Fiorello Bodoni, a poor junkyard owner, has managed to save $3,000 to fulfill his lifelong dream of sending one member of his family on a trip to outer space. The family, however, finds it impossible to choose who will go because those left behind will inevitably envy the chosen one for the rest of their lives. Bodoni instead uses the money to build a replica rocket from an old mock-up, and sets up a 3D theater inside the cabin and convinces the children they are actually going through space.
The British edition, first published in 1952 by Hart-Davis omits The Rocket Man, The Fire Balloons, The Exiles and The Concrete Mixer, and adds Usher II from The Martian Chronicles and The Playground from The Stories of Ray Bradbury.
An edition published in 2001 by William Morrow omits The Fire Balloons and adds The Illustrated Man to the end of the book.
Meet Jim Kepler—a writer, traveler, and lifelong learner who blends faith with storytelling. Whether he's exploring new places, buried in books and poetry, or scribbling away in a cozy coffee shop, Jim embraces life with curiosity and purpose.
Looking for writing advice? Jim’s got you covered. He says, “Why wait? It’s never too late to dive into writing. The present is the perfect time to start.” As an author, poet, and blogger, his words don’t just fill pages—they resonate with readers worldwide.
His books? They’re more than stories; they’re a calling. Jim is passionate about helping others grow in faith, know Jesus Christ, and integrate biblical wisdom into daily life. You can explore his works here:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K
Want to connect? Visit his website at jimmiekepler.com, or follow him on social media for more insights and inspiration.
Join the journey—one word at a time!
View all posts by Jim Kepler
