  | Spaceman Author: Cecil, Randy | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
A tiny Spaceman arrives on a new planet, ready to perform his monotonous tasks--collecting samples, labeling and filing them, and moving on to the next planet. But pausing to look around, the Spaceman is dazzled by the beauty of his surroundings. And when a large bird makes off with his ship, he's forced to venture out into this new world-planet Earth-on foot. Could it be that the Spaceman has found a new home?
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.10 Points: .5 Quiz: 552022 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (03/01/24)
School Library Journal (+) (06/14/24)
Booklist (+) (02/15/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/03/24)
The Hornbook (00/03/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 06/14/2024 K-Gr 2—When the titular orange-skinned extraterrestrial first arrives on Earth, he finds himself fairly unimpressed by his seemingly "ordinary" surroundings. Before he can return to his ship, however, he watches helplessly as it is carried off by a curious bird. The spaceman gathers his courage in pursuit of the "winged bandit," soon finding himself encountering an inquisitive pup. Increasingly frustrated, the alien calls to the stars for help, only to notice them fading. In the light of day, the spaceman finds himself in awe of the flora, fauna, and wildlife, even enjoying a new round of play with the dog. Soon reveling in the joy of companionship and nature, the extraterrestrial ponders his next move, before making a decision that allows him to stay in this new beautiful place with a new friend. Cecil's text is subtly humorous with its formal observational tone, with young readers sure to enjoy the misidentification of familiar plants and animals. The oil illustrations are particularly notable for their texture and depth, lending beauty to the inviting landscape. VERDICT A clever and charming story of perspective, belonging, and finding oneself, this is a highly recommended for purchase.—Olivia Gorecke - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 02/15/2024 *Starred Review* A little spaceship lands on a rather dim, ordinary-looking planet, and a tiny spaceman begins his routine: collecting, labeling, and organizing soil samples. When a bird flies off with his spaceship, he gives chase, but he’s soon distracted by a variety of intriguing plants. A “hideous beast” leaps out at him, and the spaceman flees in terror. Still, as the sky lightens, he’s fascinated by the many strange, often beautiful creatures. Even the beast isn’t threatening, but playful. They become friends. The spaceman considers completing his work, but when he finds his spaceship in a tree, he nudges it and watches it fall, splash, and disappear into the pond below. He’s content to stay in “this extraordinary place,” laughing and playing with his new friend. Written from the spaceman’s viewpoint, the narrative flows well from one discovery to the next. In Cecil’s oil paintings, the colors become clearer and brighter as the story progresses, and so does the story’s tone. Like the lovable spaceman himself, this is one of those quirky, original picture books that appeal to many adults as well as children. Preschoolers, in particular, will enjoy pointing out that the spaceman’s “hideous beast” is actually a friendly dog. A quirky, original picture book. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
