Look Up!

In a world where it is common to be distracted by technology, it's easy to miss what is happening in front of our eyes. This book tells the story of Rocket, a little girl desperate for her older brother's attention, but all he seems to be able to see is his mobile phone... For anyone struggling with phone addiction, this book gives an important insight into what can too easily be missed in this world, if we are always looking down.

Author: Nathan Bryon
Illustrator: Dapo Adeola
Publisher: Puffin

Rocket is a little girl fascinated by the universe! She wants to be an astronaut, and is keen to share her knowledge. She longs to emulate Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space.

There’s a meteor shower looming, and Rocket wants everyone to witness it. Especially her big brother, Jamal. But he is only interested in his phone.

A crowd, invited by Rocket, has gathered at the park to watch the meteors. But nothing happens, and Rocket feels embarrassed and upset, thinking she has wasted everyone’s time. Finally, her brother looks away from his phone and comforts her, just as the meteor shower begins. Everyone looks up, and experiences the amazing natural phenomenon that Rocket has told them all about.

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

It can be very frustrating when those you love don’t pay much attention to the interesting things around them, especially if they are too busy staring at a phone.

Guidance:

It’s good to share what you know! By trying to engage her family and friends, Rocket is desperate to show what she has learned about space and the universe, and generate enthusiasm in others.

Hope & Inspiration:

At the end of the story, Rocket’s tactics win her brother over – Jamal puts down his phone and shares a special moment with his clever little sister. The siblings bond and their relationship is back on track.

Worth noting:

This book contains lots of really exciting space facts!

Review by: Rebecca Seymour