You Are the First Kid on Mars

As we look back to the beginnings of the space race, 2009 is also the year for looking forward to humankind?s next step toward the stars.

In the spirit of books that once imagined colonies on the moon, Patrick O?Brien has created a unique look at your first trip to Mars. Using the most upto- date designs and theories of what it will take to establish a base on Mars, you are off on an incredible journey, over 35 million miles to the red planet. Filled with details, and vividly brought to life, this is an adventure that you are never going to forget.

After earning a degree in biology from the University of Virginia in 1982, Patrick O’Brien went to art school at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1986, he became a freelance illustrator working for clients such as National Geographic, Newsweek magazine, The Discovery Channel, The Smithsonian, and The American Museum of Natural History. His artwork has appeared in magazines and newspapers, on posters, videocassette boxes, and greeting cards, and even on billboards.

In addition to his accomplishments in the marine art field, O’Brien has written and illustrated eleven nonfiction books for children. His previous books have been about historic and prehistoric subjects ranging from giant dinosaurs and ancient sharks to knights in armor and pirates on the high seas. In May 2009, G.P. Putnam’s Sons published his most recent picture book which takes a fascinating look into the future. O’Brien modeled You Are the First Kid on Mars off his earliest memories of gathering around the television with his family on vacation at the beach to watch the first man land on the moon.