Peggy Wethered

This book uses the alphabet to teach children about space flight and the planet Mars. It includes brief statements that have a highlighted word that corresponds with the letter of the alphabet. There is also a short paragraph that provides further details. Each page also includes an illustration that is colorful and that will catch a child’s attention. Librarians can use this book to help provide a theme for the library. After reading this book, the librarian can tell that students that they will become astronauts who must explore space. The librarian can label parts of the library after the planets. For example, the fiction section can be called Jupiter and the circulation desk can be called Earth. This theme can be used throughout the year to teach students about different sections of the library. This book can also be used for a science lesson. Teachers can use it as an introduction to space travel or an introduction to Mars. Teachers can also plan math lessons using this book by having students look at the difference in their weight on Earth and their weight on Mars. The book also discusses the mileage of many items on Mars. Students can compare the mileage to places and objects with which they are familiar. The book can also be used for a writing lesson. Students can pretend to be astronauts and record a journal of events. Also there is a section in the back called “Mars A-B-Cyclopedia” that provides more information. It gives a letter and then gives an additional paragraph of information. This is more advanced information. Students can create their own illustrations to go with the paragraphs. This book may be a little too informative for younger students, but they will love the pictures. This is an adorable book, and I believe it would be valuable for libraries and teachers of young students.… (meer)