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Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth

I was sent this by the publisher

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By: Frank Cottrell Boyce

Prez is a Temporary, a kid who doesn’t live at home, he can’t he doesn’t have parents and his Granddad can no longer look after him. During the summer though Temporary kids are sent to stay with families. Prez’s family live on a farm, it’s not where he wants to be but it is better than nothing. He is at the farm when Sputnik comes into his life. Sputnik is a small, loud alien that wears a kilt, the thing is though everyone else just sees a dog. Sputnik tells Prez he is there to look after him and that the Earth is going to be destroyed unless they can find ten things worth doing or seeing. So a normal summer turns into a ridiculous time of learning to see things through another creatures eyes and hopefully saving the planet. Of course all Prez really wants is to see his Granddad again.

This is a fun and somewhat ridiculous story that turns some very familiar things on their head. Believe me some of the things Sputnik discovers will make you wish it really was that way. Prez is so relatable his ordinariness and Sputnik is a great counterbalance to that. The pace is cracking and the adventures they go on are so much fun, despite their bland kind of beginnings.A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Publisher: Pan MacMillan

Published: 7th April 2016

Key Words: Fun, Adventure, Space

Age: 8-12

ISBN: 9781509819973

 

Category:

Fiction 8-12, Uncategorized

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Alien Escape

I was sent this book by the publisher

alien-escape

By: Geronimo Stilton

Book 1 of the Spacemice series

Geronimo Stiltonix is the captain of Mousestar 1, a fabulous spaceship. He is rudely awakened from his dreams to discover said spaceship is about to explode. This is not good news especially when it turns out that the batteries need replacing. Geronimo is thrilled when a group of strange aliens offer to help by giving them access to a rare element. The aliens might not be as friendly as they seem though.

Using the same format that makes the various other Stilton series so popular. The story is simple, the text visually interesting and the illustrations fun and colourful. If you’ve taken your kids through the other books then this could be a fun addition to your reading time. If you have kids that are just starting their reading journey and they are interested in space and science fiction, then this could be a good choice for you. Silly fun.

Publisher: Scholastic US

Format: Paperback | 128 pages

Publication date: 1 May 2014

Genre: Adventure, Space

ISBN 13: 9780545646505

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on side of page

Category:

Fiction 4-9

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Mouse in Space

9780545481915By : Geronimo Stilton

Geronimo Stilton series book 52

Geronimo has done something that meant he has a special agent status. The only problem is Geronimo is more a fraidy mouse than a bravey mouse. In fact he’s just put in a whole new security system to protect himself. Geronimo is thrust into danger when an evil professor threatens his home with his horrible inventions. Geronimo is part of the team put together to thwart the professor’s plans, this means he has to prepare to go into space. Not a prospect Geronimo feels comfortable doing in any way, shape or form.

This is a hugely fun addition to the Geronimo series. It is a reading scheme series that stays strong with it’s fun and fast paced stories, short chapters and bright illustrations. Added to this is the facts sprinkled throughout that mean there is a little bit of an educational edge to these books.

I love the series. Highly recommended.

Publisher: Scholastic US

Published: 01 March 2013

Format: Paperback 107 pages

Categories: Reading Schemes, Animal Stories, Space

ISBN 13: 9780545481915

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page

Category:

Fiction 4-9

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Ender’s Game – Movie Trailer

Okay, so this book is one of those Must Read books on so many YA lists. It is even one that has made school lists. Sadly it is still on my massive to be read pile. This trailer has made me more interested in reading it though and that can’t be a bad thing.

I can’t say Hollywood will get this right, I was however excited to see the cast listing for this – Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis and Harrison Ford (back in space – yay!)

Before viewing I will say some of the comments I read about the trailer lead me to think it contains spoilers so be forewarned.

Category:

Book to Film

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Zac’s Moon Trip

By: HI Larry

Zac Power Test Drive series book 1

Zac Power is a spy, his codename is Rockstar and he gets to test the new spy equipment. This time he has to go into space to test two new gadgets and in the process clean a dirty space station. Will he get the job done before the space goo eats through the space station.

The test drive series are large print chapter books designed for beginning readers, there are a few illustrations and plenty of white space so it doesn’t look too daunting. The story itself is fast, fun and easy to understand. This series is ideal for young readers who like a bit of action and adventure.

Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Published: 01 February 2009

Format: Paperback 48 pages

Categories: Adventure

ISBN 13: 9781921502033

Purchase: here or use Booktopia logo on side of page

Category:

Fiction 4-9

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Thea Stilton & the Star Castaways

By: Thea Stilton

The Thea sisters have been invited on a mission to the moon. They are the guests of billionaire business mouse, Napoleon Smith, who is trialling out his space travel agency to a small number of select guests. After going through some training and being in awe of the company they are in, the sisters soon realise there are things going on under the surface. Then a shuttle crashes and the robots in the moon resort start acting terribly. It looks as though Napoleon Smith’s dream of a hotel on the moon may not happen. It’s a good thing the Thea sisters are there, they have a knack for sorting out mysteries like this.

Another entertaining installment of the Thea Stilton series. The fun style of these stories is not the only reason they are so popular. Yes they are visually appealing but the stories are also engrossing and fun. As an added bonus there are little factoids thrown in along the way, to encourage learning as well as entertainment. These books are a good introduction to chapter books, though some readers may find the volume of text a little daunting, something I found to be balanced out by the shortness of the chapters and the very visual presentation.

Recommended.

Publisher: Scholastic US

Published: 01 September 2011

Format: Paperback 156 pages

Categories: Adventure Crime Mystery

ISBN 13: 9780545227742

Purchase: here or use Booktopia logo on side of page

Category:

Fiction 4-9

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The Way Back Home

By: Oliver Jeffers

While cleaning up one day a little boy finds a plane. he decides to take it out flying but when he runs out of fuel he finds himself stuck on the moon. But he isn’t alone. At first he is scared but when the boy and the Martian get together they come up with a plan they will make sure they both can get home.

A fun story that is ideal for readers interested in Martians and space. It is story of working together and having a wonderful adventure. Its simple text makes it ideal for younger readers. Once again the illustrations are just amazing.

 

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Published: 06 May 2008

Format: Paperback 32 pages

Categories: Storybooks

ISBN 13: 9780007182329

Purchase: here

 

Category:

Picture Books

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How To Catch A Star

By: Oliver Jeffers

This is the story of a boy who really loved stars. He loved them so much he wanted to catch one of his own. he starts his search early in the morning but no star. All day he waits until finally he sees one. Then he has to figure out how to catch it. he tries many ways. Will he ever have a star of his own?

This is a beautifully told tale about wanting something and doing what you can to pursue that dream. Accompanied by the easily recognisable Jeffers illustrations – so beautifully simple and stylised. This is a wonderful story, great for bedtime or any other time.

 

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Published: 03 May 2005

Format: Paperback 32 pages

Categories: Picture Books

ISBN 13: 9780007150342

Purchase: here


Category:

Picture Books

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