FICTION

The Space Disaster

by Matthew MCELLIGOTT
illus. by Matthew McElligott. 40p. (Mad Scientist Academy). Crown. Jul. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780553523829. POP
COPY ISBN
Gr 1–3—In the latest adventure in the series, the intrepid monster students head into space. With the guidance of their goofy teacher, Dr. Cosmic, the kids use the amped up planetarium to experience the solar system in a dangerously close-up way. As the malfunctioning planetarium mimics the atmospheres of moons, planets, and comets, the students have to use their knowledge to solve three challenges to complete their assignment and escape the perils of space! Information about basic physical concepts such as gravity and more complex astronomical objects, including asteroids, meteoroids, and comets, is integrated into the story very naturally. The comic-style layout and light, simple dialogue are appealing and give the narrative an action-packed feel.
VERDICT This book will easily find a place on fun nonfiction shelves or as part of a beginning graphic novel collection. The result is the same—it's a space adventure that young readers will pore over, learn from, and enjoy.
Reviewed by Marian McLeod, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT
In this third adventure at Mad Scientist Academy ([cf2]The Dinosaur Disaster[cf1]; [cf2]The Weather Disaster[cf1]), Dr. Cosmic teaches his young monster students about our solar system. When the planetarium goes haywire, the class must solve astronomy challenges in order to survive. The silly (if now-formulaic) premise doesn't overshadow the science, and the comic-book format helps make learning about planetary bodies more entertaining.
 , May 01, 2017

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