Review: `I wonder if my model rocket could fly to Mars?'
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 10, 2014
San Diego, California author and publisher Aviva Gittle joins with British poet/author Mark Megson and Brazilian illustrator Carlos Brito in one of the more successful children's books today. The writing pair make reading the stories over and over a likely habit for adults as well as children and the beautiful, classy illustrations by Carlos Brito are a joy. From Aviva Gittle Publishing, this book keeps to the same high standards we have come to expect. The books are often published in both English and Spanish and bilingual (or `Spanish immersion') formats.Young Timmy is spellbound by the moon. Hearing it is made of cheese or of chocolate did not deter his fascination, even when his 6th grade teacher Mr. Garcia tells him it is simply `a boring old rock' but a rock that contains the greatest treasure known to man! Mr. Garcia tells Timmy that if he can discover that treasure and draw a picture of it, his reward will be a flying model rocket kit. Timmy searches the internet at home and discovers that titanium is more valuable than gold so deciding that was the moon's treasure he drew a picture for Mr. Garcia who tells Timmy the treasure is even more valuable than titanium. Puzzled, Timmy knows he cannot find the treasure on Earth but ponders how he can get to the moon. He hears his neighbor bouncing on a trampoline and an idea pops into focus - he tries to make his own trampoline to bounce to the moon, but hasn't the materials to accomplish this...until his mother shares he should use rubber bands and bungee cords to knit a bouncy blanket. It worked, and Timmy bounced to the moon where he meets astronauts who inform him there is no treasure on the moon - but look back toward the Earth revealed a beautiful jewel. Returning to Earth he drew a picture of the jewel appearing Earth and Mr. Garcia awarded him with two flying rocket kits. Never without dreams, Timmy considers flying to Mars!As if the story were not satisfying enough, the authors have inserted questions for their readers - questions that stimulate imagination and enhance the adventure. This is a first class storybook - terrific on every level. And there are others...!!! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, July 14