Curiosity on Mars

Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars by Richard Ho ill by Katherine Roy

Here's an intriguing approach for an informational picture book: anthropomorphize a mobile space laboratory. Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars introduces young readers to Curiosity, a two-thousand-pound laboratory exploring the geology and climate of Mars for seven years.

With succinct sentences and elegant language Richard Ho describes the mission, history, and accomplishments of the scientific endeavor.

​It ...is quiet...but not still.
Vast...but not empty.
Barren...but not lifeless.

Near the book's conclusion the perspective shifts. Moving beyond Curiosity's close-up view, the planet Mars takes up the narration and provides readers with an expanded view of space exploration.

Katherine Roy's predominantly red color palette is awe-inspiring. Full two-page spreads echo the vastness of the endeavor. Inset images offer additional details. A gatefold reveals a stunning panoramic vista. Magnificent!
​Supplemental matter includes Mars at a Glance factoids, background information of the Curiosity project, a brief description of each of the previous unmanned explorers, list of additional print and online resources.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

​Pub date: October 29, 2019 Publisher: Roaring Brook Press ISBN: 978-1250198334