For Laika: The Dog Who Learned the Names of the Stars

Laika is a dog who lives in Moscow and spends her days running wild alongside a pack of stray dogs. Laika is filled with wonder and curiosity as she looks up at the stars because she knows that stars are the “spirits of dogs who have gone to heaven.” Kai Yun Ching depicts Laika in bright blues and gold, highlighting her as a special canine with a complicated destiny. One day, Laika meets a scientist who invites her to join his laboratory and help their mission to travel to space. Laika accepts and is thrilled by the prospect of embarking on an adventure to meet the stars. She vows that she will be brave. Kai Cheng Thom details Laika’s space preparations including tests and training that result in Laika’s being selected to travel around earth’s orbit in Sputnik 2.

The narrative focuses on how proud Laika feels to participate in this mission. In an expansive double-page spread, Laika boards a rocket and lifts off from earth, watching a rainbow stream of light carry the stars and her ancestors towards her. Readers learn that Sputnik 2 exploded upon re-entry into earth’s atmosphere. The story ends with colourful portraits of dogs, including Laika, who live amongst the stars and who were loved on earth. Thom’s thought-provoking afterword asks an important question of readers: is it right or wrong to use animals in science experiments? The afterword is coupled with a discussion guide for parents and teachers to encourage conversations about feelings, animal rights and decision making.

For Laika is a thoughtfully rendered story based on true events that benefits from strong back matter.