Faraway Friends

K-Gr 2—Sheldon's friend has just moved to "Jupiter," which means there is only one thing to do…build a rocket to travel there. When he and his expressive dog Jet blast off, their imaginations soar through a boy's dream version of space. Fortunately, their rocket breaks down, bringing them back to reality in time to make a discovery: a new life-form. Cox's combination of full spreads and panels gives him enough room to provide specifics about the ship's construction, this pair's adventure, and their introduction to the new neighbor. Fun illustrations quickly turn the downbeat opener into a full-blown, colorful adventure, with sound effects. For children, anyone not "here," might as well be on another planet; the moving trucks are a visual manifestation of this fear. Instead of optimistically proclaiming "of course you'll remain in touch," Cox delivers a more honest answer; you may not.