Rocket Boy is a gorgeous book with full colour illustrations that I have no doubt will fuel the imaginations of its young readers.  Just be ready for the request for a cardboard box – a large one!

Did you know that shooting stars are actually meteorites, and that Martian sunsets are blue? I know someone who can answer these questions and many others! Callum Grant is fascinated by space and knows lots of space facts which he is very keen to share, so when his Mum gets a delivery, she gives him the giant cardboard box to play with so that she is not distracted whilst building her new furniture.

What is the best use for a huge cardboard box? Why, if you want to be an astronaut, it makes a perfect rocket! A rocket that can take you into space for an out-of-this-world adventure … Callum finds himself blasting off towards Mars with Oscar, his cat, who adds a lot of humour to both the narrative and illustrations.

The full colour illustrations are absolutely perfect:  full of imaginative detail, vibrancy and humour. I really liked the range of layouts used including elements of graphic novels, range of font sizes, different coloured backgrounds and partial and full-page illustrations. 

This is a fantastic story, celebrating the power of the imagination, which will teach some spectacular space facts. Perfect for young explorers of 5+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

And … breathe … it’s the summer holidays! July is always such a busy month, but now that school’s finished and I’ve done a few days work getting my class ready for next year, I’m definitely ready to enjoy a break. I have a few trips away planned: Hertfordshire, home to Ireland and Disneyland, Paris, but also aim to catch up on lots of reading!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month. My highlights The Sirens and A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping (both adult) and The Museum of Lost Umbrellas and Riverskin (both middle-grade).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I have requested one book this month, Swanfall which sounds absolutely wonderful.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 15 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month: four adult books, a graphic novel for my class library and a middle-grade book I’m hoping will be my first class read with my new class.

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?