Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Winter Reading 2021 Mars! Earthlings Welcome

Gr. K - 4 Ink and watercolor illustrations combine with a first-person narrative in this picture book centered on Mars. Readers learn that Mars the fourth planet from the Sun, the second smallest in the solar system, and is “rocky" and "rugged.” Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, and the tallest volcano in the solar system. Older students will enjoy the personification of the planet and the humorous narrative. For instance, Mars claims to be like Earth - only better - because the Red Planet has a longer day than Earth by 37 minutes. The text also discusses the probes and rovers sent from Earth. Of course, visitors should remember to bring their own oxygen. Back matter includes information on Mars exploration to date, a comparison of Earth and Mars, and a note to “Potential Mars Visitors.” VERDICT: A humorous approach to planetary facts for the elementary grades.

(My review originally appeared in School Library Journal, January 2021, p. 85.)

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