With Jetsonian flair, this journey to futuristic Rocket Town sends opposites pairings right out of this world.
A lone gentleman putters his car into the city, accompanied by his ear-waggling dog. He travels past an impressive assortment of rockets with every classification imaginable. The darkening range of colors—rustic reds to somber lavender grays—indicate their specified purposes. Signage includes “Just Married,” “the Guzzler” and “Phil’s Tow Service” to build the visual narrative. Clear language highlights interconnected, antithetical relationships with the crisp turn of the page (“These rockets go fast! / These rockets go slow”). There's quite a lot of whimsy in the rockets (among the rockets that are not “useful” is one called “The Stinky Onion”). Typographic nuances build excitement until the man’s whopping purchase sends him spiraling into the skies. His simple declaration sums up his experience: “This one is mine.” Tightly woven phrases suit this smaller format, though the bustling backdrop would soar even higher with more room to stretch its wings.
This retro cityscape provides some stunning scenes to explore, though its graphic busyness suits it to older toddlers and preschoolers. (Board book. 2-4)
