Chiara Colombi
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chiaracolombi.com
Chiara Colombi
@chiaracolombi.com
1.4K followers 580 following 410 posts
Scruffy-looking word herder. PB + YA author. 🚀 ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP (Viking, '24). ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS (Viking, '25). 🇮🇹 | 🏳️‍🌈🩷💚💙 | She/Her | Photo credit: Lauren Barkume

www.chiaracolombi.com
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chiaracolombi.com
Dear friend and fellow space author @rienealwriter.bsky.social joined me to help launch Rocket’s second mission, ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, by Scott Magoon and me with Linden’s community of readers. Thank you, Linden Tree, Rie, and all who joined us!
Authors Chiara Colombi and Rie Neal, both white women, sit on the window sill in front of Linden Tree, smiling at each other over the picture book Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams. Bookshelves of local authors are behind them, and in the foreground is a table with lunar activity sheets on top of a galaxy-themed tablecloth. Authors Chiara Colombi and Rie Neal hold up each other’s space-themed children’s books inside Linden Tree Books. They are smiling at the camera. Rie holds the 2 Rocket Ship picture books, and Chiara holds 3 of Rie’s Astrid the Astronaut chapter book series.
February 27, 2025 at 4:14 PM
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Rocket's launch event at @lindentree.bsky.social this weekend was a veritable planet parade of special crewmates, between the young space enthusiasts gathered for story time, Linden Tree’s stellar staff, and the conjunction of two #kidlit #space authors beaming in the glow of each other’s books!
A photo from the launch event for Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams at Linden Tree Books. The event is taking place on the sidewalk in front of the bookstore, where there is outdoor furniture and a big window opening onto the store. The author, a while woman with long brown hair, holds up the book to an audience of young kids and grownups. Along the top of the photo is a banner of stars and moons, and the words “Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams” with a heart-shaped graphic linking the book’s title to the store’s name on the front of the store. Sitting in Linden Tree’s window, author Chiara Colombi reads from and holds up a spread from ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, showing the rocket’s flight trajectory to the Moon. Another photo from the reading, with the audience in the foreground. The author is imitating the nervous face of the Lunar Lander in the story. Author Chiara Colombi presents the lunar phases to the audience outside of Linden Tree Books.
February 27, 2025 at 4:14 PM
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2 more Bay Area lunar launch events this weekend! Join me at Banter Bookshop on Sat + Linden Tree Books on Sun to touch down on the Moon with ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by Scott Magoon + me! We’ll read Rocket’s 2nd mission, then explore the phases of the Moon. Mission patch stickers for all!
A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background, with the event details for author story times at Banter Bookshop and Linden Tree Books, two picture book covers, and an author photo overlayed on the surface of the Moon. Along the top of the Moon are the words “Rocket Ship Events”, and along the bottom are the words “Reading + signing, + free mission patch stickers”. The event details are shared in the thread.
February 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM
chiaracolombi.com
I hope to see you and your fellow space-explorers there!

#kidlit #stembooks #authorsigning #storytime
A photo of my hand holding a small model moon, which is a sphere painted half black and half white. In the background, there is a felt board with felt moons showing the different moon phases arching over a felt rocket ship. A photo of a felt waning gibbous moon on a black felt background. Resting on and around the moon are stickers for the picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS. There are 2 Lunar Lander stickers, one Rocket Ship sticker, and a mission patch sticker. A graphic featuring the cover of picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, hovering above the illustrated surface of the Moon and a starry background. Around the book cover are the words “ORDER VIA LINK IN BIO” and “ON SALE NOW”. Alongside the book cover is the book cover of the series’s first book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP.
February 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
chiaracolombi.com
Join me at @hicklebees.bsky.social in San Jose tomorrow Feb. 8 at 11am as we launch ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by me + Scott Magoon! I can’t wait to connect with Hicklebee’s community of readers. We’ll read Rocket’s 2nd mission + explore the phases of the Moon with models galore. Stickers for all!
A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background, with the event details for an author story time at Hicklebee’s bookstore, two picture book covers, and an author photo overlayed on the surface of the Moon. Along the top of the Moon are the words “Rocket Ship Events”, and along the bottom are the words “Reading + signing, + free mission patch stickers”. The event details are shared in the image caption.
February 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
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We are go for translunar orbit! ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by me + Scott Magoon has landed on shelves! A lunar mission, yes, but what is this book really about? It's about how we respond when things don’t go our way. When our dreams don’t come true. Or when things take a turn for the unexpected... 🧵
A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background. Overlayed on the Moon is: the cover of the picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS; a lunar lander with a cloud of dust rising around him; and the words “LANDED!” and “On sale now”. In the upper right corner, against the starry sky is a rocket ship, gazing down at the Moon.
February 4, 2025 at 4:09 PM
chiaracolombi.com
We are T-minus 1 day to ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS’s release. Mission patch and Lunar Lander stickers have arrived at my door, and I spent the weekend making felt versions of the Moon’s phases for an activity I’ve got planned for my upcoming bookstore events. We are so ready for launch!
A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background, with a schedule of bookstore events, two picture book covers, and an author photo overlayed on the surface of the Moon. Along the top of the Moon are the words “Rocket Ship Events”, and along the bottom are the words “Reading + signing, + free mission patch stickers”. Full event schedule is viewable on my website: www.chiaracolombi.com
February 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM
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Kicking off launch week with some wonderful news: ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS is an Amazon Editors’ Pick, among the Best Books of the Month for February! 🤩 Thank you, Amazon editors, for giving Scott Magoon’s and my book an extra booster as we gear up for launch!
An illustration of the character Lunar Lander from the picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS. Lander is standing on the Moon and holding up a copy of the book, and Rocket is soaring by in the background. Against the starry sky are the Amazon logo and the words “Editors’ Pick, Best Books Ages 3-5”.
February 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM
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ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by me + Scott Magoon releases in just 1 week!! I’m so excited for you to meet (the most adorable) Lunar Lander (that has ever existed) (with many thanks to Scott!). Pre-order details for signed books with exclusive stickers in the thread!
An illustration of a waxing gibbous moon against a starry background. On the light side of the moon is a large number 1 and illustrations of a lunar lander descending toward the lunar surface. On the dark side of the moon is the rocket ship that deployed the lander. A graphic featuring the cover of picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, hovering above the illustrated surface of the Moon and a starry background. Around the book cover are the words “PRE-ORDER LINK IN BIO” and the date “2.4.25”. Alongside the book cover is the book cover of the series’s first book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP.
January 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM
chiaracolombi.com
Book bans are not a hoax. All kids deserve to see themselves in stories. Here are just a few of the many books I’m grateful to have on the shelves at home and at my local indie Banter Bookshop.

#readfreely #diversebooksopenminds
A photo of me, a white woman with long brown hair, smiling and sitting in the kids section of my local bookstore, holding up three picture books.
January 26, 2025 at 1:51 AM
chiaracolombi.com
I’m so grateful to the organizers of @kidlitforla.bsky.social for helping the children’s publishing industry unite in raising funds to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. My donation is one among 380 items in the auction which runs through Sunday, January 26th (until 9pm PST)!
Details about my auction item for the Kidlit for Los Angeles silent auction. The graphic includes the auction’s logo, my author photo, and the covers of my two Rocket Ship picture books. The silent auction item description reads “Don’t miss out! Picture book critique + 30 min Zoom + signed books, from author Chiara Colombi”. Details about the Kidlit for Los Angeles silent auction. The graphic features the auction logo and the text: “Auction raising funds for Los Angeles wildfire relief. Win signed books, original art, school visits, critiques, and AMAs from award-winning authors and illustrators, agents, and editors! Jeff Kinney, Kate DiCamillo, Suzanne Collins, Tui T. Sutherland, Vashti Harrison, Karen M. McManus, Donna Barba Higuera, Alan Gratz, Katherine Applegate, and many more!”
January 22, 2025 at 4:26 PM
chiaracolombi.com
What's your favorite moon phase? While I do love a waxing crescent, there's something mesmerizing about the crisp precision of a quarter moon. Today’s third quarter moon rose just past midnight...and ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS by me and Scott Magoon rises in just 2 weeks!!
An illustration of a quarter moon against a starry background. On the dark side of the moon is a large number 2 and illustrations of a rocket ship deploying a lunar lander. A graphic featuring the cover of picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, hovering above the illustrated surface of the Moon and a starry background. Around the book cover are the words “PRE-ORDER LINK IN BIO” and the date “2.4.25”. Alongside the book cover is the book cover of the series’s first book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP.
January 21, 2025 at 4:21 PM
chiaracolombi.com
With ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS’s countdown officially underway, I’m excited to announce my February launch events: Rocket Ship + Lunar Lander are heading to the Moon at 3 iconic Bay Area bookstores! I would be so happy to see you + your fellow space enthusiasts at any of these events. #kidlit 🚀🌔
A graphic featuring an illustration of the Moon against a starry background, with a schedule of bookstore events, two picture book covers, and an author photo overlayed on the surface of the Moon. Along the top of the Moon are the words “Rocket Ship Events”, and along the bottom are the words “Reading + signing, + free mission patch stickers”. The schedule of events shows the same details as shared in the thread.
January 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
chiaracolombi.com
Anyone else gaze up at last night’s full moon and wish they could get just a little bit closer? I couldn’t imagine a better wish to kick off the countdown to Rocket’s next mission. 🌝 ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, by me + Scott Magoon, lands in bookstores + libraries in just 3 weeks on 2/4/25!!
#kidlit
An illustration of a waxing crescent moon against a starry background. On the dark side of the moon is a large number 3 and illustrations of a rocket ship transporting a lunar lander. A graphic featuring the cover of picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, hovering above the illustrated surface of the Moon and a starry background. Around the book cover are the words “PRE-ORDER LINK IN BIO” and the date “2.4.25”. Alongside the book cover is the book cover of the series’s first book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP.
January 15, 2025 at 5:34 AM
chiaracolombi.com
Of all the magic I’ve experienced since Rocket launched into the world, nothing brings happy tears to my eyes quite like this: I am honored + humbled + so grateful to share that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has chosen Rocket Ship, Solo Trip by me + Scott Magoon as one of their 2025 books!!! ☺️
Country singer/songwriter Dolly Parton, smiling, dressed in white, and holding a picture book, against a light blue background. Alongside Dolly is the logo of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, surrounded by the words "Proud to be a part of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 2025". An illustration from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, featuring Rocket Ship on the launch pad alongside the ground control tower. Rocket Ship is looking up at the night sky and full moon with a smile. The surface of the Moon bears the logo and tagline of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The tagline reads “Dream more, Learn more, Care more, Be more.”
January 8, 2025 at 3:54 PM
chiaracolombi.com
3...2...1... Happy Holidays! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season bright with twinkling lights and twinkling stars!

Huge shout-out to illustrator Scott Magoon for creating this adorable illustration of our Rocket Ship! #snowflakeexhaustFTW #nobutseriouslythough #ecofriendly+epicsnowballfights
A holiday-themed illustration of Rocket Ship, from the picture book Rocket Ship, Solo Trip, blasting off alongside a pine tree decorated with planets, moons, and stars. Rocket's exhaust is made of snowballs and snowflakes. The image includes "3... 2... 1... Happy Holidays!"
December 24, 2024 at 5:18 PM
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p.s. Did you know they’ve got a drone dressed up as an X-wing???! Be still, my Star-Wars heart. 🤩
Chiara photo bombs a drone dressed up like an X-wing.
December 16, 2024 at 3:44 PM
chiaracolombi.com
Oh, and check out the artwork several kiddos created on-site! This is what it’s all about for me. Inspiring readers to explore space, express their creativity, and bring new ideas to life. #kidlit

Thank you, Smithsonian and Udvar-Hazy, for having us! We hope to flyby your way again soon!
A paper airplane rocket ship and a drawing of a rocket ship, created by kids at the event.
December 16, 2024 at 3:44 PM
chiaracolombi.com
We were joined by family, friends, and so many space explorers, and supported on our mission by the incredible Smithsonian staff and ASL interpreters. Heartfelt thanks to all who joined us and helped our Rocket blast off with big countdowns and even bigger grins.
Chiara and Scott signing copies of their book at the book signing table. Chiara's homemade Lego build of Rocket Ship photo bombs the Discovery Space Shuttle. Chiara's homemade Lego build of Rocket Ship photo bombs a Mars rover.
December 16, 2024 at 3:44 PM
chiaracolombi.com
It was surreal and humbling to hear our voices echoing through an aircraft hangar that is home to so much history and so many works of engineering art. Every time I step into Udvar-Hazy, I am awed by the space (and spacecraft!). And now our Rocket Ship has launched amidst it all!
Kids approach Scott's drawing demo, while Chiara fields their questions. Scott sits at the story time table with a copy of picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, while a young fan dressed up as a rocket ship approaches the table. Co-creators Chiara Colombi and Scott Magoon hold up their book in front of their presentation at the Air and Space Museum.
December 16, 2024 at 3:44 PM
chiaracolombi.com
The stars aligned at the Nat'l Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center this weekend—and by stars, I mean rocket ships + rocket ship enthusiasts! What an absolute joy to finally meet ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP’s rock(et)star co-creator, Scott Magoon, and to share our story in such a jaw-dropping setting.
The co-creators of picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, Chiara Colombi and Scott Magoon, share their story at the Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. Chiara reads from picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, which is projected onto a TV screen, while Scott holds up the book, with an audience of kids and adults in the foreground. Chiara reads from picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, which is projected onto a TV screen, while Scott holds up the book, with an audience of kids and adults in the foreground, and aircraft in the background. Scott presents a live drawing demo while Chiara holds a mic for him and children approach the TV screen to observe.
December 16, 2024 at 3:44 PM
chiaracolombi.com
Rocket Ship, Solo Trip is blasting off at the Nat'l Air and Space Museum with a full crew on board! 🤩 For the first time ever, Scott Magoon + I will meet in person to launch Rocket together! We’ll be at the Chantilly, VA, museum as part of their “Big Explosions” Family Day on Sat, Dec 14th! #kidlit
Event announcement for a Rocket Ship, Solo Trip event with author Chiara Colombi and illustrator Scott Magoon at the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA, on Saturday, December 14 from 10a to 2p.
November 29, 2024 at 9:52 PM
chiaracolombi.com
Dropped some sick beats at the studio... 😏 Jk, the first photo is totally staged. But the audiobook of ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, by me and Scott Magoon, is no joke!! I had the thrill—and challenge—of recording the narration last week. Rocket's audiobook is slated for release in January 2025!

#kidlit
A photo of me, a white woman with long brown hair, pretending to sing like popstar Ariana Grande from the picture book ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP, written by me and illustrated by Scott Magoon. In the photo, I am sitting in a recording booth. A photo of me sitting in a recording booth, set up to record the audiobook narration of ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP. I have headphones on, there is a mic on a boom in front of me, and ROCKET SHIP is set up on an ipad on a music stand.
November 23, 2024 at 7:53 PM
chiaracolombi.com
✨🌜 Cover reveal!!!🌛✨ My heart is beaming like tonight’s full moon to share this first look at ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP’s follow-up mission, ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS! Illustrated by Scott Magoon, written by me, and launched by our wonderful crew Viking Children's Books...
Cover of the picture book ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS, featuring a rocket ship blasting off over the Moon on which a lunar lander sits. The characters are smiling at each other and Rocket's exhaust is a rainbow blast. Written by Chiara Colombi and illustrated by Scott Magoon.
November 15, 2024 at 4:43 PM
chiaracolombi.com
I ❤️ libraries. #kidlitstack
A stack of books from the library, including 17 picture books, 9 graphic novels, and 2 chapter books.
October 6, 2024 at 11:01 PM