Advanced Recommended Book Search - Cooperative Children's Book Center

The Boy Who Went to Mars

When Stanley’s mom leaves on an overnight business trip, Stanley decides to take off on a trip of his own—to Mars. Traveling in a backyard spaceship fashioned from a cardboard box, he lands on Mars and sends a Martian home in his place. Both his dad and his older brother welcome the Martian, and quickly adjust to his habits, such as skipping dinner to make room for dessert, and not washing. The Martian sleeps in Stanley’s bed and even goes to school the next day, where everyone mistakes him for Stanley. When Stanley’s mom returns home, so, too, does Stanley. Cartoon pen-and ink and watercolor illustrations add humor to an already funny story about a boy using imaginary play as a coping mechanism. His wonderful family members are all wise enough to play along, letting Stanley work through his anxiety in his own way. ©2019 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Simon James

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-7
Age Range: PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: Anxiety Humor Imagination/Imaginary Play Separation

Publisher: Candlewick
Publish Year: 2018
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780763695989

CCBC Location: Picture Book, James

The Boy Who Went to Mars