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Rover and Speck
Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks!
Two mismatched rovers alone on a distant planet — what could possibly go wrong?
When Rover crash-lands on a rocky planet and finds Speck stranded and in need of a battery charge, the two hardly seem destined to be teammates. organized, careful and on a mission to explore the galaxy. impulsive, excitable and … not sure what his mission is. Their differences are forgotten, however, when they make their first they’re not alone! And suddenly their only mission is to escape from the rock creatures that are chasing them!
A perfect space adventure for aspiring (and armchair) astronauts! Kids will happily travel with these two — anywhere!
When Rover crash-lands on a rocky planet and finds Speck stranded and in need of a battery charge, the two hardly seem destined to be teammates. organized, careful and on a mission to explore the galaxy. impulsive, excitable and … not sure what his mission is. Their differences are forgotten, however, when they make their first they’re not alone! And suddenly their only mission is to escape from the rock creatures that are chasing them!
A perfect space adventure for aspiring (and armchair) astronauts! Kids will happily travel with these two — anywhere!
Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 23, 2023
Why yes I will be adding the more substantial books I read to the child I nanny so I can start stacking my book numbers.
August 8, 2022
Well, this can be adapted to a fun, adventurous cartoon or anime!
The young readers will enjoy this colourful story with some of the most basic fun facts in between.
The characters are lively. The book reads more like a graphic novel rather than the usual comic book. But there's the vibes of both you know!
I feel it's me that I feel the art sequence and the dialogue fit needs more editing and a little blurred. I do feel the final contents of the physical copy will have as clear as the illustration on the cover.
A fun, informative read.
Petition to make this a course book for the target audience 💝
Thank you, Kids Can Press, for the advance reading copy.
The young readers will enjoy this colourful story with some of the most basic fun facts in between.
The characters are lively. The book reads more like a graphic novel rather than the usual comic book. But there's the vibes of both you know!
I feel it's me that I feel the art sequence and the dialogue fit needs more editing and a little blurred. I do feel the final contents of the physical copy will have as clear as the illustration on the cover.
A fun, informative read.
Petition to make this a course book for the target audience 💝
Thank you, Kids Can Press, for the advance reading copy.
May 2, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC of this!
This was a super cute middle grade science fiction with a nice dash of real science interspersed throughout. The art style was so cute, and I love that the reader is shown how to draw their own Rover at the end. Recommend especially for the younger end of middle grade or those who want just a little education without reading full on non-fiction.
This was a super cute middle grade science fiction with a nice dash of real science interspersed throughout. The art style was so cute, and I love that the reader is shown how to draw their own Rover at the end. Recommend especially for the younger end of middle grade or those who want just a little education without reading full on non-fiction.
January 10, 2024
Cute story about exploring, science, and friendship. The characters and tone are modern, the illustrations bright and fun. Humorous. (Though available read via an online reader copy)
May 21, 2024
"Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks!" is written and illustrated by Jonathan Roth. I found this book on the "The Golden Duck Notable Picture Books List" on the American Library Association's website. The book is also won the award for "2023 Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction." This Sci-Fi picture book is about a Rover who lands on an alien planet and, as they doing their assignment, stumble upon Speck, a robot that has been buried underneath so rock and soil. The two realize that parts of their robot bodies are not working, like antennas and solar panels, and help repair each other. The two quickly become friends and set out on an adventure. Since this is the first book in the "Rover and Speck" series, it ends right here, which is quite the cliffhanger. Despite not being the target audience, I would definitely read another book or five in this series in order to learn more about their adventures. The illustrations in this book are fun, too, as they remind me of classic comic book art akin to the "Captain Underpants" series. Since they are robots who are don't always speak, the author leans into the illustrations to flesh out the story. There aren't any connections to diverse lit, seeing as this is a Sci-Fi book about robots.
If I were a teacher, I could imagine using this series as a option for a weekly read aloud. Since there are multiple books in the series, the teacher could read a new adventure of Rover and Speck each week. To further the use of this book, the teacher could really hone in on the "broken" parts of the robots and how they help each other overlook their flaws. The book does not delve into this issue much, but the teacher could use this as a creative jumping point to discuss acceptance and friendship with the class. Additionally, I can imagine this book series as an excellent choice book for a science fiction unit for younger grades. A lot of readers think of major franchises like Star Wars when they think of Sci-Fi, but there are so many worlds to explore, and this world can be explored at a young age!
If I were a teacher, I could imagine using this series as a option for a weekly read aloud. Since there are multiple books in the series, the teacher could read a new adventure of Rover and Speck each week. To further the use of this book, the teacher could really hone in on the "broken" parts of the robots and how they help each other overlook their flaws. The book does not delve into this issue much, but the teacher could use this as a creative jumping point to discuss acceptance and friendship with the class. Additionally, I can imagine this book series as an excellent choice book for a science fiction unit for younger grades. A lot of readers think of major franchises like Star Wars when they think of Sci-Fi, but there are so many worlds to explore, and this world can be explored at a young age!
August 30, 2022
First off, the artwork in this is really nice. It reminds me of some of the other graphic novels for this target demographic. I appreciated the way that the story works with interwoven (and linked but not necessarily all to space) facts and explanations. I do think that the headings for the facts could have done without the ! punctuation because there's no reason for it.
The story is cute. I was a little worried that it would be boring but in the end, the rock people made it fun. And there were things to accomplish along the way for both Rover and Speck. I do think that parents would have to perhaps engage a bit more in the story to explain somethings, because there are a few gaps here and there. But it's a good read, and also good for an early reader.
I also like that the end of the book includes a bit more information about the actual rovers that have helped with space exploration, turning this into more than a story about two robots.
Lastly, the craft at the end is fun and easy for anyone to do, no matter how young or old. Younger children will need a bit of help for sure, but it's not so complicated and doesn't really require going out to hunt down materials beyond what is probably already in a craft drawer.
The story is cute. I was a little worried that it would be boring but in the end, the rock people made it fun. And there were things to accomplish along the way for both Rover and Speck. I do think that parents would have to perhaps engage a bit more in the story to explain somethings, because there are a few gaps here and there. But it's a good read, and also good for an early reader.
I also like that the end of the book includes a bit more information about the actual rovers that have helped with space exploration, turning this into more than a story about two robots.
Lastly, the craft at the end is fun and easy for anyone to do, no matter how young or old. Younger children will need a bit of help for sure, but it's not so complicated and doesn't really require going out to hunt down materials beyond what is probably already in a craft drawer.
June 6, 2022
A book for the school library perhaps, but one with a feel more of last day of term than a decent lesson. This flippantly takes us through the adventures of two friendly little robots after one lands on a particular planet to explore, but without a working antenna to signal up to the collecting spaceship. It finds the second one, SPECK, and together they find giant rock monsters, and not a lot else. Well, a certain kind of music gets invented, but that's about it. Every few pages there will be a more scientific sidebar/box-out, but the educational content here is more than low. It's a reasonable story of robo-friendship, daft alien life-forms and so on, and works as that – but if you're going to put across a few science factoids here and there make more of an effort! Three stars for the missed opportunity, which would have been a half higher if they'd done without the paltry lessons.
September 27, 2022
Rover and Speck is an absolutely adorable little tale featuring two robots who landed on an unknown planet. Rover finds Speck, batteries completely uncharged, after landing and decides in lieu of continuing his own adventure, to first revive the little robot so they can explore together. What then ensues are a plethora of entertaining entanglements the two travelers must address in order to continue their missions.
The great thing about this book is that it does a wonderful job of incorporating silly stories to keep kids engaged while also providing a ton of opportunities to teach them not only about life on a planet in general, but also about the explorations we conduct of outer space, our solar system, and the planets within it. Fun facts are sprinkled throughout the book in clever ways to impart this knowledge, matching the overall theme and moments in the story as they do.
All I can say is, I’m a huge fan and I can’t wait to see where they head next!
The great thing about this book is that it does a wonderful job of incorporating silly stories to keep kids engaged while also providing a ton of opportunities to teach them not only about life on a planet in general, but also about the explorations we conduct of outer space, our solar system, and the planets within it. Fun facts are sprinkled throughout the book in clever ways to impart this knowledge, matching the overall theme and moments in the story as they do.
All I can say is, I’m a huge fan and I can’t wait to see where they head next!
February 3, 2023
Rover lands on a rocky planet only to discover that his antenna broke on the descent. The explorer decides to begin its journey by examining the planet as it was designed to do. As Rover looks for life, it finds many rocks and minerals. Only when it scans for 'not-life' and 'not-rocks' does it find something different. The 'not-life' and 'not-rock' turns out to be another rover called Special Planet Explorer Class-K, shortened to SPECK. Speck, unfortunately, doesn't remember anything about its mission and after charging its solar batteries, joins Rover exploring the planet. For a robot, Speck does puppy dog eyes really well. Speck's enthusiasm and Rover's expertise make them a good team, especially when the run into a bunch of rock people who want to smash them. It will take all of the ingenuity and equipment they possess to find a way to save themselves and contact Rover's ship. Not only is this a delightfully illustrated graphic novel perfect for young readers (ages 6-8), but it's quite funny as well. I found myself grinning more than once at Speck's antics (SOS stands for Save Our Speck). Scattered throughout the book are fun science facts about things such as minerals, time, space caves, and ancient art. I found the illustrations to be bright, colorful, and very appealing, it's bound to catch the eye of young readers. Many young readers are likely to enjoy reading about Rover and Speck's adventures. I look forward to reading their future adventures.
August 10, 2022
Usually once I do a scan on kids books- I let my 7 and 9 year
Old take a look.
My 9 year old didn’t leave his spot on the couch until he finished it, and when he was done he asked when the book comes out to have his own copy.
My 7 year old - not a major reader, but she did say the art was really nice and she thought the characters were cute.
I’m a big fan of graphic novels- they hold my kids’ attention enough and it’s helped my 9 year old love to read - this one was great, loved the science facts throughout. 10/10!
Old take a look.
My 9 year old didn’t leave his spot on the couch until he finished it, and when he was done he asked when the book comes out to have his own copy.
My 7 year old - not a major reader, but she did say the art was really nice and she thought the characters were cute.
I’m a big fan of graphic novels- they hold my kids’ attention enough and it’s helped my 9 year old love to read - this one was great, loved the science facts throughout. 10/10!
September 30, 2022
This book features two robots exploring a new planet — and some friends they make along the way. As the story progresses, they share relevant science facts, like the length of a microsecond, info about rocks, and more.
It’s illustrated in a comic book style. If your child is a fan of Wall-E, they will probably like this book. One robot is more aloof, so they have some funny / goofy asides as they try to get away from the other robot.
Thanks to the Kids Can Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s illustrated in a comic book style. If your child is a fan of Wall-E, they will probably like this book. One robot is more aloof, so they have some funny / goofy asides as they try to get away from the other robot.
Thanks to the Kids Can Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 12, 2022
This is a cute, kid-oriented, graphic novel about two stranded robots, and the adventures they have together. The book is a sneaky one that makes learnin' fun with scattered cold, hard facts about rocks, minerals, and outer space.
I'll be there for their next excursion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for sharing this one.
I'll be there for their next excursion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for sharing this one.
December 15, 2022
Elementary graphic novels that are both fun and educational are right up my alley. Rover crash lands on Mars and discovers Speck buried under some rocks due loss of power from buried solar panels. The two become friends, go exploring, and find rock formations that have life. Throughout this friendship tale are real life facts about both rovers, other planets, rocks, minerals, etc. Overall, this book just works. Kids are going to find it fun and entertaining and they’re going to learn something at the same time. I can’t wait for book number two.
February 18, 2024
We went to our local indie bookstore to pick up a book for me, and walked out with many, many books. One of my favorite things about the store is their beautiful and extensive Children's section. My daughter - who is struggling with reading as a 6 year old - asked the children's section staffer for some recommendations. She pointed her to a big old display of early chapter books and graphic novels and these adorable little robots were what caught her eye.
This is a cute story - Rover and Speck are both exploring a rocky planet - with very cool Star Trek or Galaxy Quest style rock monsters - who turn out to be quite gifted in art. My kids loved the silliness of Speck - a little flighty and goofy - as compared to the more serious Rover and they also loved the illustrations. There were many giggles and laughs during this book - which held their attention (and I've seen them come back and look at the illustrations or re-read more than once). Excited to read the second in this series.
This is a cute story - Rover and Speck are both exploring a rocky planet - with very cool Star Trek or Galaxy Quest style rock monsters - who turn out to be quite gifted in art. My kids loved the silliness of Speck - a little flighty and goofy - as compared to the more serious Rover and they also loved the illustrations. There were many giggles and laughs during this book - which held their attention (and I've seen them come back and look at the illustrations or re-read more than once). Excited to read the second in this series.
September 13, 2022
The story of this science fiction comic book is a grade level or two below the reading level. The story is simple: a rover and a robot meet on a distant planet. They encounter rock beings and have to save themselves. Words like spheroid and sprawling and detector don’t belong with the simple story. The simple and basic story is for primary students but the vocabulary and the science facts throughout the book are more for upper elementary.
July 18, 2023
A story of two alien robots searching for adventure who instead discover friendship. This delightful and funny travel through space is told in a kid-friendly graphic novel format with lively illustrations that are destined to be a hit with emerging readers. Fun science facts are interspersed throughout, as is a lesson in creating space characters that kids are sure to enjoy. STEM made fun and funny.
October 6, 2024
4 stars ( I really liked it)
That was super cute! I liked how it was science fiction but had some actual science included. It also showed how art (music) can positively affect us all (even rock people haha).
I like how the back matter had a how to draw page but instead of other graphic novel's how to draw pages that show the characters from the book, this one encouraged readers to make their own rover.
That was super cute! I liked how it was science fiction but had some actual science included. It also showed how art (music) can positively affect us all (even rock people haha).
I like how the back matter had a how to draw page but instead of other graphic novel's how to draw pages that show the characters from the book, this one encouraged readers to make their own rover.
September 29, 2022
“Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks,” written and illustrated by Jonathan Roth is a highly engaging story that makes a great introduction to space exploration, rover technology, and basic concepts about the nature of space. Two rovers, Rover and Speck, meet on Mars and begin an adventure-filled journey to help Rover find his way back to his ship. They cross some interesting creatures and face all sorts of dangers but help each other out and make new friends along the way. The story is a very easy read, great for reluctant readers or readers who need more visual input. The story itself is science fiction, but the fact sections found throughout the story give great basic facts and information in a variety of space-related themes. A fun read that is sure to pique the interest of young readers with it’s fun storyline and lovable characters.
- Teacher Tips -
* Great to read in conjunction with a unit on rovers and other space technologies
* Imagine and write their own story with Rover and Speck - or their own rovers (creative activity at the end of the story) - have them land at your school and try to figure out what they see - or another planet that you’ve researched together
- Teacher Tips -
* Great to read in conjunction with a unit on rovers and other space technologies
* Imagine and write their own story with Rover and Speck - or their own rovers (creative activity at the end of the story) - have them land at your school and try to figure out what they see - or another planet that you’ve researched together
April 1, 2024
4.5 stars
Rover lands on Mars and soon discovers Speck, an older model explorer. Unfortunately Speck needs a solar charge and has some memory loss. All Speck knows is that he's afraid of something. That something turns out to be rock creatures on Mars! But Speck's music soon helps calm the creatures and thy make a connection with one, Rocky, an artist. A cute start to a series.
Rover lands on Mars and soon discovers Speck, an older model explorer. Unfortunately Speck needs a solar charge and has some memory loss. All Speck knows is that he's afraid of something. That something turns out to be rock creatures on Mars! But Speck's music soon helps calm the creatures and thy make a connection with one, Rocky, an artist. A cute start to a series.
January 20, 2025
This Planet Rocks!
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.57/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 7
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Thoughts:
This book was short and sweet. It definitely has a more childish and educational vibe, but it was still enjoyable and very cute. :)
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.57/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 7
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Thoughts:
This book was short and sweet. It definitely has a more childish and educational vibe, but it was still enjoyable and very cute. :)
October 2, 2022
Thak you to netgalley and Kids Can Press for allow me to read this book!
I loved it!. This graphic novel is for children, but I think it is one of the nicest ways to get started and learn about science. One hundred per cent recommended, it's funny, entertaining and educational.
I loved it!. This graphic novel is for children, but I think it is one of the nicest ways to get started and learn about science. One hundred per cent recommended, it's funny, entertaining and educational.
November 4, 2022
I just recently finished Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story and loved seeing a younger graphic novel version. The story of Rover and Speck is the importance of friends and the power of music with some science mixed in. I can definitely think of a few kids I want to give this book too!
November 21, 2022
A Cute story about two buddy robots that take you exploring on a rocky planet. A humorous and colorful adventure that makes you forget you might be learning some science facts while you laugh along with these two funny rovers.
Want to read
April 25, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
October 30, 2022
Rover and Speck is a sweet story about friendship and exploration. I enjoyed the humor and scientific facts sprinkled within this story. You learn some thing without knowing you are learning!
November 7, 2022
3.5 stars.
December 6, 2022
"Finding new friends is the most important discovery of all."
January 2, 2023
A wonderful space tale full of colorful illustrations. This tale of two Rovers who team up to explore the galaxy is heart-warming and fun.
March 10, 2024
Cute, charming, colorful, fun, educational, this graphic novel for little ones has it all!
May 25, 2024
Really funny, has different facts about space great for younger readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews