Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cute, charming, curious kids explore space and astronomy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SUPER SPACE WEEKEND: ADVENTURES IN ASTRONOMY, Squeak, Orni, and Castor are friends who spend a weekend at Squeak's observatory that is built right into a tree house located far away from the city and its light and pollution that prevent clear looks at the night sky. Over the course of their weekend, they learn all about the stars, space, planets, the sun, moons, asteroids, comets, meteorites, orbits, constellations, the light spectrum, the big bang, and other astronomy facts.
Is It Any Good?
This graphic novel is more of a collection of full-page illustrations that explore different topics of astronomy than a novel. Each chapter in Super Space Weekend: Adventures in Space is about a topic, like how stars are born, how the sun works, what planets and orbits are like, and so on. Three animal-like kids -- Squeak, Orni, and Castor -- guide the reader through each chapter. They're playful, curious stand-ins for readers who might not be that interested in space and astronomy. Squeak's observatory is appealingly in his tree house, the children ask each other great questions, ponder greater mysteries, and propel themselves onto the next topic of curiosity, occasionally pausing "in the real world" to make jokes or playfully nudge one another toward their next exploration.
The illustrations are incredibly helpful, if, at times, a bit dense and packed with information. But the moments where color is used provide great instances of extra wonder and impact. Practical advice, too, stands out, like how to find different stars, constellations and planets in the night sky. This book is part of a "Science Adventure Club" series, and other books will explore things like the ocean. For kids interested in astronomy, this is a great place to start.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about space exploration and the history of astronomy. What are the most fascinating parts of Super Space Weekend: Adventures in Astronomy? What are your favorite facts about space and planets and stars?
How do Squeak, Orni, and Castor show curiosity? When they look up at the sky, what do you think they are thinking? How do they show communication and teamwork while learning about space and astronomy?
Who do you feel you are most like, Squeak, Orni, or Castor? Who do you think knows the most about space and astronomy?
Of all the planets in our solar system, which one are you most interested in and why?
Would you like to go to space? If so, where would you want to go?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Gaëlle Alméras
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Adventures , STEM
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Greystone Kids
- Publication date : October 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 12
- Number of pages : 96
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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