#BayArea friends! Stargaze with me tonight at the Chabot Space Center's First Friday event! I'll have a table with moon-themed crafts for littles from 6-9p and read Rocket Ship, Solo Trip at 7p. Lots of other activities and exhibits to explore too! Hope to see you there!

Event graphic for picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip with details about the Chabot Center event on August 2, from 6-10p. Details are set against a starry sky illustration from the book and include the author's photo and book cover.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 10/07/2024

And by Los Gatos, CA, I totes meant Los Altos, CA 🤦‍♀️ #storytime + #authorsigning on Sunday 7/21 at Linden Tree Books! I promise to leave my typos at home!

An image showing Rocket Ship, Solo Trip summer events with author Chiara Colombi. The event details are set against a starry-sky image from the picture book, illustrated by Scott Magoon, and the graphic also includes the book’s cover image and Chiara’s author photo.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 09/07/2024

Rocket Ship and I are heading back into orbit this Summer! First stop? The magical Linden Tree Books in Los Gatos, CA, Sunday 7/21 at 10:30a! Join me for a summer story time, w/ an exploration of the summer sky + celebration of the full Moon that night. Stickers for all. I’d love to meet you there!

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 04/07/2024

Happy 4th of July, #kidlit community! Here's to happy sparks and bright stars in your skies tonight!

An illustration from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. The illustration shows Rocket Ship on her launch pad alongside Ground Control's launch tower. They are looking toward a starry sky filled with firework bursts.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 02/07/2024

Dazzled by a meteor shower of good news last week! I'm thrilled to share that ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP by me + Scott Magoon is one of Amazon's Top 20 Children’s Books of the Year So Far! What an honor to see Rocket alongside so many incredible titles. Congrats to all the creators + books on the list!

A graphic with the heading "Rocket Ship landed...on Amazon's "Top 20" list!!" accompanied by a screenshot of Amazon's landing page for the Top 20 Children's Books of the Year So Far, among which picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip is included.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 27/06/2024

Rocket Ship and crew are even more starry-eyed than usual today: ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, by me and Scott Magoon, has received a starred review from School Library Journal!! We’re feeling positively “wondrous” about it—thank you for this stellar write-up School Library Journal! #kidlit #STEMbooks

An illustration from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. The illustration shows Rocket Ship pulling a star out of her top hatch (while in the picture book, she pulls out a satellite). Superimposed on the illustration are the words “”Wondrous.” - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review”

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 23/06/2024

Weekend = library = a fresh #kidlit stack! This one includes a number of @joshfunkbooks.bsky.social's, inspired by this week's awesome #VerseShow from @brennajeanneret.bsky.social and @joshmonkwords.bsky.social. Highly recommend giving the podcast a listen while I go give these books a read! 📚👍🏻

A photograph of a stack of 21 picture books, including both fiction and nonfiction titles. Most of the books have a red "NEW"sticker on the spine, with the exception of four books at the top that are all by kidlit author Josh Funk.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 15/06/2024

Adding another pic with one more book in the mix.

A photo of an armchair upholstered in the bright jungly flower fabric. Three picture books are open on the chair with equally bright jungly flower illustrations.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 08/04/2024

Rocket is rocking her eclipse glasses and wishing everyone clear skies for a magical and safe #solareclipse today! Curious to double check the safety of your eclipse glasses? Find helpful guidance from the American Astronomical Society at the link. 🚀😎🌚 eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/h...

An illustrated graphic of the solar eclipse against a starry background. The character Rocket Ship from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip is soaring across the eclipse wearing a pair of eclipse glasses. Blasting out of her boosters are the words: “Be totality awesome: protect your eyes!”

The cover image of the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, placed against a starry background with the words “On sale now” and “Order via links in bio.”

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 30/03/2024

If you're passing through SFO, there's a signed copy of ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP by me and Scott Magoon available at the Books Inc. in Terminal 2! (I've always wanted to do this!! ✅ #authorbucketlist)

A photo of me signing a copy of my debut picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, illustrated by Scott Magoon. I'm at the register of the Books Inc. location in Terminal 2 at SFO!

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 22/03/2024

So grateful to Lemuria Books in Jackson, MS, for choosing ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, by me and Scott Magoon, as their March #picturebook pick for their OZ First Editions Club for Young Readers! Thank you, Lemuria, for helping Rocket blast off to readers in Mississippi and beyond!

A photo of the picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP next to a pink, paper heart, next to me in a Lemuria tshirt. Surrounding the photo are the words, "Lemuria Books, March picture book pick! Thank you!"

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 12/03/2024

#BayArea friends! Join me this Sunday at 11am at The Reading Bug in San Carlos for a ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP #storytime + fun-planet-facts journey through the solar system! 🪐 Bring your littles and/or your #space nerdery—Rocket’s events are a space-fueled blast, and I would love to see you there. 🚀🚀🚀

An image showing the event details for Rocket Ship, Solo Trip’s story time at The Reading Bug with author Chiara Colombi. The details are set against a starry-sky image from the picture book, and the graphic also includes the book’s cover image and Chiara’s author photo. The details read: 3/17 at 11am, The Reading Bug, San Carlos, CA. Book launch event: story time + solar system fun + signing, + stickers!

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 02/03/2024

#bayarea friends! Hicklebee's bookstore + I are launching ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP by me + Scott Magoon tomorrow, March 3 at 12p, with a #storytime and solar system fun! I would love to see you there. Bring your littles and/or your space nerdery—Rocket’s launch is bound to be a blast! 🚀

An image showing the event details for picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip’s launch event at Hicklebee’s with kidlit author Chiara Colombi. The details are set against a starry-sky image from the picture book, and the graphic also includes the book’s cover image and Chiara’s author photo. The details read: 3/3 at 12p, Hicklebee’s, San Jose. Book launch event: story time + solar system fun + signing, + stickers!

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 01/03/2024

Celebrating a stellar landing for ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, by me and Scott Magoon, today! Rocket has landed on Amazon's Best Book of the Month list for March as an Editors' Pick for ages 3 - 5! 🎉🤩🚀 So many great reads on the full list! www.amazon.com/gp/browse.ht...

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 27/02/2024

🚀 It's a #picturebook #birthday #GIVEAWAY! Like, RT, or follow for a chance to win 1 of 2 signed PBs w/exclusive stickers! ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP by me and Scott Magoon celebrates the big firsts of life’s littlest explorers. 🚀 Winners announced 2/29; 🇺🇸 only. Thank you and good luck! 🍀

An image showing the cover of picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, with characters from the book surrounding the cover, along with the words "One small step to lead the way!" and "Coming February 27th"

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 27/02/2024

3... 2... 1... Blast off!!! ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP has officially launched into the universe and onto the shelves! I am so excited to welcome readers onto the mission crew today. If you love #spaceexploration and all the emotions of new experiences, this book is for you (and your littles!).

An interior image from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. The graphic shows a close-up of Rocket Ship blasting off against a red-orange sky with the bright-white sun at her side. The word LAUNCH! is superimposed on the image.

A behind-the-scenes fact against a warp-speed style image of the stars. The fact reads: “LAUNCH DAY FACT!! Rocket Ship’s missions have only just begun! Stay tuned to this space to find out where she’s heading next...” with an emoji of the full Moon.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 23/02/2024

🚀 Rocket Ship, Solo Trip launch events are ready for liftoff! 🚀 We're launching Rocket Ship coast to coast, with events in the Bay Area, DC Metro area, and Boston area! Details in the graphics and in the thread—I would love to see you there!

An image showing the Rocket Ship, Solo Trip launch event calendar for author Chiara Colombi. The event details are set against a starry-sky image from the picture book, and the graphic also includes the book’s cover image and Chiara’s author photo.

An image showing the Rocket Ship, Solo Trip launch event calendar for illustrator Scott Magoon. The event details are set against a starry-sky image from the picture book, and the graphic also includes the book’s cover image and Scott’s author photo.

A photo of a framed poster of the cover image of Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, hanging on the side of a building outside of the bookstore An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA. This photo was taken by Nadia Salomon.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 20/02/2024

1 week to go before Rocket Ship, Solo Trip launches into the universe! Like Rocket, I’m savoring this moment, poised on the launchpad, pausing to reflect on all that’s led us here and all that’s yet to come. Thank you to everyone who has cheered me and Team Rocket on. We are so ready for launch!

A behind-the-scenes fact against a warp-speed style image of the stars. The fact reads: “1-week-to-go Fun Fact! When I received the offer email from Viking, the first thing I did was give my older son a big hug, sharing the news by saying, “You‘ve made me a published author.””

The cover image of the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, placed against a starry background with the launch date of 2/27/2024.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 13/02/2024

Rocket Ship, Solo Trip launches in 2 weeks, and the excitement is picking up speed like the Space Station spinning 90-minute loops around the Earth! Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered a copy—I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the early Rocket love! 🚀

An interior image from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. The image shows the Space Station orbiting the Earth, with dark and light bands on our planet to show how the Station sees the days and nights pass by below. The number 2 is superimposed on the image.

A behind-the-scenes fact against a warp-speed style image of the stars. The fact reads: “2-weeks-to-go Fun Fact! I landed an agent right before my younger son’s due date, and we sent Rocket out on sub the day after he was born. Having a newborn was a WONDERFUL distraction to keep me from checking my email nonstop.” (With a 'grinning face with sweat' emoji at the end)

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 08/02/2024

The eagle has landed!!! Rocket Ship, Solo Trip is even more beautiful on the page 😍 #picturebook #debutauthor #kidlit #unboxing

A photo of author copies of Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, written by me, illustrated by Scott Magoon, published by Viking. One copy of Rocket Ship stands on top of two boxes from Penguin Random House, with a small rocket toy perched on the lower box, all against a backdrop of kidlit books on a bookshelf.

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 06/02/2024

I can’t believe we’re just 3 weeks away from ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP’s launch! To celebrate, here’s a sneak peek at 3 characters wonderfully illustrated by Scott Magoon, and another fun fact about Rocket’s journey to publication. (Details about signed pre-orders with Rocket stickers in the thread!) 👇

An interior image from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. The image shows Rocket Ship deploying a satellite into space, with the help of a space station inspired by the ISS. The number 3 is superimposed on the image.

A behind-the-scenes fact against a warp-speed style image of the stars. The fact reads: “3-weeks-to-go Fun Fact! It took me 9 months to draft Rocket Ship, during which time I also moved across the country while 5-months pregnant. I set myself a deadline to start querying before kiddo #2 arrived!”

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 30/01/2024

4 weeks to go!! Rocket is wishing on a morning star...and I’ve decided to add a touch of storytelling to this countdown. Each week, I’ll share a behind-the-scenes fact from the journey of making this book, starting with Rocket’s origin story. Check it out in the pics, and tune in next week for more!

An interior image from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. The image shows Rocket Ship on the launch pad looking up at a morning star, with Ground Control at her side. The number 4 is superimposed on the image.

A behind-the-scenes fact against a warp-speed style image of the stars. The fact reads: “4-weeks-to-go Fun Fact! I was inspired to write Rocket Ship, Solo Trip when my older son was 2 years old, and I couldn’t find a picture book for him featuring an anthropomorphized rocket. That was 5 years ago...”

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Chiara Colombi @chiaracolombi.com · 23/01/2024

Let the countdown begin! We are 5 weeks away from Rocket Ship’s launch date, and I’m as cool, calm, and collected as a NASA astronaut... j/k! I’m thrilled to announce Rocket’s pre-order campaign with my incredible local indie Hicklebee’s in San Jose. Details in the thread! 👇🏻 bit.ly/HSJ-Rocket

An opening image from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. The image shows Rocket Ship traveling toward the launch site by way of a rocket transporter flatbed truck. The number 5 is superimposed on the image.

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