Nova's Ark

From the very first page of text the reader is sent on an incredible journey with the main character, Nova. Nova is that child that we all can identify with when he says "Is this how my father feels when he's away?". The idea that his Dad will surely find him and finally their reunion and struggle to get back home keep the reader totally engaged. Back at home Nova is greeted as a hero - something all children can identify with. My 6 year old liked the idea that Nova followed his dream of exploring space. He thought that the illustrations looked exactly as he had imagined outer space to be. He thinks it is great the way Nova brings his spaceships and models to share with the class and the idea that they take field trips. We read this book over and over never tiring of the story and vibrant illustrations.

Lushly rendered with CGI, the same 3-D technique used in films like Toy Story and A Bug's Life, Nova's Ark is a pleasure to peruse. This book is terrific escapist literature for the kiddies, and a pleasure to read aloud. It's a rollicking good story about a little boy robot named Nova who goes through a series of accidental adventures. The book reads something like Annakin Skywalker meets Robinson Crusoe meets Wesley Crusher meets A Wrinkle in Time. Nova is a typical boy robot who goes on a field trip and wanders off to look at a space ship. His father, after all, pilots space craft much like this one, and Nova is tempted to crawl inside.I think you can guess what happens next.Nova becomes lost in space and crash lands on a desolate moon. With no one to talk to, he soon becomes lonely. Since his space craft has been destroyed, he creates some friends for himself out of the circuitry and raw materials...

I read this aloud to a group of 5th grade all boys and they loved it. It kept their interest as the story moved along at a rather quick pace. They seemed like they couldn't wait until I turned the page. The illustrations are second to none.

My four year old and I love reading this book aloud. The illustrations are wonderful, and the resourceful Nova is a unique hero. If your child loves tales of robots and space travel, he or she should enjoy this book very much.

This book is visually beautiful, creative and elegant. A real work of art and a wonderful story.