Published: 2022
Author: Stef Wade
Illustrator: Erin Taylor
Genres: Picture Books, Science, Space, Friendship
Audience (Grade Levels): K-3
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: Moving to Mars
Triggers: None
Review By: Heather Turner
Publisher’s Summary
Mars likes peace and quiet and is not happy when unexpected visitors start showing up. But when they leave, Mars realizes being alone isn’t all that great. Mars reaches out to his space friends for comfort and help. Maybe Mars is a people planet after all! Author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) interweaves friendship and humor throughout the space story and seamlessly connects nonfiction information to the narrative in the back matter. The vibrant illustrations by Erin Taylor will keep everyone engaged during story time!
Stef Wade used to write about cardboard boxes but thinks writing books is far more exciting. She was the co-creator and writer for the former cooking and home blog Haute Apple Pie. Stef holds a BA in advertising from Marquette University and an MBA in Integrated Marketing Communication from DePaul University. Stef is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She currently resides in the greater Milwaukee area with her husband and three boys.
Erin Taylor loves to travel: by plane, train, automobile, and pencil. She has lived in three different hemispheres and strives to reflect her world experiences in her artwork. When Erin’s feet are on the ground she loves time with her family, getting lost in the wild, and visiting the zoo. Drawing is a daily necessity, just like eating, which she also enjoys quite a bit!
Review
This book immediately reminded me of Stacy McAnulty’s wonderful books about the planets, and that is a huge compliment. If your students enjoy that same blend of humor, personality, and science, they are going to love Moving to Mars. Stef Wade has found a way to make a planet feel relatable while weaving in plenty of real science, and that combination is something I always appreciate in children’s nonfiction and fiction.
Mars is given such a quirky personality. At first, he is perfectly content being left alone, grumbling every time another spacecraft comes to visit. As more visitors arrive, though, he slowly begins to realize that maybe having company is not such a bad thing after all. It is a sweet story about friendship, belonging, and being open to new experiences, but it never loses sight of its educational purpose.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is how naturally the science is incorporated. Young readers will learn about Mars, space exploration, and what makes our neighboring planet unique without ever feeling like they are reading a textbook. The facts are seamlessly woven into the story, making them easy to remember because they are connected to Mars’ emotions and experiences. I love books that teach without students even realizing they are learning, and this one does exactly that.
Erin Taylor’s illustrations are sooo much fun. They are bright, expressive, and full of personality. Every page is packed with little details that invite readers to linger a bit longer, and I can already imagine students pointing out different elements during a read-aloud. The artwork perfectly complements the humor and warmth of the story.
I also appreciated the nonfiction back matter. Too often, informational pages at the end of picture books feel like an afterthought, but these extend the learning in meaningful ways. They would make a great springboard for classroom discussions or independent exploration. I especially liked that the additional information is presented in a creative, engaging format that matches the playful tone of the book.
This would be an excellent addition to an elementary classroom, school library, or public library, especially during a space or STEM unit. It would also pair beautifully with Stacy McAnulty’s planet books or other read-alouds about our solar system. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will definitely be looking for the other books in the series. Stef Wade has created a story that is equal parts entertaining, educational, and heartwarming, and I have no doubt it will be a favorite with young readers who are fascinated by space.
Classroom & Curricular Connections
- Science / STEM: This text expertly blends astronomy and narrative storytelling, making it a fantastic asset for early elementary space units. Students can explore planetary characteristics, the history of Mars rovers, and outer space exploration through the personified lens of Mars itself.
- SEL (Social-Emotional Learning): The story acts as an approachable catalyst for discussing emotional boundaries, overcoming the fear of change, and the balance between desiring solitude and embracing new friendships.
- Creativity: Pair this book with a hands-on “Welcome to My Planet” creative writing and art activity. After enjoying the read-aloud, students can research a different planet in our solar system, write a short, humorous diary entry from that planet’s perspective, and illustrate it with expressive facial features mimicking Erin Taylor’s vibrant artistic style.
Readalikes
- Mars! Earthlings Welcome by Stacy McAnulty & Stevie Lewis
- Mars’ First Friends: Come on Over, Rovers! by Susanna Leonard Hill
- Life on Mars by Jon Agee, Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum
