Explorer Resources: Fuel Your Curiosity
Every explorer’s journey is different, and sometimes a little inspiration is all it takes to begin a new adventure.
Explore our growing collection of books, journals, and interactive activities designed to encourage curiosity, spark imagination, and make astronomy and scientific exploration more accessible.
Whether you’re following Stella and Eli on a cosmic adventure, recording your first observations, or taking on new skywatching challenges, these resources offer different ways to discover, create, and learn at your own pace.
Some resources are available digitally, others can be purchased, and some are shared exclusively during participating outreach events. As Esc@peWithNicki grows, so will the opportunities to explore.
Your adventure doesn’t have to end when the star party does. Keep discovering, wherever you are.
A Light In Lyra
A Story Written for Young Explorers
Recommended for readers ages 8-12. A Light in Lyra is a gentle, astronomy-inspired story about curiosity, resilience, and finding your place in a changing world.
When Stella Celeste Morgan opens her observation log beneath the night sky, she discovers that the stars offer more than constellations; they offer steadiness. As she records what she sees and learns to observe with intention, Stella begins to understand that even when everything around her changes, the sky remains a constant guide.
Grounded in real astronomy and inspired by authentic observing practices, A Light in Lyra weaves science, storytelling, and reflection into a meaningful experience for young readers. The book encourages curiosity, journaling, and thoughtful exploration of the night sky without requiring prior knowledge of astronomy.
Perfect for curious minds, budding scientists, and readers who find comfort in looking up, A Light in Lyra reminds us that sometimes the smallest stars lead to the biggest discoveries.
Available now on Amazon and IngramSpark in paperback.
Lyra Explorer Journal
The Lyra Explorer Journal turns curiosity into hands-on discovery.
Created for young explorers, the journal encourages children to observe, ask questions, record their discoveries, and celebrate their experiences along the way.
Through daytime and nighttime astronomy activities, explorers can earn achievement stickers as they discover the Sun, Moon, planets, and other wonders of the sky. There’s no race to finish and no expectation to complete everything in one visit. Every observation is an opportunity to learn something new.
Currently available at select outreach events.
The Lyra Explorer Journal is provided in person during participating astronomy engagements. It’s not currently available for individual purchase or online distribution.
Join us at an upcoming event to begin your exploration!
My Cosmic Adventure
Every great explorer starts somewhere, and you don’t need a telescope to begin!
My Cosmic Adventure: Star Log and Scavenger Hunt turns stargazing into a cosmic mission. Created by Esc@peWithNicki for young explorers ages 5–13, this interactive, fillable digital logbook encourages children to discover the night sky at their own pace.
Inside, explorers will find:
- 🛰️ Observation Pages – Record celestial observations, document discoveries, and build a personal skywatching journal.
- 🌌 Deep-Sky Scavenger Hunts – Search for celestial objects and discover new wonders as your observing skills develop.
- 🚀 Cadet, Junior Astronaut & Captain Missions – Explore different levels of astronomy activities, from beginner-friendly skywatching to more advanced challenges that incorporate telescopes.
- 📖 Explorer Stories & Sky Scribbles – Capture experiences, express creativity, and reflect on each adventure.
Start by identifying objects in the sky with your own eyes, then expand your adventures with binoculars or a telescope as your interests and opportunities grow.
There’s no pressure to complete every mission or advance through every stage. Whether you’re discovering your first constellation or exploring distant celestial objects through a telescope, every experience is an opportunity to learn something new.
Your adventure. Your discoveries. Your universe.