Lovingly illustrated, this wry and gentle fantasy will speak to adults as well as children--and cast the familiar in an astonishing new light. A tiny Spaceman arrives on a new planet, ready to perform his monotonous tasks--collecting samples, labeling and filing them, and moving on to the next planet. But pausing to look around, the Spaceman is dazzled by the beauty of his surroundings. And when a large bird makes off with his ship, he's forced to venture out into this new world--planet Earth--on foot. Marveling at a varied landscape of flowers, butterflies, and other wondrous creatures, he finds a pond to float in and a goofy, slobbery beast who seems to want to be his friend. Could it be that the Spaceman has found a new home? This simple and sophisticated story filled with deadpan humor offers surprises on each lively spread. From a veteran creator comes a delightfully droll story radiating warmth and the wonder of the new, reminding us to look up from our mundane lives and embrace discovery.
About the Author :
Randy Cecil is the author-illustrator of Douglas, Duck, and many other highly acclaimed picture books. He is also the illustrator of James Howe's Brontorina and Tyrone O'Saurus Dreams; Elizabeth Bluemle's How Do You Wokka-Wokka? and My Father the Dog; Barbara Joosse's Girl and Dragon series, and numerous other books for young readers. He lives in Texas.
Review :
Randy Cecil strikes a beguiling balance between innocent prose and pictures that tell a fuller story. . . . [An] absolute sweetie of a picture book.
--The Wall Street Journal Written from the spaceman's viewpoint, the narrative flows well from one discovery to the next. In Cecil's oil paintings, the colors become clearer and brighter as the story progresses, and so does the story's tone. Like the lovable spaceman himself, this is one of those quirky, original picture books that appeal to many adults as well as children. . . . A quirky, original picture book.
--Booklist (starred review)
This story ticks all the boxes. Clever narrative that humorously mimics 19th-century travelogues, check. Engaging illustrations that enrich and amplify, check. Endearing characters, double-check. . . . Humorous, poignant, and oh-so-satisfying.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Cecil's text is subtly humorous with its formal observational tone, with young readers sure to enjoy the misidentification of familiar plants and animals. The oil illustrations are particularly notable for their texture and depth, lending beauty to the inviting landscape. A clever and charming story of perspective, belonging, and finding oneself, this is a highly recommended for purchase.
--School Library Journal (starred review)
A delightful story with amusing illustrations that is certain to garner repeat readings, many times over.
--Reading Eagle
With its openhearted protagonist and self-affirming ending, this sojourn celebrates the profound joy that comes with finally finding where one belongs.
--Publishers Weekly
The Spaceman is adorably orange, bald, and Muppet-like in his little spacesuit, and simple, smudged outlines for the hills, stars, and plants allow Cecil's oil illustrations to shine in all their textures. There's plenty of clever humor to be found in the Spaceman's dry, absurdly technical descriptions of our planet, and the premise encourages youngsters to reflect on everyday aspects of nature that are often taken for granted.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
A wee, goggle-eyed alien lands on Earth one night, on a mission to collect soil samples and move on to the next planet. . . . The book's appeal stems from the interplay of the formal narration with the extreme cuteness of the protagonist and the other creatures, including highly expressive faces and body language. The soft palette, in apt greens and blues, reinforces the charm of the bucolic landscape.
--The Horn Book
In this foray into outer space, Cecil prompts readers to consider the value of making time for the serendipitous and the surprising--as well as the joy of finding a place where you feel truly at home. The Spaceman is a fun book to read aloud, with beautiful oil-on-paper illustrations for readers to contemplate as they make their own discoveries right along with our diminutive hero. It makes a wryly humorous, quietly moving case for prioritizing whimsy, relaxation and friendship.
--BookPage
There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Cecil actually gets better and better with each book he does. . . . But for my part, he'll have a hard time ever topping The Spaceman. Quiet, unassuming, delightful, funny, and with just enough science fiction in there, I'm just gonna say it: I love this book. You know who else is going to love this book? Kids. All of them. Without question. . . . A contemporary classic (and I don't use that term lightly) this is a little bit of interstellar storytelling that is bound to remain in your brain long after you've closed its cover. Sublime.
--A Fuse #8 Production
