Common Sense Media Review
A revitalizing dose of imagination, inspiration.
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What's the Story?
A curious contraption made out of junk becomes a transport to adventure when a young boy and his friend use their imaginations to fuel a voyage into outer space. Ezra Jack Keats's tale is a revitalizing dose of imagination and an inspiration for young children.
Is It Any Good?
Returning to one of Ezra Keats' favorite themes -- saluting a child's ingenuity -- this delightful book features dazzling full-color, full-page illustrations with paintings and cut paper. The collages of outer space are fascinating, with whorls of sparkling colors breaking up the inky blackness. Loyal Keats fans will enjoy the visual puns.
Children unfamiliar with Keats' previous book, Louie's Search, won't understand the references to Louie's "new" father or the man's occupation, which is never explained in this book. Also, why Figgie and Ruthie have become attached to Louie and Susie's craft is unclear. Yet these small inconsistencies do not detract from a child's enjoyment of the text.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about imagination. Look around your house for something that seems to be just junk. What could you do with it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ezra Jack Keats
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : January 1, 1981
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Last updated : July 12, 2017
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