Special Presentation | 12:30 p.m. | Mission Briefing Center
Story Time | 1:30 p.m. | Destiny Theater
Book Signing | Following story time | Main Plaza
A Quilt of Stars: An Afternoon with Astronaut Karen Nyberg
What does it take to turn a childhood dream into something extraordinary?
Join astronaut Karen Nyberg and co-author Ann McCallum Staats at Space Center Houston for a special afternoon celebrating their picture book, A Quilt of Stars: Astronaut Karen Nyberg Stitches a Dream.
Fireside Chat with Karen Nyberg | 12:30 p.m. | Mission Briefing Center
Go behind the scenes of life in orbit in a conversation with Karen, moderated by Megan McArthur. Hear about her path from a small town to two spaceflights, what it’s really like to live and work aboard the ISS, and how she kept creating, and even sewing and quilting, in space.
A Quilt of Stars Story Time | 1:30 p.m. | Destiny Theater
Karen and Ann bring the book to life on the big screen in an interactive reading for the whole family. Children are invited to join the conversation and discover how Karen combined science, creativity and her love of making, even while living in space.
Dream Like a Star Activity | 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Young explorers can create and decorate their own star with a wish or goal for the future, inspired by Karen’s journey.
About Dr. Karen Nyberg
Karen’s story has deep roots in Houston. She began her NASA career as an engineer at the Johnson Space Center, flew to space twice, and lived aboard the International Space Station for 166 days. While in orbit, she sewed a star quilt block by hand and invited quilters around the world to join her. Thousands of star blocks arrived at Johnson Space Center from more than 30 countries and became the Astronomical Quilts.
Her picture book, A Quilt of Stars: Astronaut Karen Nyberg Stitches a Dream, co-written with Ann McCallum Staats, shares her true story and encourages children to dream big and discover what happens when science, creativity and imagination come together
About Ann McCallum Staats
A former teacher with a master’s degree in education, award-winning author Ann McCallum Staats has dedicated over two decades to writing for children. Her latest, A Quilt Of Stars: Astronaut Karen Nyberg Stitches a Dream, is co-authored with Dr. Karen Nyberg and illustrated by Alida Massari. Other books include Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, And Smelliest Plants, illustrated by Zoë Ingram and a Texas Topaz award winner as well as books in the Women of Power series. Originally from the wilds of British Columbia, Canada.
