This time of year...when the sky is cloudless...we can almost see the entire Milky Way. Actually, we have to wait for Fall to see it completely, but star-gazing is a lovely thing when you live as rural as we do. Especially when the nights are enjoyable and invite to sitting an extra hour or two. So, today's read seemed like a fitting read.
The blurb reminds me a bit of a book my first born enjoyed when he was very little. It also had a child, who happened to fly into space one night. But the kid in that book flew on a washing machine. I've searched everywhere for the title (the book we had fell apart after years of reading) but can't seem to locate it. Oh well.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing how this adventure shoots into space and beyond. So let's get on board and find out.
FROM EARTH TO ERIS
by Greg Bradley
Illsutrated by Matthew LaFleur
Little Creek Press
Picture Book
44 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING JULY 8th!!!
Jay has always dreamed of traveling among the stars. One magical evening, he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, leaving Earth with his trusty backpack named Jack. Together, they soar through the galaxy, meeting planets, exploring mysterious moons, dodging asteroids, and discovering wonder at every turn.
Will they ever return home?
From Earth to Eris is a heart-pounding, imaginative tale that will captivate young readers, inspiring them to dream big, embrace adventure, and never stop reaching for the stars.
MY TIDBITS
A mix of facts and fantasy create an imaginative tale, where every moment means a new discovery and dreams open up to amazing possibilities.
It's time for bed, and Jay is ready to take his rocket and shoot off into space with his backpack named Jack accompanying him. They pass through the solar system, discovering this and that along the way. They head out into the space beyond to find lesser known moons and more. But the big surprise hits when they reach Eris...and the adventure there is bigger than Jay or Jack every expected.
This is a fun read for young space fans. Not only does it work in a few lesser known tidbits about planets and more, but it whirls in exciting bits of fantasy. The balance works nicely, especially for the younger end of the intended audience, and invites to amazing dreams right before bedtime. In other words, it makes a great sleepy-time read with enough tension to keep things interesting, but not so much that it destroys sleepier vibes by the end. Instead, it shows that anything is possible when kids close their eyes and let their imaginations soar. There are positive vibes, not only due to the wholesome moments of the family, but also with old and new friends as they celebrate and learn to get along.
Written in verse, it flows well and creates a nice read aloud. The illustrations bring the mentioned information in the text across visually and with a sense of fun. The talking backpack adds humor and steering for Jay during the story. I was a bit surprised by the choice of object brought to life, but it works, and I wonder if it's there to guide through other adventures in the future (?). Guess, we'll have to wait to see. In any case, the illustrations are very well done, bold, and add let the more factual side come across while letting the imagination fly.
Little space fans are sure to enjoy this one before heading off into dreamland.
And here they are...
Greg Bradley is an emerging science fiction author, debuting his original brand of storytelling with From Earth to Eris. Inspired by the awe of witnessing Halley’s Comet, Greg’s fascination with deep space drives his storytelling, in exploring the mysteries of the cosmos. A Florida State University graduate with a degree in Studio Art, he uniquely blends nostalgic creativity with a passion for service in his work. Greg resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues to craft compelling narratives and share his love for art and exploration.
Matthew LaFleur has been an illustrator for over two decades. He has drawn from the creative well to create various artwork that has appeared on beer cans and bottles, baseball trivia books, magazines, board games, t-shirts, greeting cards, and more. Matthew draws most of his breaths just north of Chicago in Evanston and is the proud father of two talented, art, book, and music-loving people.
Matthew has also illustrated The Toothless Fairy, written by Tim Jordan, The Isle of Stuck Faces, written by Brooke Saucier, and A Magnificent Misunderstanding, written by Molly Raske.
