Space Cat in Paris by Dawn M. Aerts is inspired by the remarkable true story of Felicette. Felicette was the first cat sent into space by France. As a homeless cat, Felicette lived a peaceful life around a cozy bakery on Rue du Chat. Pierre, the elderly baker, left her milk and a warm bed beneath the window ledge. One morning, Pierre suddenly did not come to the bakery and never returned. Felicette is left alone and forced onto the streets of Paris. Jacque DuMonde found Felicette as part of a search for a cat destined to join the French Space Program. Felicette was one of twelve cats, and they were trained for an extraordinary astro adventure. Only one cat was chosen for the mission, and Felicette was the lucky one. Felicette earned a place in French history and helped future astronauts.

Space Cat in Paris by Dawn M. Aerts had me hooked from the start. I could not put the book down until I had finished reading. This was a part of history I did not know about, and it was very interesting. I fell instantly in love with Felicette. She was a homeless cat, but I could sense that she was very special. The writing was engaging and held my attention throughout. Felicette’s sadness after Pierre did not return, and her adventure to be the first cat in space was skilfully handled. The illustrations by the author were colorful and captured the charm of Paris, adding color and personality to every page. The book was expertly written and was educational.

Space Cat in Paris by Dawn M. Aerts is a beautifully illustrated children's book intended for young readers who need a challenge. It shares the story of a cat named Felicette and her journey from a street cat to a beloved icon in French space history. Felicette roamed the streets of Paris, looking for a home and some love. Pierre, a friendly baker, used to give her some milk, but when he stopped opening the shop, she had to search once again for a safe place. That is when Jaque Du Monde found her. He was looking for a cat with grit to use in the French Space Program. Felicette's story is loosely based on the story of the first cat sent to space by France in 1963. The story is not just about portraying history but also about how Felicette seeks and finds love and a place to belong. This love extends beyond the reading experience, as a percentage of each book sale is donated to support local animal shelters in Wisconsin.

Dawn M. Aerts did not write in Space Cat in Paris as a normal children's book. She introduces advanced vocabulary to young readers effortlessly, with a glossary included that teaches real-world research skills. The young reader is also drawn in by the beautiful illustrations that bring Felicette's story to life. The book is optimistic and uplifting, and shows care for animals that are often neglected and left on the streets. It inspires the reader to be more loving of street animals. Felicette's story teaches about courage and duty as well as compassion and the need to belong. The book ends with information on what 'Catnick', the real space cat, accomplished, along with some images. This little bit of information encourages the reader to do further research on the topic themselves. And maybe see that even homeless animals can play a large part in life and the history of humans.