Super Space Weekend

November 1, 2023

Gr 3-6-Young space enthusiasts can join friends Squeak, Orni, and Castor as they spend a weekend camping out in Squeak's tree house observatory. Each character has a unique personality: Squeak is the astronomy expert, Castor is full of questions, and Orni just wants to hang out in the tree house and have a fun weekend. Together they learn about Earth's place in the universe, navigating by the stars, and even the difference between comets, asteroids, and meteorites. Diagrams of the solar system and phases of the Moon support the explanations Squeak provides for the group. There are also cameos of famous female space explorers, a discussion of the various wavelengths of light, and how long it takes the light from distant stars to reach Earth. For those interested in doing their own stargazing, there is a map of the night sky and tips on observing the planets. Comic-style illustrations in black and white use color sparingly to show the different types of stars, a polar aurora, a stellar nebula, and the visible light spectrum. The book ends with suggested activities for readers to have their own super space adventure and includes seasonal maps of the constellations. VERDICT A great introduction to astronomy concepts with plenty of friendly humor to keep readers engaged.-Suzanne Costner

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2023
In this French import, three animal friends spend a weekend in a treehouse observatory, learning about the universe and what makes it tick. With--initially at least--varying degrees of enthusiasm, Squeak, Orni, and Castor walk away from a city's light pollution to see night skies thickly strewn with stars open up overhead. The trio then receive a schooling in basic astronomy ("the MOTHER OF ALL SCIENCES!" as astro-geek Squeak proclaims), from the lives of stars and planets to the electromagnetic spectrum and the Big Bang. The topics don't appear to be organized in any logical order, and readers will likely be left puzzled by the author's (or perhaps translator's) unexplained reference to the asteroid belt's "very peculiar location between Mars and Jupiter," not to mention being misled by simplistic claims that solar flares are "not dangerous" (they can be) and that planets are by definition "alone in their orbit." Still, by and large the facts are sound and presented in easily digestible bits interspersed with amusing banter. The three campers, portrayed Walt Kelly-style as anthropomorphic figures with the heads of rodent- or birdlike animals, share borderless panels with images of stellar and interstellar phenomena set against bright white or solid black backdrops. Young skywatchers can test their knowledge by filling in the names of select constellations on a set of sky maps at the end. Not exactly seamless or systematic but lighthearted enough to draw a crowd. (Graphic nonfiction. 8-10)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.