Space Guys!

     Space Guys written and illustrated by Martha Weston is a cute science fiction book to share with students.  This book is about a little boy who was trying to go to sleep but instead he  witnesses a spaceship land in a tree near his bedroom window.  Three space robots come in through his window and go on an adventure throughout the house.  In the morning the parents wonder why the house is messed up.  Do you think they will believe their son's story?

     The illustrations for Space Guys  are colorful and have a smooth texture.  The smooth texture gives the story a sense of innocence.  The illustration is similar to cartoon drawings.  Color pencil, watercolor and pencil were used to create the pictures for the book.  The illustrations provide a lot of support to the text.

     On page 209 in Literature and the Child, guidelines of fantasy and science fiction include;
             -the fantasy world is detailed and believable within the context of the story.
             -story events are imaginable,  yet logically consistent within the story world.
             -the characters are multidimensional, with consistent and logical behavior.
             -the writing is rich and the structure is clear.
     Space Guys follow all of the guidelines as required.       

     I like the book mainly for the illustrations.  If there were no words, the illustrations would be able to tell the story.  In my opinion, the text of the story assist the drawings.  This is a book that will make you chuckle by simply admiring the illustrations.


Motivational Activities:
1.  Have the students write about something the space guys had done at the little boys house.  Next, draw a picture to share with the class.

2.  Have the students make up a story of what they would have done if the space guys came to their house.  Share with the class.


Reader's Response Questions:
1.  Where did the spaceship land?
2.  How many space guys were there altogether?
3.  Do you think the parents believed the bot story at the end of the book?  Why or why not?


References:

Galda, L., Cullinan, B.E., & Sipe, L.R. (2011).  Literature and the Child.  (7th ed., pp. 12, 24).  Belmont:  Wadsworth Pub Co.

Weston, Martha. (2000).  Space Guys!.  New York:  Holiday House