Title: Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket
Author: Sue Fliess
Illustrator: Annabel Tempest
Pub. Date: February 1, 2021
Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket. Special thanks to Two Lions and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review:
It all started with a wish to travel to space. Sadie Sprocket was not just a dreamer, she was a doer! And researching and learning no one has been to Mars, Sadie was not deterred. Sadie’s confidence exudes in Fliess’ rhyming text and Tempest’s illustrations show that exploring outer space is her passion.
Sadie and her crew collaborate to build a ship out of recycled materials. I love how on the first page spreads, her stuffed animals sit motionless on her bed and shelves, but as soon as Sadie proclaims her mission, the stuffed animals feel her energy and come to life to help her. Kids see how teamwork truly makes the dream work, and the pride is evident on all the crew’s faces on launch day.
After landing on Mars, Sadie and her crew get right to work collecting and labeling samples to bring back home. Kid see the importance of both planning and teamwork as the crew each has the necessary supplies to complete their task. When they try to venture home, problems abound. First, the landing gear is buried. Then the rocket won’t start. Sadie and her crew demonstrate problem solving, resilience, and resourcefulness in restoring power and successfully blasting back to Earth. Once safely home, Sadie models one of the most important lessons of all. Success means making new goals liking a trip to Neptune!
Told in playful quatrains, Fliess has written an inspirational story encouraging us all to chase our dreams. What I love most is Sadie teaches us that dreams come true with planning, research, teamwork, determination, and problem solving. And once a goal is accomplished, another idea can take its place. Tempest’s bright and exuberant illustrations reinforce the positive themes. At the end of the book, Sadie’s notebook is included which shares facts about Mars as well as women in space. Sadie motivates us all to be dreamers AND doers!
Praise for Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket!
“Inspiring, adventurous fun for aspirational kids.” —Kirkus Reviews
About the Author:
Sue Fliess is the author of more than thirty children’s books, including Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins illustrated by Mark Chambers; Shoes for Me!, A Dress for Me!, and Books for Me!, all illustrated by Mike Laughead; and Let’s Build illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. She lives with her family and their two dogs in northern Virginia, where they admire the moon, stars, and sometimes even planets from their backyard. Learn more about Sue at www.suefliess.com, on Twitter: @SueFliess, on Facebook: Sue Fliess Author and Pinterest: Sue Fliess
About the Illustrator:
Annabel Tempest is the illustrator of a number of picture books and board books. She holds a degree in fashion and textiles and has worked as a freelance illustrator on everything from maps and packaging to greeting cards and children’s books. She lives in the beautiful Somerset countryside in the UK with her husband and a houseful of muddy boys and dogs. Learn more about Annabel at www.annabeltempest.com and on Instagram: annabel.tempest
Enter Beagles & Books’ Giveaway:
One winner will receive a copy of Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. addresses only). This giveaway is open from Friday, February 5, 2021 through Friday, February 12, 2021 ending at 10:00 p.m. EST. Please note that book may take longer to ship so patience is appreciated. Enter below or head over to my Twitter account, @lauramossa and retweet my Sadie the Sprocket blog tour post.
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