Must See: Children's Book Based On Bowie's 'Space Oddity'

Canadian illustrator Andrew Kolb has created one of the most fascinating children's books I have ever seen.  Based on David Bowie's rock classic, 'Space Oddity', it tells the story of Major Tom and his ultimate demise in outer space.  The book contains the song's original lyrics as the story, with vivid illustrations to help bring Tom to life.

'Space Oddity' was released just 10 days before the Apollo 11 lunar landing.  Though it was intended to be somewhat of a tongue in cheek insult at the failed British space program, the BBC used it during news coverage of the event.  In time, it has become one of the most iconic songs in music history.

At the moment, Kolb has not found a publisher for the book.  It is not even clear as to whether Bowie has seen it.  He does not have permission at this time from Mr. Bowie to publish it.  Hopefully, in time, that will change.

In the meantime, you can download a PDF of the book, at no charge, from Kolb's website.  I read the story to my three year old before bed time tonight.  She didn't like it.  She thought it was too sad.  She asked me to read Angelina Ballerina, instead.

For the last three days, since reading this book, I have had this song in my head.  I know you will, too.  I hope this helps.

Update:  Talk about bad timing.  It appears that the downloadable PDF of the book has been taken down.  Word is, there is a possibility that Kolb may have received a cease and desist from Bowie's lawyers.  That didn't take long.  

I am looking at a work around at getting a full copy of the book online from other sources.  If I am able to do so, I will post accordingly.

Update 2:  I have just taken a look at his site, and it is now so altered, that all text is blurred out, including the title of the book.  In fact, the site name is now "space book", instead of "space oddity".  Just sad.

Video: Grandma/Samuel L. Jackson Read 'Go The Fuck To Sleep'

Go the F**k to Sleep is easily my favorite book of the year.  For those of you that haven't heard of it or read it, I won't spoil it just yet.  Let's just say, when I first heard about it, I was counting the days till it's release.  Let me tell you, the wait has been worth it!  Best children's book EVER!  But, for the love of god, don't read it to your children.

Check out this concerned grandmother reading the book to her grandson, without warning of what is inside:



The book sounds like something that should be read by Samuel L. Jackson.  This story is perfectly suited for him.  So suited, in fact, he reads the audiobook.  Below is the audio presentation that you can download for free on Audible.com's website.  You can then play the file on you computer, MP3 player or mobile device.



The author, Adam Mansbach, is currently writing a trilogy of children's books to follow 'Go the Fuck to Sleep'.  The tentative titles are:  'Stop Shitting Yourself and Use the Fucking Toilet', 'Tie Your Own Damn Shoes' and 'Say "Are We There Yet", I Dare You.  I Double Dare You Motherfucker.  Say "Are We There Yet One More Time, Goddamn It'.  (Kidding)

Finally, A Children's Book I Can Relate To

You know you've wanted to say it.  I've said it to myself practically every night for the last year and a half.  Now, you can tell your precious little boy or girl to "Go the fuck to sleep", without feeling like a horrible parent.

Via Amazon:

"Go the Fuck To Sleep is a bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where a few snoozing kitties and cutesy rhymes don't always send a toddler sailing off to dreamland. Honest, profane, and affectionate, Adam Mansbach's verses and Ricardo Cortés' illustrations perfectly capture the familiar—and unspoken—tribulations of putting your little angel down for the night, and open up a conversation about parenting in the process. Beautiful, subversive, and pants-wettingly funny, Go the Fuck to Sleep is a perfect gift for parents new, old, or expectant. Here is a sample verse: 

The cats nestle close to their kittens now.
The lambs have laid down with the sheep.
You're cozy and warm in your bed, my dear
Please go the fuck to sleep."

Adam Mansbach advised that this is his "first children's book. You probably should not read it to actual children, and if you do, he cannot be held legally responsible."  


The book is not scheduled to come out until October, and it is already the #1 bestseller on Amazon's "Parenting and Families" list.  It looks like I'm not alone at night.