Allen and Unwin ISBN 9781911631583 £10.99
The startling cover of this book attracts children and the humorous cartoon style is an excellent vehicle for conveying information. Quog and Oort are on their way to a party when their spaceship crashes and they need to open the spaceship door. My favourite line in the book is Oort’s “I can’t open doors. I’m a gas cloud” The dilemma is resolved with the help of the reader’s hands. Quog is so impressed that she decides to grow some hands of her own but the reader has to help her mend the engine by giving a push. This leads Quog and Oort to study the reader’s hand and we learn about nerves. After a high five, the story concludes with the fun of the party celebrations. At the end of the book there is an explanation of how bones, muscles and nerves form hands. Children will like the innovative, interactive fun of this book, which combines silliness and science. The Teachers’ tips on the Allen and Unwin website are excellent. Highly recommended for children aged 4 – 6.
Brenda Marshall
