Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

Phelm Rottenly moves in with a temporary foster family in rural Scotland after his grandfather goes into a nursing home. There he meets Sputnik, a visitor from outer space who appears as a dog to everyone except Phelm. Sputnik informs Phelm that Earth is in danger of being erased unless they can prove it deserves to exist by compiling a list of interesting things about the planet. The two embark on a series of adventures to discover and document what makes Earth special. Their quest takes them through Scotland and beyond as they attempt to save the planet, find Phelm's grandfather, and understand what makes a real home. Along the way, Sputnik's otherworldly abilities create both chaos and wonder. The story explores themes of belonging, family bonds, and seeing the extraordinary in everyday life. Through humor and imagination, it raises questions about what truly matters in human existence and how we determine what makes something - or someone - worth saving.

Readers describe this book as funny and imaginative with meaningful themes about family and belonging. Parents note it works well as a read-aloud book that appeals to both children and adults. Liked: - Humor, particularly the dog character's perspective - Balance of silly moments with emotional depth - Accessible discussion of foster care and family bonds - Scientific facts woven into the story Disliked: - Some found the plot confusing or hard to follow - Several mention a slow start before the story picks up - A few readers felt the ending was rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (80+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "The perfect mix of heart and humor" appears in multiple reader reviews. One teacher noted: "My students couldn't stop laughing at the list-making but also connected with the deeper themes." Some parents mentioned the book led to good discussions about family relationships with their children.

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🚀 The book's main character, Prez, doesn't speak throughout the story, yet manages to save the world through written communication and actions. 🌟 Author Frank Cottrell Boyce was inspired to write children's books after working as a screenwriter for movies like "24 Hour Party People" and "Welcome to Sarajevo." 🛸 The character Sputnik appears differently to various people - while Prez sees an alien, others see a small dog, playing with the concept of perception and reality. 🌍 The book incorporates real scientific concepts about space exploration and the Voyager Golden Record, which NASA launched into space containing sounds and images of Earth. 👥 The story was partially influenced by the author's experiences as a foster family host, leading to the authentic portrayal of the foster care system in the book.