Astronuts

Astronuts
Jon Scieszka
Steven Weinberg, Illustrator
Chronicle, 2019 217 pages
Grades 2-6
Humor/Graphic Hybrid

Planet Earth narrates this zany tale considering what will happen when our planet is too trashed to live on any longer. It is up to four mutant animals known as the Astronuts, to take to the skies and find us a new Goldilocks Planet. The team is led by the fearless and bumbling AlphaWolf, with SmartHawk, LaserShark, and StinkBug rounding out the team. The rocket is launched from the nose of Thomas Jefferson from the secret lair on Mount Rushmore and its full steam ahead to the Plant Planet. At first glance the Plant Planet seems uninhabited and may make a good fit for settling. Eventually, the brave and knowledgeable team is approached by Major Giant Venus Flytrap and invited to participate in many exciting activities (chores). Are the intentions of the Major as above-board as he assures the adventurers? Surprises for the Astronuts await as they tackle the challenges offered by this plant-filled planet, eventually ending in a mega-battle of epic proportions. The Plant Planet turns out to be a bust, but don't fret: the ending promises further adventures await our intrepid explorers.

Attention fans of Dog Man: this new zany tale penned by the great children's literature humorist, Scieszka, will fill-the-bill for what to read next. Full color interior with comic illustrations on every page, reluctant readers will eat this book right up and clamor for more. Almost more illustration than text, this volume is read quickly and without complaints. The book is carefully designed to generate interest and, although busy for me, will certainly appeal to the target audience. Cliffhangers ensure that pages will keep turning and plot twists keep the reader guessing. The action never stops and potty humor reigns supreme as the jokes and action rolls along, finally climaxing in an epic battle. Yes, it’s absurd and silly, but there is a bit of substance hidden within the hilarity. Actual science is revealed in a sneaky manner within the text. An environmental agenda is prevalent and readers will fear what is to happen if we don't start taking care of Planet Earth. It will be a sorry day when our future depends on the Astronuts, so we better start recycling! Not this year's Newbery, but a very easy sell that won't stay on my shelves for long.