Saturn for My Birthday – A Review
July 24, 2009 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Saturn For My Birthday
Author: John McGranaghan
Illustrator: Wendy Edelson
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Sylvan Dell (June 17, 2008)
ISBN: 978-1-934359-13-6 (hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-934359-27-3 (paperback)
Jeffrey doesn’t want much for his birthday. It’s not another pet, he assures his dad. In fact, he’ll settle for Saturn and its forty-seven moon! No problem, right? But since Saturn is 800 million miles from the Earth, they need to get it ordered right away because it might take a while to get to him.
He’ll take great care of Saturn, Jeffrey says. He’ll wrap his planet in a blanket and sit in front of the fireplace while watching the science channel because Saturn is used to a 200 degrees below zero temperature. He’ll give it a bath to keep it clean. He’ll let the moons light up his room at night. He’ll give names to the moons that only have numbers. He’ll even share some of Saturn’s rings with his friends and his teacher!
Of course, Dad has to explain to Jeffrey that Saturn can’t possibly fit inside their house. It’s nine times bigger than the Earth. And no, one of the moons won’t work either. Jeffrey must choose something from planet Earth — something that can fit inside their house.
The solution?
A puppy named Saturn!
Has Dad been had?
Author John McGranaghan has created a delightful book with numerous facts about Saturn cleverly woven into this story about a young boy who asks for a most unusual birthday gift. He’s learned all about Saturn at school, and he tries to convince his dad that it will be the perfect present, especially since he’s been told he doesn’t really need another pet. And the whimsical illustrations by Wendy Edelson are colorful and fun—adding much to this wonderful story!
Children will be introduced to the second largest planet in the solar system in a creative way, and after reading this humorous tale, they’ll probably want to dig a little deeper and learn more about Saturn. And as always, Sylvan Dell includes a section at the end of the book called ‘For Creative Minds’ with optional fun facts and activities. You can also find more links, activities, and quizzes for this book and other titles at www.sylvandellpublishing.com.
About the Author: John McGranaghan has written stories and articles for various children’s magazines and newspapers. He also won the 2001 Pockets Fiction Contest. He was inspired to write this book when his son asked for the planet Saturn for his fourth birthday. Saturn For My Birthday is his first picture book. He and his family live in the Philadelphia suburbs where he is a school counselor.
About the Illustrator: Wendy Edelson has illustrated many books since the age of eighteen when her first book, Whose Garden, was released. She divides her time between illustrating books and advertising or editorial projects. She and her husband live on an island in the Pacific Northwest.
About the Reviewer: Amy M. O’Quinn is a pastor’s wife and former schoolteacher-turned-homeschool mom of six. She is also a freelance writer who enjoys jotting down ideas around the fringes of family life. She specializes in non-fiction, and her work has been published or acquired by various magazines including Jack and Jill, US Kids, Guideposts for Kids, Learning Through History Magazine, Highlights, GEORGIA Magazine, Homeschooling Today, International Gymnast, etc. She is also a product/curriculum/book reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and a regular columnist for TEACH Magazine. The O’Quinns live on the family farm in rural south Georgia. You can visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.
