Author & Illustrators
This is the second book in the Space Blasters series. Full of illustrations and reader-friendly short chapters, this series would be a great addition to a Lower Key Stage 2 classroom as part of a class library. Easy to read and set in space, it is bound to be a popular book with children.
The series follows gadget-loving Suzie Wen, who finds herself on a laugh-out-loud adventure exploring space having already been tasked with saving the universe in the previous book. In this instalment, Suzie and her friends find themselves crash-landing on a mysterious and jungle-like planet, and their challenge is to deal with an infestation of moon bugs.
It is great to see the inclusion of scientific enquiry approaches – something that isn’t found very often in books for this age level. The books could support discussions in the classroom about fair testing and how to complete a scientific enquiry.
Science fiction and imaginative space settings weave with real life space facts and engineering information, offering plenty to occupy the minds of STEM-loving readers who will love the added pages from Suzie’s inventors notebooks. This high-energy science themed adventure will go down a treat with fans of Harley Hitch or Space Detectives.
The story of gadget-loving Suzie Wen, who finds herself on a laugh-out-loud adventure exploring space and who is ultimately tasked with saving the universe.
Full of illustrations and reader-friendly, short chapters, this book would be a great addition to a lower key stage 2 classroom as part of a class library. Easy to read and set in space, it is bound to be a popular book with children.
It is lovely to see the representation of a friendship that is not formed quickly or easily, with the characters overcoming jealousy and insecurity to work together. It provides great opportunities for discussion around this topic and the challenges friendships can pose or face.
It is also great to see the inclusion of scientific enquiry approaches – something that isn’t found very often in books for this age level. The book could support discussions in the classroom about fair testing and how to complete a scientific enquiry.
After the success of the Kid Normal series, I was excited to receive the new novel from Greg James & Chris Smith. I have to say I certainly wasn’t disappointed, as I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to crazy end.
When we are introduced to Maya, her father (a scientist working for a company called Somnia) is in hospital following an accident at work. After having the weirdest dream, she is desperate to get back to sleep to dream about the boy who seems to have information on her father’s accident. It transpires that her dad has been left trapped within a dream by his evil employer. It is now up to Maya and her new friends to attempt to rescue him.
The Great Dream Robbery is full of rich language and descriptive paragraphs entwined within the humour. There is an endearing cast of characters, as well as the truly villainous character of Lilith Delamere. In an attempt to stop Lilith’s dastardly plan, there is an extremely bizarre battle involving a unicorn called Donald, a seal and an army of line dancing robots. This book could definitely be enjoyed in the classroom – probably as a class reader. Or as in my case, in the library for book club – as it has left me with a plethora of activity ideas.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments
