Independent Reading Level:

I've read There's Nothing to do on Mars several times to my youngest. I really like the way it's set out, with text next to large pictures reminiscent of 1950's style comic strips (Buck Rogers et al). It works well for him, and I think (in my fond imagination) it would also be interesting for my elder one, and would subtly impart information about Mars (Mars is red, it suffers from dust storms, has two moons, etc).

The story is about a boy, Davey Martin, who moves to Mars with his parents. At first he's really bored, so his parents tell him to go out and play, and he ends up having all kinds of Martian adventures with his dog (which happens to be a robot).

It's a futuristic story told with old fashioned images. I found the pictures very clever. There is one where he finds an 'old toy', but we can see the NASA logo on its side, and realise it's a Mars rover. Even the endpapers are (red) covered in drawings and information, purporting to be his diary. And I love the first illustration, which shows their Airstream trailer (camper van) - with rocket blasters underneath, lifting off from Earth. ( )

This book’s illustrations are fun and remind me of a comic book. This would be a fun story to read to students as they were studying about the different planets. Although, the book isn’t all about the details and facts of Mars, with the fun story about the little boy the book does share some information of what it is like to live on Mars. The story is definitely not realistic but it is a fun way for students to think about planets. ( )

By the looks of it i did not want to read this book but I figured i'd try something new. Overall I enjoyed reading the book. the illustrations was definitely comic book like and interesting

A beautifully illustrated quirky story about a boy who is bored despite many exciting and extraordinary things happening about him. A twist at the end lends itself to a sequel on Saturn.