Space Taxi: Water Planet Rescue

Gr 2–4—Eight-year-old Archie Morningstar and his dad join Pockets, an agent of the Intergalactic Security Force posing as an ordinary cat, on another crucial mission in space. This time, the trio is dispatched to Nautilus, a planet where most of the inhabitants live underwater. Before setting off, they will need to modify their space taxi to function as a submarine. Once on Nautilus, the team must discover why the water on the planet is suddenly disappearing. If they can't figure out the mystery and reverse the effects, the aliens on the planet won't be able to survive. The humor, introduction to a new alien world, and fast, energetic pacing will keep readers of this early chapter book series engaged. Archie's first-person present-tense narration puts readers right with him as he meets new creatures and has exciting experiences alongside Pockets and his dad. Science concepts related to the story, such as cloud formation and magnetite, are explained at the end. Those looking for a fast-paced, out-of-this-world adventure will want to hail the space taxi for a ride.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL