Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars by Katherine Roy, Richard Ho
Published by Roaring Brook Press on October 29, 2019
ISBN: 125019833X
Pages: 44
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

Take an interplanetary journey to Mars and follow Curiosity, the NASA rover that has been scouring Mars’ surface since 2012. This delightful non-fiction picture book for young readers highlights some of the rover’s unique abilities and tools as it navigates a strange, new frontier, using its laser, camera, measuring tools, and more to send valuable data back to Earth. Roy’s illustrations are bright and immersive, giving the reader a first-hand look at the vast, richly-red terrain, and a sense of awe as a solitary little visitor from far, far away traverses through it. Ho’s narration is clever and engaging, and provides just the right amount of information for curious minds about Mars and the rover while still being effective as a read-aloud for a younger audience. For those seeking more, additional information includes a detailed anatomy page, more background information about Curiosity, brief profiles of its predecessors, and a bibliography. Highly recommended for grades K-3, and a great way to help get kids excited about the next Mars rover that is set to launch in the summer of 2020.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library