ASTRA

When a curious squirrel accidentally launches himself into space, he becomes the unlikeliest pilot of the most important mission in history. Trapped aboard the ASTRA vessel with a dog, a cat, a raven, and an AI discovering what it means to be alive, Squirrel is swept into an adventure that will change three worlds forever.
From a chaotic lift‑off to a crash‑landing on the Moon, from the red deserts of Mars to ancient intelligences buried beneath the Earth, the crew must navigate danger, discovery, and the truth about humanity's forgotten past. As planets stir, forests think, and old powers awaken, the animals must choose their own destiny, and decide whether the future belongs to humans, machines, or something entirely new.
Readers of The Merder of Crows trilogy may spot familiar faces as the story unfolds, and long‑time fans will recognise Squirrel from his very first appearance in The Fencepost That Dreamed of Being a Tree.
And when the mission ends, the story continues: ASTRA includes a special bonus section celebrating the real animals who paved the way for space exploration, from Laika and Ham to Félicette, the space‑born quails, and NASA's "Chix in Space" experiment.
A heartwarming, hilarious, and unexpectedly profound sci‑fi adventure about courage, evolution, and the small heroes who change the universe. Perfect for readers who love imaginative worlds, character‑driven stories, and the true history of the animals who helped humanity reach the stars.