Venus Boy

by Lee Sutton

Venus in the future is described in fantastic terms in a science-fiction-fantasy for younger readers. There is a colony of earth people established on Venus. Among the children, 12 year old Johnny Watson is the first to have been born in the new settlement, and the first human to come to understand the clicking language of Venusian marvas of blue bears, whose jewelled claws are of great value in the making of plastics. When Johnny and Baba, his pet blue bear, take it upon themselves to undermine a tyrannical gang of traders who want to capture all the blue bears and hence to continue the great enmity between men and all Venusian animals- the results of the boy's ability to communicate brings a new friendship and a new alliance that helps oust the traders and bring a ""peaceable kingdom"" to Venus.

Genres: Science Fiction

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Lee Sutton was an American librarian known for his children's story, Venus Boy.

Reviews

[Joanna Ohnanik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this when I was in grade school in the 1950’s, probably one of the first science fiction books I ever read. I just saw where it was reissued in 2015 for its 60th anniversary. It’s always been one of my favorites, and I was lucky enough to be able to buy an original copy years later. Just finished rereading it, and it still doesn’t disappoint. I especially love the author’s notes explaining his concept of the planet Venus and how men might be able to live there.

[Mark Sabol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a kid - maybe 1960? - and still remember the mind-reading blue ?) flying fish. Probably pretty dated now.