There's Nothing to Do on Mars

When Davey Martin's family moves to Mars, he discovers that there's nothing to do--at least until he and his robot dog Polaris learn to seize the spirit of adventure. It's not until they've zipped around the planet on his flying scooter--climbing Martian "trees," digging up "fossils," dancing in Martian rain dances--that they discover a treasure that finally piques Davey's interest--a source of water on the red planet!. Chris Gall's new picture book plays on the themes (and ironies) of a complaint parents have heard from their children a thousand times: "There's nothing to do!" The book also offers a deeper lesson to our stationary, convenience-driven society: If you're creative and look carefully, you'll be amazed at what you find!.

Customer Reviews:

Robert Zubrin and Greg Klerkx take note, there IS hope for the future

By R. Smith - March 16, 2008

While the other reviewers noted the charm of this book in general 'fun and nice for a child' ways, I have a different slant. Being a child of the Apollo days and growing up when the idea of going to another planet was the only thrill that could be imagined I've become a bit empty over the decades noticing that that excitement is no longer a major force in our children's lives. Politicians talktalktalk about Education (the industry) while they slashslashslash the budgets of programs that actually make children have a reason to want to learn anything.

But on I hope.

My son is now four and I have looked several times for space oriented books but have overwhelmingly found only science books targetted at 10+ kids (and even then the mentions of Humans on other worlds are depressingly tinged with the yellow of it all having happened three generations in the past, making the excitement level about as high as hearing about Columbus; Mildly important but not anything... read more

Have read it to my little guys countless times!

By Dave Casteel "Dave C." - April 17, 2008

Beautifully illustrated and story line leaving plenty of room for a young imagination to fill in. We love this book and have read it nearly every night since we purchased it!

Out of This World!!!

By K. A. Stevenson "WIAPilot" - January 18, 2008

THERE'S NOTHING TO DO ON MARS is the delightful and charming book of a very bored boy named Davey Martin. His family has just moved to Mars (in a spaceship, which resembles a pre-1950s Airstream trailer!) and he is contemplating that age-old question of "there's nothing to do!"

Written by award-winning illustrator, Chris Gall, it is filled with unique illustrations. I especially liked how Polaris, the dog, looked just like MY dog! (Well, except for the little antenna tail!)LOL Davey was portrayed in the coolest manner as well. His face and spacesuit were reminiscent of the art from the 1930's - 1950's. And totally loved his tennis shoes!

The Martians and monsters on Mars were scary and fun! Unfortunately they smelled really, really BAD - because they hadn't bathed in like forever!

Join Davey and Polaris, his dog, as they set out for adventure on Mars; build forts; and make discoveries...on Mars. It will help all students and kids come to the... read more