Space Boy and the Space Pirate

This is one of my grandson's favorite bedtime stories. We loved the first Space Boy book, and this one continues the great tradition of imagination and adventure. As a long-time space geek (when I was in elementary school I would sneak a transistor radio and climb out on the roof of the school to try and watch the Gemini launches) I also enjoy the chance to use the books to start discussions about space science, like re-entry and free-fall and rocket engines. Watch out for those space pirates, as Nikko found out, they sneak aboard when you aren't watching.

Another Space Boy story blasts off! My boys adored the first story, Space Boy and His Dog, and we couldn't wait for the next book to come out. We were definitely not disappointed! The space-like illustrations are adorable, the story is funny, and the characters are engaging. As a mom who is also a teacher, I love the celebration of imaginative play that these books convey as well as the sibling (sister) storyline. We'll be reading Space Boy and the Space Pirate over and over and laughing out loud each time!

I love the characters in "Space and His Dog", so it was great to see them again in "Space Boy and the Space Pirate." Creative play and sibling trouble are explored with humorous text and illustrations. My 7 year old grandson and I have already read both books many times and I know we'll read them many more.

Space Boy is pure magic. Adventure on an intergalactic scale! From the minute we learn that Niko's cousin has been kidnapped by Space Pirates, we are hooked, donning our space suits to join Niko and his daring crew. Once again, Space Boy, with its lively illustrations, witty prose, and jump-off-the-page characters, is blasting into space and into our hearts!

Niko is busy reading a story while he and the rest of his crew are resting by their spaceship. He invites his cousin Sasha to take a ride in the ship, but she is snatched away. Oh, no! Niko and the crew must get her back at once. With his copilot Radar and his faithful dog Tag, Niko takes off after the space pirate. Even after the long journey to Planet Zorg, the brave crew still have to face Pirate Posh. How will they free Sasha from their fierce enemy? Niko's spaceship is constructed from cardboard boxes. His copilot is actually a toy robot and the space pirate is only his cousin's friend. (Tag really is a dog) But with the power of his imagination, Niko has them all flying through space, tracking across a wild planet, and facing down an evil pirate. And when Posh tells Sasha, "Let's delete ourselves from this story," Niko refuses to give up control of the narrative. "It's MY story!" he tells her. The illustrations show the transition from reading in the backyard to starring in this daring adventure. Once the rescue begins, Niko and Tag are shown in spacesuits, the ship is suddenly real rather than cardboard, and Radar is moving around and checking the ship's systems. And then, once the trip is over and Niko is called to dinner, everything is back to its original appearance. There is also plenty of humor worked into the illustrations. The dolls that the girls are playing with "trigger bad memories" for Tag, and in his thought bubble we can see the girls dressing Tag up as if he were a doll. At the end of the story we see Radar sitting in the ship next to a doll that has been left behind, and there is a heart in Radar's thought bubble. But my favorite may be the double-page spread of Niko and his crew spacewalking back to Earth after the pirate steals his ship. Radar has flames coming from the bottoms of his feet, Tag has a rocket pack on his back, and Niko seems to be holding his breath with his cheeks puffed out. What determination! This is a perfect story for children who enjoy make-believe and outer space. It could also be used to help someone deal with disappointment when a playmate prefers another friend. I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes.

I am super excited about this second book. I work with a reluctant reader, but Space Boy and the crew are characters that make him want to read so that he can share in the adventure. He gets the humor, too. So it is time for another adventure and many re-reads. We don't like to miss a detail.

What could be more fun than a space adventure with your own robot? Regan's sense of humor is delightful and the sibling rivalry - spot on. Space Boy's second adventure is as wonderful as the first!