MARTIAN ROCK

Four intrepid Martian explorers set off in search of other life forms in this rollicking tour of the solar system from the pair behind Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp (1997). In jaunty rhyming verse, Shields describes the surface conditions of the various planets as a rapid tour of Orbs Five through Nine reveals no evidence of habitation; when the daring travelers fail to discover any living thing at Orbs One and Two, they begin to lose hope. “By now they were homesick,/filled with despair,/And fresh out of socks/and clean underwear.” A brief stop at the South Pole reveals the unique inhabitants (penguins) of Orb Three (Earth) to the elated Martians, who proceed to join in the birds at play. Readers will relish the humor in Nash’s vivacious illustrations, especially as the misguided Martians begin their earnest study on the behaviors of the population of Orb Three. In an edifying mix of science and fun, Shields concocts a tale that entertains and educates; a glossary supplies both the Martian and Earth names of the orbs along with pertinent information about the planets. This saucy look beyond the stratosphere is bound to be a hit with children. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)