Children's Space Books Books

I am a Lutheran Church librarian in Florida who bought this book for our church library. It is wonderful! Read the other reviewers' comments about the text. What struck me most as a former art teacher are the fabulous paper-cut and assembled illustrations! I also love the contrast between a small New England church and the Dome of the Rock, for example. Or all the tiny figures encircling the Kaaba. Wow! This is simply a superb book. If I were wealthy enough to collect my favorite children's books, this would be among them. Children will love the text and lose themselves in the paper-cut illustrations. Top-notch book!

Giles Laroche's numerous books are magical, and this is one of his best. It is also educational, with a clear and well written text by Philomon Sturges.
There is a short explanation of the great religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and 26 descriptions of the places depicted. A useful world map is on the final page, so one can see exactly where these Sacred Places are.
I have had the privilege of seeing Mr. Laroche's work in a gallery setting, and marveled at its intricacy and inventiveness; his skill in using paper as an art medium is unparalleled (he calls his technique "paper relief"), and as I work with similar tools as a collage artist, I am in awe of his mastery.

The reproductions in this book are excellent, with good color (the tiles of the Dome of the Rock are gorgeous !), and Mr. Laroche's sense of perspective is also wonderful; I found the overview of the Kaaba spectacular and startling, as I never envisioned it as being in the midst of a city. The large vista of Jerusalem is also fabulous, but so are the smaller, simpler pieces, like the Wailing Wall and the Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, which are two of my favorites.
Children of all ages will be enchanted with this book, for its instructive content, and its whimsical, exquisite art.

This book is filled with the most wonderful illustration. We are shown the many different places people worship, and find peace. Just a beautiful book! Thank you

Wonderful book and the Illustrator, Giles Laroche's work
makes this book so special. I have another book with Giles's
illustrations called "Ragged Shadows" (Halloween) he signed for me while
doing his now famous paper cutting masterpieces at the Shaughnessy
School in Lowell, Massachusetts. Grab "Scared Places" while
you can!

One of the joys of having Amazon friends is that they lead you to books that otherwise would not come into your sightline. I am indebted to Alejandra Vernon for introducing this little treasure to me. Although this is a book "written for grades 4 - 6" it is much more than a children's book of beautiful pictures and brief introductory statements to accompany them. This book gently opens the common pathways between the great religions of the world, showing, subtly, that Islam, Cristianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism are all similar means to an end. That said, the author and illustrator show the wondrous differences that enhance our appreciation and respect for religions many of us don't fully understand. This book, beautifully designed and written, should be in the front of every bookstore across the world just now. Were it required reading for all people, I think we would not be at war........

This book is both hilarious and touching. A modern fairy tale, something like a combination of Dr. Seuss and Bloom County. The enchanting story pops off the page thanks to the illustrations, which are in a league with (though a different style from) Stephen Gammell and Chris Van Allsburg. Highly recommended.

What a wonderful addition to anyone's library whether you are 7 or 70. An interesting twist on an otherwise incredible tale of childhood dreams and hopes. The illustrations are wonderful and imaginative. I know I will enjoy this book for many years and look forward to sharing it with my family. Enjoy!

with an abundance of enchanting illustrations throughout. This inspired book is charming and poignant and truly captures the wonder of Christmas in an imaginative way.

Saint Nick & the Space Nicks is a wonderful holiday treat for children
of all ages. Brilliant illustrations and a wildly imaginative story make this a must for all Christmas-loving kids and adults. Buy this book and read it with your kids, you'll all love it.

This is a must have to add to your child's book collection. Amazing illustrations and an equally entertaining story...how could you go wrong. This will hold your interest no matter what age you are. Finally an original story that get is truly a joy to read.

The International Space Station (ISS) had been operational for a while when this second edition came out in 2004, so there are a lot of great interior and exterior photos. I'm an adult "space fan" with an interest in educational outreach, so I'm always looking for good space-themed books for kids, and this is one of the best I've ever seen. And it's not just for kids - I learned a lot myself! The hands-on activities look great too (haven't tried any yet).

Construction is finally continuing on the ISS now. The shuttle Atlantis is still in space as I write this, having just delivered and installed a major new ISS section, and private space explorer Ms Anousheh Ansari is in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft ready to dock with and board the ISS tomorrow. It's going to be a busy place in the coming months, so if you or your kids are at all curious about the ISS or space flight in general, get this well written book and become a Space Station expert practically overnight!

An excellent book about the science of free-fall and space, written for kids, but interesting for adults as well. It has tons of interesting "hands-on" demonstrations suitable for kids that illustrate how the space station works. Would be great if you wanted ideas for a science project, or just if you're interested in the science behind space missions.

Space Station Science was selected by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators to receive the Golden Kite Award for best nonfiction children's book of 1999. Booklist named it a Top Ten Youth Science Book, and the National Science Teachers Association and Children's Book Council named it an Outstanding Trade Book for 2000.

Marianne Dyson has produced a wonderful, thoughtful book that answers many of children's questions about living in space. How do you go to the bathroom? How do you eat? How do you breathe? She provides clear explanations and wonderful, first-hand quotes from astronauts that bring the experience to the reader in a fresh manner. The little science experiements and "try this at home" examples are a delight and really set this book apart. I read this book to my 10-year old as a bed-time story and we both loved it! As the International Space Station becomes operational next year, this volume will be indespensable for explaining to curious youngsters just what is going on.

Dyson's treatment of the phenomena in microgravity is particularly good. She provides a variety of entertaining experiments to demonstrate technology used in space. Though this book is clear enough for older children, it certainly would furnish an interested adult with plenty of new information in a readable, interesting style. This is a good gift book for that curious kid on your gift list -- but you should also get a copy for your coffee table.

I bought this on the recommendation of the first reviewer and I'm so glad I did. My 8 year-old loved it. When I told him it was about a boy named Alex who has an annoying little brother and likes to invent things, he agreed to pick it up. But the story kept him hooked and I soon noticed him scribbling in a little notebook his own inventions and asking for cardboard boxes. And he asked for the second book. That's quite an achievement.

So, Mr. Asch, please keep them coming!

Alex got 10 boxes of cardbord. He started to build a star jumper. then he went into the atic and got himself a space suit. then he got into his sta-r jumper and blasted off!

I like this book because it was about space. I would recommend this book to a 7 year old who is an advanced reader. Anyone who is interested in science and space will like this book. review written by a 7 year old boy

After reading this book, you'll want to go buy a roll of duct tape and get a few boxes. Young genius Alex can tackle any challenge with a little cardboard and that famous tape. A lively story of two brothers: One genius, the other obnoxious. Or is he? Big brother Alex, a math whiz kid, will soon remove himself from the dread of little brother Jonathan, as his Star Jumper spaceship leaps him to another corner of the galaxy. But Jonathan has ideas of his own, and reveals HIS inventive side.

I am a teacher who thought my boys book club for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders would like "Star Jumper". They loved the book from page 1, even the boys who are usually reluctant readers!!! Their parents commented on how eagerly their children read this book. By the way, we were inspired to build our own cardboard spaceship. A real winner!!

Today I read Star Jumper: Journal of a Cardboard Genius, by Frank Asch. This is a quick and accessible read, which I would put at about a third grade reading level. Alternatively, it could suit older reluctant readers, especially boys.

The book is about a boy named Alex who has a keen interest in scientific invention, a healthy ego, and a pesky six-year-old brother named Jonathan. In order to get away from Jonathan, the bane of his existence, Alex decides to build a spaceship out of cardboard boxes, and travel across the universe. Using odds and ends from around his house, he invents all of the necessary trappings for space travel: the ship, the space suit, the oxygen generator, the atom slider, and the micro blaster (you'll have to read the book for the details). But before Alex can leave town (yes, the spaceship really does fly), Jonathan reveals his own capacity for invention, and throws a wrench into the works.

I think that this book will have considerable appeal for young boys, thanks to the details of the spaceship and the other inventions. I think that for boys who have annoying younger brothers, the book may be irresistible. The sibling rivalry is realistically depicted, as are the caring psychologist parents. I personally found Alex's ego a bit off-putting (he keeps going on about what a genius he is), but I think that the book's target audience will be able to relate to this.

What I love about this book are the illustrations. This is a chapter book, but scattered throughout the text are small black and white illustrations, drawings from Alex's journal. My favorite is a map of the universe, labeled "me" at one end, and "Jonathan" at the other end. Anyone who has ever had a younger sibling will immediately relate to this drawing. There's also a drawing of Jonathan as a baby, saying his first words: "I'll tell Mom". Oh, the joy of younger brothers!

As you might expect in a children's book that addresses sibling rivalry, the book does conclude with some resolution of the conflict between Alex and Jonathan. But it's far from heavy handed, and seemed to me realistic rather than overdone.

So, if you have a child who is fascinated by space travel, or who likes to invent things from ordinary household objects, or who is driven to distraction by a younger sibling, you should give Star Jumper: Journal of a Cardboard Genius a try. You won't regret it.

Beautifully illustrated and story line leaving plenty of room for a young imagination to fill in. We love this book and have read it nearly every night since we purchased it!

Davey is bored even though his move to Mars from Earth should be exciting. He and his robot dog find adventures easily - until curiosity leads to a big discovery. Large-size drawings provide a read suitable for those moving from picturebooks to the next level, while an adventure-packed space story adds exciting attraction, especially for reluctant readers.

Reviewed by Matthew Feliciano (age 7) for Reader Views (2/08)

Davey's family moves to Mars because they want to get away from Earth because there are too many people. Davey knows that there is nothing to do on Mars so he doesn't want to go, but he has to. One day he and his dog, Polaris, go on his scooter to go around Mars and explore. They soon find a crater that the dog sniffed out. When they are digging in the crater, there is a loud CRACK and water starts gushing out of it. More people start coming to Mars because there is water there. Davey goes surfing one day and when he comes back his mother says "There are too many people here. We have to move to Saturn." And Davey knows there is NOTHING to do on Saturn!

"There's Nothing to Do on Mars" was fun to read. The illustrations were not that great and I didn't really like them, but the story was so good that I could ignore the pictures. It was cool to be able to imagine living on Mars.

While the other reviewers noted the charm of this book in general 'fun and nice for a child' ways, I have a different slant. Being a child of the Apollo days and growing up when the idea of going to another planet was the only thrill that could be imagined I've become a bit empty over the decades noticing that that excitement is no longer a major force in our children's lives. Politicians talktalktalk about Education (the industry) while they slashslashslash the budgets of programs that actually make children have a reason to want to learn anything.

But on I hope.

My son is now four and I have looked several times for space oriented books but have overwhelmingly found only science books targetted at 10+ kids (and even then the mentions of Humans on other worlds are depressingly tinged with the yellow of it all having happened three generations in the past, making the excitement level about as high as hearing about Columbus; Mildly important but not anything that that seems like something that they can grow up to do themselves and definitely not something that a little kid can ponder doing right now in their current little bodies).

While poking through the store shelves, with a copy of SkippyJohnJones in my hand I spotted this... luckily far away from the science books and instead "where the fun books are, daddy"

The artwork (amazingly *Hand-Engraved* out of clay covered board, it explains in very tiny print on the copyright page) is like a mix of 30's pulp scifi but with a touch of atomic age, and the simple text, not more than a handful of sentences on each page, made it really jump out as being quality but also easy for a little guy or girl. These lush, but also simple, pictures span both pages and the story takes up just a sliver down either side; Absolutely perfect for the Story Times at a preschool (I join my son sometimes in such a circle when I can pick him up early enough and have observed that this kind of format is something that the teachers prefer because it seems to work well).

And about that story... it is the little things that make it so special. There is no banging the kid over the head but there is actual learning in the words.

Point one: The "treasure" that Davie and Polaris were looking for - and that they dug up; That "the treasure" Is there just a bit below the surface (as we adults now know for a fact) and that it makes all the difference to Mars and to people on Mars is presented so well.

Point two: Something that my son just asked about all by himself tonight - on one page the boy builds a fort(!) and it's really easy for him to build a great one because on Mars he can pick up big rocks all by himself; my son said "why can he do that, daddy?" and I could say casually 'because on Mars things weigh less and little guys can do big, strong things there' I saw his mind turning that one over for a little while (After all, doing big strong things is important to little people who often feel powerless, isn't it?)

Point three: That last page that other reviews have mentioned is more than just a cute little twist. Once Mars is ours some Humans with desire will be looking even higher for more worlds to explore.

Now, you might think me some nut Father, trying to push my child into something... maybe so but I do try to not press, I just want to expose my child to the excitement of possibilities beyond just one already-explored-and-known place. And it's so hard to find those possibilities expressed in ways that he can understand.

Chris Gall does it with this book.

Maybe, maybe some child who has a parent or grandparent read it to them will get a spark and maybe turn that spark into a real space exploration again (or even grow up to be a politician who can think beyond next week's polls and actually do a big thing instead of just talking big ... I have faith that that can happen too ... call me a romantic ;-)), but at the very least if only for a few minutes this book will make your child aware of the fact that other planets aren't just pictures that lifeless robots take for us watch-it-on-tv comfortzoners, that they are places that real people can go and do special things that even a kid would want to do.

I got the book at the store that night (along with SkippyJohnJones)... and tonight after my son picked the book out himself from the shelf and asked me to read it to him I came to Amazon to buy a copy for his school.

A kid has to dream that he can make a difference, right?

THERE'S NOTHING TO DO ON MARS is the delightful and charming book of a very bored boy named Davey Martin. His family has just moved to Mars (in a spaceship, which resembles a pre-1950s Airstream trailer!) and he is contemplating that age-old question of "there's nothing to do!"

Written by award-winning illustrator, Chris Gall, it is filled with unique illustrations. I especially liked how Polaris, the dog, looked just like MY dog! (Well, except for the little antenna tail!)LOL Davey was portrayed in the coolest manner as well. His face and spacesuit were reminiscent of the art from the 1930's - 1950's. And totally loved his tennis shoes!

The Martians and monsters on Mars were scary and fun! Unfortunately they smelled really, really BAD - because they hadn't bathed in like forever!

Join Davey and Polaris, his dog, as they set out for adventure on Mars; build forts; and make discoveries...on Mars. It will help all students and kids come to the realization that you can explore and find fun and excitement WHEREVER you go!

This book is a treasure for old and young alike. It would be especially helpful as a gift for any youngster whose family is moving or who is "the new kid at school." And if your child is constantly complaining, "Mom! I'm BORED! There's NOTHING to do!" - well, it would be sooo totally appropriate.

'Wade scanned the house. It looked impressive in the mid-morning light. The pillars cast shadows against the white stone. The sun glinted in the windows. Suddenly Wade froze. Something had moved inside one the windows. He was sure of it.
"Doctor Lyst" he said. He now saw a woman upstairs who had been nearly just shaking out a big and old dusty mat.
"Doctor Lyst" he cried again, "there is someone in the house".
"No, it can't be, there is supposed to be no one inside." replied the doctor.
He peeked inside of his binoculars and saw the woman.
"Oh no" he said . Then the doctor reached for his radio in his belt and said "Abort the detonation". Just then the house exploded.
This story takes place in a far away land called Marus. A boy named Wade was in his garage when all of a sudden, he was in Marus in the back yard of a guy's house named Arin. He was kidnapped because peolple thought that he was the Unseen One because of his hair. But the Tyran used his knowledge of bombs to create the atomic bomb and rule the world.
I thought that this book was exciting and very suspenseful. This book is reccomended to war fanatics or just people who love to study the history of war. It also has to do with the Bible too. It says that there is the Unseen One and that represents God. So if you are or not a Christian who loves to read adventure, then this is the book for you. Trust me, it's okay.

I loved this book. It's set in times parallel to bible times. This book is intense at times, so I wouldn't recomend it for kids much younger than 10. If your child loves to read, or you're looking for a book ot teach him about God, this one is perfect. I hope this has helped you, and thank you for your time.

An old story in a new world.Many of us dream of going to parallel world's and visiting alein's. But what if we did go to a different world and visit not alein's but real people just like you and me?Then to top it off you don't even know that you're not on your planet anymore.The only way your realize it is all of the people of the people of Marus(a town)have never heard of Odyssey or The United States of America. A book of twists and turns that will leave you dazzled and dazed. WONDERFUL

The second in the Passages series by Paul McCusker, this book chronicles how the young boy Wade accidentally entered into the world of Marus while in the fit of a fever. He finds himself in the shelter of a man named Arin. After being cared for by Arin and his family, Arin tells Wade that it has been revealed to him by the Unseen One (Who is known in our world as God) that there would be a great judgment because of the wickedness of the Marusians. Arin doesn't know what it will be, but the final sign before the disaster would be the appearance of a blond-haired boy. Blond hair doesn't exist in Marus. Wade goes against Arin's warning, and ventures out into the danger of Marus beyond Arin's compound walls. He finds himself captured, and taken before a man who wishes to further the sciences of Marus - no matter what the cost. Soon Wade finds himself in the middle of political controversy, and a tyrant's rule, all the while trying to escape...Arin's Judgment.

I really enjoyed Paul McCusker's Passages series...there's some sort of part of the human brain that relishes stories of other worlds, be it Narnia or Middle-Earth. This, added with the wonderful re-telling of the story of Noah make this book a cool read.

For the parents: I'm only a teenager myself, so I figure I should let any parents know whether or not their kids would want to read this. Of course, there's some graphic stuff that happens...there's some description of the plague that hits Marus, a palace is blown up, a man is killed by the flaming shards (and implied that several more are), a boy has a dream of skeletal figures attacking him...some stuff like this might make some people sensitive to that kind of thing hesitant, but I thought they were pretty cool myself...and it's only as violent as your imagination lets you think of.

I finished reading this book.And think "That was a good book"
Really worth reading.I loved it. "I want to read more!!" I say.LOL.Yes, it was very VERY exciting!
Glennal's Betrayal is really simalar to Joseph King of Dreams.
When Joseph was sold as a slave by his very own brothers.
Very simalar but put in diffrent words.
I tell you again.Worth reading.
EXTREMELY EXCITING
:D

An incredible journey to another world, this book will take you on an awesome ride. My 10 year old could not put it down.

Paul McCusker writes the i've ever read.I loved this book about a different world full of unexpected twists and tunrns that will leave you dazzled,dazed,and writing emails to Paul McCusker and asking him to write more books of the same.

I absolutely love Paul McCusker's Passages books. I've been a fan of the Adventures in Odyssey program for years, and this book can function with or without prior Odyssey experience.

Young James finds himself in another world, and soon rescuing a young boy from his brothers. No sooner does he rescue him than the brothers return, and sell them both as slaves! James and Glennal soon discover they've been given a unique ability...together they can have visions of future events, by the power of the Unseen One. (God) They attempt to use their gift to help, but soon much more than their freedom depends on them!!

Like I've said before, the Passages series grabs the brain lobe that loves the fantasy adventures of journeys to other worlds much like Narnia, or Middle-Earth. Lots of fun, and lots of learning too.

For the parents: Glennal and James encounter rough treatment in slavery, and one man dies a violent death in a labor camp. Another is implied executed (with a graphic vision about it beforehand)

Michigan Chillers (Aliens Attack Alpena)
By:Jonothan Rands

Have you ever seen an alien in Michigan? Well,
I have in one of Jonothon Rands Michigan Chiller
books. This book will make you jump right out of
your skin! I like this book because it is a scary
book. Read this book because when you do you will
like to read his other 10 Michigan Chillers. This is
a mystery book where the character solve the
mystery for you.

Aliens Attack Alpena is a great book. If you like scary, funny, and weird books you got to read Michigan Chillers! I think if you haven't read them you got to check them out. They are one of my favorite books. I got to meet the Authour he is realy cool.

I recently met Johnathon Rand, and he's really nice. I especially like his horror books, and "Aliens Attack Alpena," is a good book to read if you like horror.

Aliens Attack Alpena
By Jonathan Rand

The story is about aliens attacking Alpena, and there are hundreds of them. Do you think Meghan and the boy and the friendly alien will destroy the bad aliens? Or will the bad aliens take over the world?
I like the story because it is exciting to read. The author makes the story so that you can see the pictures in your mind. I really want to read all the rest of the books.
This book is written so that the reader will be entertained and hooked into the series.

I love Dave Cooper's "adult" comics work and his beautiful fine art.
With this his first childrens' book, he has created a beautiful and endearing story. I hope there are more children's book to come from Mr. Mumbly.
: )

Supergood! The story and art by Dave Cooper's mentor Hector Mumbley is every bit as good as his protege's. Charming and sweet, and incredibly well drawn; I got this for ME, but I know kids will love it, too.

Hector Mumbly's (Dave Cooper's) debut book for children is a lushly illustrated, fun and silly story with a tall tale that maybe isn't so tall after all. The story is a solid one, though it is not an unfamiliar or daring plot.

If you are familiar with Dave Cooper's comics and paintings, you know to expect a rich color palette and loose, exciting linework. Children will surely love to find all the details hidden in the illustrations, and the ridiculous-sounding words will keep them listening. Grown-ups will want to stare at the pages long after reading the words. This is a book of beautiful artwork that will fit well on any illustration-lover's shelf, regardless of whether they have children of their own or not.

We got this book as a gift for my son's 3rd birthday and it's now both of our favorites.

The story is goofy and fun, the pages filled with Dave's fantastic illustrations. They're detailed and wacky and you're always finding new amazing little things in them.

It's just the right length for bed time and he plays with the act of reading throughout. It's a really fun, interactive book that just as fun for an adult to flip through as a kid.

Totally fantastic book, great print quality, highly recommended.

great book. very simple graphics that get the imagination going. both my 4 year old and 1 year old love this book.

My kids love reading this book. When the bigger fish can't get through the hole, the word is "OUCH". My kids love that, and think it's so funny. Beautiful book and cute! I found this book elsewhere for less than $6.

"Blue Sea" is a delightful book to help the beginner/elementary reader learn simple comparative and superlative adjectives. "Small," "Smaller," "Smallest," and "Big," "Bigger," "Biggest" are mentioned in this 21-page story that averages about 3-4 words per page. The text is large, and the visuals are simple, colorful, and uncluttered.

I work with small children as a speech therapist and have found that this book teaches many different concepts in only a few pages. The little ones request it over and over again, even those who cannot yet ask verbally. The text is crisp and concise, and the pictures invite children to offer comments throughout the book. It is possible to read this book over and over and discuss many different concepts while having a lot of fun. I am on my way to wearing out my second copy.

I purchased this book because it was part of the continued reading list for Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons. My daughters like it a lot and my 7y.o. asks if she can read it to her dad and grandparents.

It's a very simple book with few words and bold colors...a great confidence booster, yet doesn't loose a child's interest.