About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a temporary separation, such as a parent's business trip or a short hospital stay, and is struggling to voice their sadness. It follows young Stanley, who 'blasts off to Mars' the moment his mother leaves for a work trip. In his place, a messy, rule-breaking Martian arrives, allowing Stanley to process his big emotions through imaginative play. It is a tender, relatable story for children aged 3 to 7 who may feel out of sorts when their routine is disrupted. Parents will appreciate how the story validates a child's need for a 'disguise' when they feel vulnerable. By allowing Stanley to be a Martian who doesn't like vegetables or baths, his father provides the safety and patience the boy needs to navigate his longing. It is an excellent choice for normalizing the 'acting out' that often accompanies transitions and for modeling how a calm, accepting caregiver can help a child return to themselves.
