Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff! - Hardcover

Jessica Scott Kerrin is the author of the bestselling Martin Bridge series, inspired by the misadventures of her husband and son. Her first novel, Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff! was named an ALA Notable Children?s Book and placed on the Horn Book Fanfare List. Kerrin grew up on the Canadian prairies, but now lives with her family and pet tortoise in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Gr. 2-4. Unlike most books for the age group, this has three long chapters rather than a series of short ones. The first episode concerns Martin's cranky school-bus driver. In the second, the hamster he is feeding for a younger child has died, and he is appalled when her parents want the pet replaced before she comes home. The third tells of his giving a friend an idea for decorating his rocket ship, only to find that he can't think of a good idea for his own. Though the last story's resolution seems a bit contrived, Kerrin does quite a good job of showing the shades and intensity of Martin's feelings throughout the book. Kelly's expressive pencil-and-charcoal, digitally shaded drawings give the stories a nice, quirky lift while staying true to the tone of the writing. With a small format, large print, and an appealing cover illustration, this book will find a ready audience. Carolyn Phelan
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