Hey-Ho, to Mars We'll Go!: A Space-Age Version of the Farmer in the Dell

by Susan Lendroth

This musical mission to Mars will have young astronauts talking--and singing--about the science of space travel.
Explore the science behind a trip to Mars, from launch to landing on the Red Planet. Set to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell," this jaunty journey follows five adorable, bobble-headed astronauts as they learn how to bathe in zero gravity, grow veggies in space, and entertain themselves on the six-month trip. Even the design of the book defies gravity, as text and art float free on the page, encouraging readers to turn the book sideways and upside-down. An interactive, innovative approach to interstellar fun.

Genres: Picture Books, Space, Storytime, Science, Childrens, Music, Nonfiction

ebook

First published February 6, 2018

About the author

Grew up reading anything about the past (histories); learned to love much about the future (science fiction); and now find my favorite books to be puzzling (mysteries). But as a children's author, I write picture books.

Find out what's new with my books (and me and other book-related "stuff"!):

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/susanlendroth/

Author Page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/susanlendroth

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sing-song story, the young reader can see a group of children who want to take a trip to Mars. From their getting into spacesuits to the rocket launching, and even their time in space, the story shows how much fun a trip could be. Best sung to the tune of 'The Farmer in the Dell' this story mixes melodic fun with a number of facts that the reader can absorb. Neo enjoyed this story, which was read/sung by yours truly, and served to pass the short time needed after breakfast and before we launched into our next activity. If only I could get Neo to do the singing next time!

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s absolutely no reason to rate this picture book any less than a perfect five star!

Babies and grandies, do check out the illustrations! They are so good!

Daddies and mommies, here’s a perfect way to tell the kids what astronauts do and how their job is!

And you and me and the rest, picture books never come in this number of pages!

So I am recommending this perfect book here and now!

Thank you, Charlesbridge, for the advance reading copy.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

As readers chant or sing about a trip to Mars, text boxes give further info about what would be involved in such a journey.

This can be read on two levels. Little ones with short attention spans can enjoy the illustrations (which keep changing their orientation) and the song lyrics about going to Mars, older kids can find out what all is really involved in space travel. A good pick for little astronauts and classes studying space.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of cute. I would guess that the preschoolers learning the the song today will see people landing on Mars some day! The illustrations are cute! Ans there is some factual info on Mars for the wee ones if they are interested.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I didn't really appreciate the rotating the book, but then I realized the why. Loved the illustrations and the asides.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Familiar song + cool subject + (slight) narrative + interesting facts scattered throughout = Awesome book for storytime!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part song and part non-fiction paragraphs about the preparations and kind of space craft needed to send astronauts to Mars.

[Denice Hein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set to the Farmer in the Dell, littles will love the predictable text. The sidebars add information for older kids to learn something from the book too. The illustrations use the idea of space and gravity for a unique experience with the text going up or horizontal, then upside down, and curved. Cool experience!

[Violeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice read for kids. The illustrations were great. I liked the way the text gives info of what a trip to Mars would involve and how it explains to kids what the life of an astronaut might be in space.
I do think that a teacher can use the text for a lesson in class and it might also trigger the curiosity for the kids to want to explore more on the subject.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is just what the title claims plus tidbits of info about space travel to Mars. I particularly enjoyed the topsy turvy movement of the book, as if we were really in a space ship.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Hey-Ho, To Mars We’ll Go!: A Space-Age Version Of “The Farmer In The Dell”, written by Susan Lendroth and illustrated by Bob Kolar. This delightful take on the classic nursery rhyme teaches readers about what it would take to explore the next great destination in space travel, Mars.

Using the familiar cadence of “The Farmer In The Dell”, the text takes us through a theoretical journey to the red planet, beginning with the vehicles it would require, the planning and logistics that would need to be done, and the supplies that would need to be brought. It then follows our intrepid quartet of young astronauts along their journey, explaining their gear, food, sleeping arrangements, and everyday life through the long zero-gravity journey to Mars.

What a lovely surprise this was! I had expected a fun, imaginary interplanetary journey, which the story provides, but was so tickled to find that most of the content was grounded in the real science of astronautics! In addition to the rhyming quartet each page presents, there is also a paragraph explaining things like how a vessel large enough to travel to Mars would need to be built, how astronauts could grow plants for food in space, how an astronaut takes a shower, and so on. Most of these facts were new to me as well as JJ, and made for a fascinating and fun read! The bright, cheerful illustrations of the little astronauts and their journey are visually engaging while being informative, and we LOVED the detail of the text slowing being rotated when the story enters zero-gravity, adding an interactive element that JJ went wild for. The length was great, and it was a perfect balance of learning and fun – great for future astronauts and fans of STEM. Enthusiastically Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were to use this in story time, I would only sing the song part, then depending on the group we could go back and discuss the facts on each page. For a lap book, some kids might enjoy the factual side and have the patience to sit through the whole book. This is almost two books-one with the song lyrics, and another describing the process of getting people to Mars.

It is interesting how you have to turn the book several times to read the text-though I can see where that could get awkward. And looking back at the text, unless the children know a bit about space beforehand, some parts they may not understand. For example, one page asks "can you catch my sock". That is weird unless you understand gravity and the lack of it in space. Though the illustrations of everything floating around demonstrate it well and can help to explain gravity.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explore the science of space travel and sing along with five astronauts of varying skin colors as they travel to Mars. Kids will delight as the reader rotates the book throughout the story in order to read the rotating words and pictures, imitating the weightless floating of space; although, the reader should first practice turning the pages from left to right.

A note to readers: This book can be adjusted to your crowd's needs by including or leaving off the nonfiction asides. Readers may want to practice singing the Farmer in the Dell with these new words because there may be some awkward phrasing to work around.

Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book tries to be two different things and as a result, does a mediocre job at both. The text is mostly different verses set to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell." That's not bad, and the illustrations to go along with it are fun. The problem is is doesn't really tell much of a story.

Then, there are tiny boxes of text on each spread that give nonfiction details about space missions at a level for kids 8+. There's not enough detail in these to really sate a kid's curiosity and answer their questions. So, we have one theme going without enough plot and another without enough detail. 2 stars. This might work great with little kids who are really into space but not really old enough to get the logistics, but it's definitely not a great group read aloud.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next year's Summer Reading theme is space!! And I've already been on the hunt for books and activities to do next summer at the library. This book is super cute and is to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell", so its not only a great read but a great one to sing along with!! Readers also have to turn the book all sorts of ways to see the picture and read the story, which I think adds a fun element. Each page also includes little "tips" that little astronauts will need when attempting to go to space!
I can't wait for my patrons to see this one!! A MUST have for public libraries starting to prepare for Summer Reading 2019!!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age: Toddler-Preschool
Science: Astronomy
Things that go: Rocket

One 4-line stanza pairs with a nonfiction statement about space travel as we follow four astronauts of varying skin colors as they travel to Mars. Kids will delight as the reader rotates the book throughout the story in order to read the rotating words and pictures, imitating the weightless floating of space; although, the reader should first practice turning the pages from left to right. Readers will also want to practice singing the Farmer in the Dell with these new words because there may be some awkward phrasing to work around.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

To the tune of 'The Farmer in the Dell'; we have a picture book of the song and know it well so I was able to sing this pretty easily. I really liked that there is also smaller inset text (which doesn't detract from the visuals) which gives space facts. Miss 3 really enjoyed turning the book around as the perspective changes!

Miss 3 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best read as parent and child so that the small text with facts can be read together. The facts are in a small font and at an angle(tough to read if sharing with a whole class). Best read twice.
Otherwise a music/classroom teacher might like as a supplement to a outer space unit. They could choose to just sing the song and/or share the facts in a whole group Q and A session after each page.
Kids will love that you are turning the book every which way as you read.

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this on Stories From Space as a tie-in for my littles for the Mars River landing. They got a kick out hearing a real astronaut read this from the International Space Station. As with the author's dinosaur story, the song seemed a bit forced at times and we didn't have actions to do along with the words, but I suspect the video made up for that. Check out the other readalouds here: https://storytimefromspace.com/library/

[Violeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice read for kids. The illustrations were great. I liked the way the text gives info of what a trip to Mars would involve and how it explains to kids what the life of an astronaut might be in space.
I do think that a teacher can use the text for a lesson in class and it might also trigger the curiosity for the kids to want to explore more on the subject.

--- received from NetGalley for review ---

[Annese · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I really like this one! The rhyme is easy to remember and the facts listed on each page are interesting. I would suggest this for more one-on-one reading, since you are constantly changing the direction of the book, instead of storytime. I think kids will enjoy "floating in zero gravity" with the book.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book you can sing about space. This is kind of preschool read aloud perfection. You can sing this book to the tune of "The Farmer and the Dell," but that's not our favorite part. The best part of this book is that the illustrations rotate around the page so you have to keep turning the book to mimic the floating and lack of gravity in space. Such a cute detail that amused us to no end.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A space story in rhyme to the tune of Farmer in the Dell and some factual information in small paragraphs on the pages. Illustrations of the spaceship that was built for this adventure. As a read aloud kids could help read the story with the rhythm of the song but reader would have to read the small details that are non-fiction to them. Big colorful illustrations with the text.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute. I read it at my friend's house (she has a 5 year old and a 3 year old). She's a former music teacher so she said she really enjoys singing the book. I liked how the song was adapted to tell about Space/Mars. It was also fun how the words rotated around (because.. no gravity haha).

Kids will enjoy this tale.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read aloud to young readers as it is sing songy to "The Farmer in the Dell". The illustrations were at times upside down, giving you the feeling of what it would be like floating upside down in outer space, which makes for fun reading and looking at pictures. I also enjoyed the addition of short science facts in smaller font on each page to further discussion and knowledge.

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is spectacular -- well laid out for storytime or reading or singing along for younger kids. Great facts for older kids, and a nice overview of what a long space journey would look like right now. Excellent humor, and a diverse crew rounds the book out nicely.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can get young kids thinking about possible space exploration. Turn the book all around as you sing-song your way through space in a travel toward planet Mars. Computer generated illustrations. Space travel facts included.

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the fact that this book can be read/sung just as a space song for preschoolers. But, if you have the time and interest of the child, there are lots of great facts to learn about travel to Mars.

The book is also fun as you keep turning the book to mimic gravity or lack of it.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books where you can sing the text to the kids. It gets their attention in a different way, which is perfect during a storytime where I'm usually reading three to four books and some of the kids' attention spans are starting to wane.