Orson Blasts Off!

by Raúl Colón

When his computer breaks and he can no longer play video games, Orson is magically sent on a journey to remote parts of the world and far into space where he sees, touches, and experiences the wonders of nature--finally gaining an appreciation for the world waiting for him just outside his bedroom walls.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2004

About the author

New York City has been Raul's loyal patron, from illustrated New Yorker covers to an MTA mural at the 191st. St. subway station to work in the New York Times.

Along with all this 'grown up' work, Raul Colón is a most prolific and popular children's book illustrator, happy that his time is always committed to publishers for years hence. In recent years he is pleased that his work has been recognized with The David Usher Greenwich Workshop Award from The Society of Illustrators as well as SI Gold and Silver Medals; honors from Communication Arts and 3x3; two Pura Belpre Awards; twice included in the NY Public Library's 100 titles for Reading and Sharing; and twice recipient of The Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Award. Raul lives north of New York City with his beautiful wife, Edith, who can often be spotted as the model for his characters.

Reviews

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Orson's computer explodes, he's bored and doesn't know what to do with himself. Until Weasel, his toy jack-in-the-box, comes to life and entices Orson outside for a trek through the frozen tundra, dangerous waters, and outer space. Full of imagination and adventure. The illustrations add creativity and humor. The text plays with some idioms. A glossary in the back of the book explains the scientific terms and idiomatic expressions used in the story.

[Talon Roseland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Orson Blasts Off! written by, Raul Colon is a great choice as a picture book. I think this book would be best read to kindergartners because I think they would appreciate the detailed pictures that explain what is happening rather than the words that you are reading. I think Early Childhood age groups would be the best to read this book because of that reason. This book could be read when talking about outer space, dreaming, getting outside, or using your imagination. This book may be used as just a fun book to read one day in the classroom. I believe the content of this book is appropriate for the age level that I chose because of the descriptive pictures on every page that follow the book.

This book talks about the arctic circle, storms, as well as outer space so I would focus this book with science. In this book Orson breaks his video games and then travels through his imagination only to find that playing outside is the better option than staying inside and playing video games.

[Tamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun illustrations. Fun ideas about imagination and creative play. Good lessons: Go Play Outside, and Use Your Imagination! Relevant to our kids and us parents, too.

The mini-lesson about certain phrases we use that aren't exactly what they seem (like Eye of the Storm doesn't really mean an eyeball) was okay. Maybe I would have thought it was better done if I was a kid? I don't know about that one.

(Once a month I read picture books to a 2nd grade class. This one made the cut.)

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a little boy's computer is fried, it's up to him to find his own entertainment. With his trusty sidekick Weasel - a jack-in-the-box - Orson finds himself on a series of bizarre adventures.

The illustrations were okay. The author was trying to visually represent certain idioms - like eye of the storm or whale of a tale.

[Lori Shook · Rating 4 out of 5]

My class this week had a journal topic of how they use their imagingation and play by themselves. I was shocked how many of them had a hard time thinking of topics and details. This would be a good book to promote using the imagination.

[Amy Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really attracted to the illustrations in this book. The story is a little strange, but it's interesting, and something different happens on each page! On the last page, the author also includes descriptions of the idioms used throughout the book. Overall, I think kids would enjoy it.

[Candace Carr]

I would read this book to a 4th grade class on a unit about stars and planets in space. This book can be used to introduce students about different things you would see in space and some well known stars.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to do when your video game breaks and you don't "do outside"? The third graders I read this to delighted in Orson's imagination when such a thing happened to him. My favorite part - Orson and Weasel walking by walruses.

[Noel Echols]

story exploring outer space that can be an engage to talk about how the planets orbit, etc. (4th)

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A good one to revisit in a few years.