Stella wants to be an astronaut. There is only one problem: Stella is an elephant. Every time she applies to Space Command, they come up with a new reason she can't join. But where there's a will, there's a way and Stella is determined to reach for the stars. Stella is told she can't apply because none of the space suits will fit her. So, she makes her own. Stella is told she can't apply because she is too big for the training equipment. So, Stella finds teachers and undertakes basic training independently. Stella is told she can't apply because she's too big to fit in the rocket. So, Stella builds her own rocket. Stella is told she can't apply because none of the other astronauts will want to fly with her. So, Stella finds her own crew. By the time Space Command has run out of reasons why Stella can't apply, Stella realises she doesn't need Space Command after all. She has everything and everyone she needs already Stellarphant is both heart-warming and hilarious. This picture book features a gallery spread of all the real animals sent into space so far, as well as a fantasy gallery. The story relates directly to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in the school curriculum; specifically space exploration, astronomy and biology. The story also carries themes of persistence, feminism, diversity, equality and accessibility. It is a worthy and timely story that needs to be told now.
