Skybound!: Starring Mary Myers as Carlotta, Daredevil Aeronaut and Scientist

In this STEAM picture book, take to the skies with Mary Myers, aka "Carlotta," an aeronaut and inventor whose careful scientific work improved hot air balloons and our understanding of flight, weather patterns, and the atmosphere.

In the 1850s, proper young ladies were supposed to keep their feet on the ground (literally and metaphorically), but Mary dreamed of flying. Luckily, she married Carl Myers, a hot air balloon enthusiast whose dreams were just as lofty as hers. Together, they designed and constructed balloons of all shapes and sizes, a difficult and dangerous job that required knowledge of chemistry, engineering, and meteorology. But how could they know which balloon designs worked best? They needed someone adventurous who could do balloon tricks for crowds while recording flight data. Mary knew just the person . . . herself! She gave herself the stage name Carlotta and anxiously awaited her first flight. Would she make it into the air? Could she collect the data they needed? Mary battled thick clouds and bone-chilling cold, but she went higher and farther than she hoped, and returned ready for her next flight.

One of the few women inventors of her time, Mary's daring flights and careful scientific work improved hot air balloons and our understanding of flight, weather patterns, and the atmosphere.

Publisher: Calkins Creek Books
Published: 04/16/2024
Pages: 48
Weight: 1.25lbs
ISBN: 9781635928150
Age: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 02/15/2024 pg. 42
Foreword 02/13/2024
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2024

About the Author
Sue Ganz-Schmitt is a children's book author, musical theater producer, and a philanthropist. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in writing for children and young adults. Her books include That Monster on the Block, Now I'm a Bird, Planet Kindergarten, and Planet Kindergarten: 100 Days in Orbit.

Iacopo Bruno a graphic designer and illustrator. His picture books include Bartali's Bicycle, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards; Sergeant Reckless; Anything But Ordinary Addie; and Mesmerized. He has also illustrated several chapter book series, including Sherlock, Lupin & Me; The School for Good and Evil; and The Story Collector.