Member Reviews

This was a fun story about competitiveness among space-obsessed siblings who learned the value of teamwork. It is also a model for creativity and perseverance.

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As a science teacher, I thought that this was such a sweet book! I loved that it encouraged exploration and creativity. I throughly enjoyed this book and so did my child!

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The best thing about this book are the illustrations. They are impressive, and the best part is the huge attention to detail. They're not only fantastic, but the story is also very nice (I wouldn't say that the vocabulary is easy for some kids) and I believe it can lead to other conversations about science, art and animals.

I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

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This book is about a sibling duo who love all things space and have dreams of reaching Mars. Lovely illustrations and an inspiring story makes for a great book for kids, however, I feel some of the concepts in the book are a bit too advanced for kids under 6. You can still read it to younger kids and teach them about space and hardwork and dedication sans the more complicated bits.

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I really enjoyed the cover of the book and also enjoyed the rhyming elements to the book. The characters were simple and the artistry was beautiful. This appeals to both boys and girls of all ages and i love the STEM plot to the children’s book. Well done.

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Cute rhyming story of siblings who work together to accomplish a goal! The illustrations were literally out of this world and beaming with gorgeous colors!

Not really 100% sure I understood why the pets were helping the kids learn, as I felt that the siblings were accomplishing so much on their own, but I'm sure the kiddos will love the imagination aspect of it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group, Greenleaf Book Group Press for the eARC!

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‘Ready, Set, Mars’ by Katie Jaffe and Jennifer Lawson and illustrated by Tammie Lyon is an ambitious children’s book and mostly succeeds on its storytelling as well as its rhyme and meter although there are a few failed instances but for the most part it’s has an enjoyable rhythm throughout. The book is long at 48 pages, just something to keep in mind for those reading to very young children.

On the illustration side, the paintings are vibrant, lively, well composed and simply gorgeous. They prove to be more than apt compliment to the page’s text.

IMO, the combination of text, Tammie Lyons’s line work and painting and the publisher’s flawless book design elevates this book to recommended status.

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I love the main character as a young female with big aspirations and she's making her dreams happen. She never stops trying and has help from her younger brother. This is a great book with great young role models.

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This book is perfect for space obsessed kiddos! Jet and jordy are creative problem solvers. Jet and her pet snake Da Vinci use math to create a rover that can go to space. While Jordy and his frog use physics to build rockets. Together the siblings pair up to achieve their dreams of going into space.

I have a 3 year nephew who can get enough about planets and space. I can’t wait to be able to purchase a copy of this book! It’s great because it’s a fun story for him now, but the math and science aspects should be able to keep him engaged as he gets older. I can easily see this becoming a favorite for my space obsessed nephew!

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A wonderful description of children working together to explore and learn about their world. A great Girl Power story showing friendship, hard work and determination.

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Really cute and informative book. Loved the illustrations. And a nice touch to ad our solar system in the back. I always enjoy reading for kids when they have rhyming. A tad bit difficult wording on some pages for the younger audiences, But overall very enjoyable

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Ready, Set, Mars is a cute picture book for kids who love science and space.

The story is about siblings who love to create things. Jet and Jordy have different scientific strengths, and once they realize they can work together, they become unstoppable. They make a rocket that can travel to Mars through teamwork and trial and error.

The story has vibrant illustrations, and my kids loved spotting the snake and frog on the different pages. It is told in a rhyming structure, which is always fun to read. I enjoyed how scientific terms were usd throughout the book, and loved the overlapping theme of teamwork and how different people have different strengths and abilities.

My daughter said to give this one 5 stars, so five it is!

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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"Ready, Set, Mars" by Katie Jaffe and Jennifer Lawson is a great book that gives children a glimpse of space, astronomy, science, and math in a fun way. In the world of harsh meritocracies, competition, and expectations from parents, children eventually grow out of their curious and wonder-filled minds. Books like these show children how valuable and important their passions are, and that their curiosity is worthy of fulfilling.

Jet and Jordy, two warm, funny, and intelligent children, nurture their love for rockets, math, and space without any self-doubt or comparison. Even in the face of failure, setbacks, or struggle, they never let go of their enthusiasm, self-belief, and perhaps, most importantly, their faith in each other. Children, who are like sponges, will resonate deeply with these elements. They may develop their own passions, along with the fortitude needed in the face of discouragement and struggle. By reading this book, children will discover the importance and value of following your passion and dreams.

The book encourages children to seek knowledge. The prose is simple, tackling core physics and mathematical concepts in a powerfully simple manner. Yet, it's lyrical to the ears, almost as if, a parent is reading the story to their children at night. The art, by Tammy Lyon, is detailed and visually appealing. The art itself added depth and personality to the already fleshed-out, relatable, and developed characters.

"Ready, Set, Mars" reads like a breath of fresh air to children, as Jet and Jordy prove to them that their passions are worth following, teaching them to overcome every obstacle, even the obstacle of self-doubt.

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Ready, Set, Mars is a wonderful book about a girl and her brother who are obsessed with space and with Mars. This is a great book for girls who are interested in the STEM fields. It shows how learning and experimenting can help you reach your goals, and it shows that working together with others will move you on that path faster than by yourself.

I love the illustrations in this book. So much fun!

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to review this eARC in exchange for my honest review on the book!

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