Mousetronaut Goes to Mars

by Mark Kelly

AR Test, Must Read, Picture Book

At A Glance

Interest Level

4 - 8

Entertainment
Score

Reading Level
3.7

Number of Pages
40

Meteor has been training to go to Mars on the Galaxy Rocket. He’s just a little mouse, but he has studied, exercised, and prepared just like the human astronauts. He is ready to fly thirty-five million miles away from Earth. However, when the names are called, Meteor isn’t on the list.

Determined to go to the red planet, Meteor stows away on the ship. Throughout the trip, he plans to stay hidden. But when there is an unexpected mission malfunction, can Meteor save the day?

Meteor is a small, but mighty mouse that will inspire readers to learn more about space. Author and astronaut, Mark Kelly incorporates space facts into the story. The facts are integrated well and never feel like a science lesson. The plot is fast-paced, action-packed, and at times humorous.

Fun, full-colored illustrations capture the many expressions of Meteor. Besides being adorably cute, the illustrations show the hard work and dedication of astronauts. The astronauts and other NASA workers include both men and women of different races. Both the story and illustrations will captivate younger readers until the very end. At the end of the story, the author gives information about the space program, Mars, and other interesting facts.

Even though Mousetronaut Goes to Mars is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for a child to read it for the first time independently. Most pages contain 2-4 sentences, which makes the story a quick read and an excellent bedtime story. Younger readers will want to read Mousetronaut Goes to Mars over and over again because of the inspiring message that even small people (or mice) can make a big difference. Readers will fall in love with Meteor, who will inspire them to have big dreams.

If your little reader enjoys reading about space, Mars Needs Moms would be another excellent book to add to your child’s reading list.

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