Skip to main content

Member Reviews

The author of this book is excellent at playing with words. Rover is a dog. Probably a basset. And all they want is to join their astronaut in space. They can take the place of the lunar Rover. They can dig and they can smell and have all sorts of special abilities that would work well in space. This book is written as a letter to NASA. There are lovable things that were done such as crossing out words like “RUFF” and changing it to “rough”. And there’s even a response from NASA, making this a true epistolary picture book. This book was lovely and really makes me want to pet my pooches.

Was this review helpful?

Rover "auditions" for NASA, explaining why he's the perfect pooch for their next space mission. Truth be told, he's just missing his favorite human, a lucky gal who does get to visit space. A fun tale, with nice illustrations by the author. Kids and dog lovers should absolutely adore the ending.

As an adult reader, this one made me a little sad thinking about poor Laika.

Was this review helpful?

A very literal dog applies to NASA to be their next Lunar Rover. Well, its human is already in astronaut training with NASA, and let's face it – a moon-based dog would be less clumsy, able to sniff out what the Rover is there for, and for once couldn't be told off for jumping on the furniture. Before you go into the specifics of trying to wee up things in low gravity, this is an oddity, much like the dog character. It's fun, as it is a quirky literal pun, but that's probably not needed with learning about space rovers. If this is about the joke it needs more to it, as that's not enough to carry any book, and if this is about teaching the facts of space rovers, heck, it's space, baby, and you shouldn't need cute silliness to sugar-coat the lesson. It's pretty and pleasant, but it doesn't make me think it's necessary, one bit.

Was this review helpful?

This was absolutely adorable - both the writing and the illustrations. This book had my kids wanting to know EVERYTHING about space!

Was this review helpful?

This was such a cute story about a dog who writes NASA to go to space with his owner. He tells about all of his skills that would make him a good astronaut dog. In the end, his owner has other plans for him that seem just as joyful as going to space. I really loved this book and thought Rover's skills would make him the perfect space dog! Illustrations were colorful and fun. Between the fun parts, there were some great facts about dogs and space. At the end there were a few pages devoted to information about the journey to the moon. I think any child would love this story, and really love the main character....Rover!

Thank you Taylor Woolley and Familius for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley! This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Earth Rover is a cute story. My son enjoyed it. Nice illustrations and educational information at the end. My nine year old son gives it five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely adorable and, shh, educational, too. You'll be rooting for Rover to fulfill his dream of becoming a NASA Rover. After all, he has a head start. His human works is part of the NASA space agency. And, as Rover says, he can dig up rocks with the best of them and won't tip over among other skills he perceives as important. He even writes a letter to NASA laying out his credentials and, whoa, gets a response. What we get is a fun, frequently humorous story and lots of doggie related puns/jokes.

The illustrations are simple, colorful, and add to the layering of the story, somehow managing to convey Rover's personality and hopes throughout. As noted, you'll pick up quite a bit of genuine information about space exploration as you read. The addition of an information section at the end is a bonus and will help tie things together and perhaps offer answers to questions asked of parents reading with their child. This would make a lovely gift as well as earn a well deserved place on a library shelf or teacher's classroom. Children with an interest in space, dogs, and just adventure with a twist of humor will enjoy this one. Thanks #Familius for allowing me an early peek at this entertaining and grin inducing read. I spent much of my life in Florida where I could simply step out the door and watch launches soaring overhead as they cleared the trees, so I found this one a fun read.

Was this review helpful?

We are so into space at our house and having a basset hound want to go to space was so cute and new for us. I loved how funny Rover was and his letter for NASA, it was very convincing.
The ending was a cute twist to have him still be able to go and my 6yo thought Rover sitting at the desk was the funniest thing. Seeing him do human actions had her laughing so hard.
I would gladly read this one again and again with my kids, and the length was just right. And I will always reach for a book that has real life information in the back to teach them the actual science and jobs that the people in the books do.

Was this review helpful?

Super cute book about the “tails” of a dog named Rover and his quest to be the next Rover on the moon. Loved the humor and the misspellings that were purposeful - added so much to the story. Illustrations made the story even better as we witnessed Rover writing his letter or appeal to NASA themselves. Loved the twist at the end!

Was this review helpful?

I am a sucker for cute books like this. The fact that the dog wants to be a rover for NASA is adorable. The illustrations are well done and the story is lighthearted and fun. This would be good for an elementary school classroom. I think the addition of facts and descriptions regarding NASA and its rovers would be helpful for teachers who wish to dig a bit deeper with their students; however, I am not sure that the reading and comprehension level of the main portion of the book matches with the additional information at the end of the book, which is a bit more advanced. #EarthRover #TaylorWoolley #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Rover dreams of going to space… to be with his owner. In order to fulfill his dreams of being a lunar rover (pun intended from the story), Rover writes a heartfelt letter to NASA asking if he could be the next lunar rover with evidence to back up why he’s the perfect candidate. This story was super cute and I would totally allow Rover to be the next astropup! There’s included facts on the components of a rover and a lunar mission at the end.

Was this review helpful?

This story is a lot of fun for space loving young readers. The main character is a likeable pup that goes on a great adventure learning about space exploration . Thanks to Net Galley for letting me read and review.

Was this review helpful?

I couldn't stop smiling while reading this book!

A sweet little pup named Rover sends a letter to NASA to try to be the next dog in space! I loved the facts scattered throughout the story, and the illustrations were absolutely adorable. I also enjoyed the small section at the back of the book with more advanced space information to bring in older readers.

Can't wait to buy this book for my little one when it comes out!

Was this review helpful?

This book is pure joy! Earth Rover is a hilarious, heartwarming picture book about a dog with big dreams and just the right amount of delusion. Rover writes a letter to NASA, confidently offering his services as their next Lunar Rover. He’s got the skills: digging, rock-fetching, even spaceship-sitting. What more could they want?
Kids will love the humor and dramatic irony and of course, we know he’s not that kind of rover, but it’s told with such charm that you can’t help rooting for him. The illustrations are full of energy and personality, and the little space facts at the end are a fun bonus. A fantastic read-aloud for kids who are into space, dogs, or just funny stories. Perfect for classrooms, storytime, or any young dreamer with stars in their eyes.
Thank you to Familius and NetGalley for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

An adorable picture book of a dog who dreams of space exploration. Luckily - his owner works for NASA and he gets to visit for take-your-pets-to-work day!

Was this review helpful?

This is an adorable picture book about a sweet Basset hound who wants to go to space with his human. The illustrations are beautifully done and very engaging. I will definitely be purchasing this one for children's section and it will be a perfect read aloud for our preschool's space themed week!

Was this review helpful?

I love this book!!! As a kid who grew up visiting Huntsville, AL (aka “Rocket City”) this is a book after my own heart. I love the play on words and little jokes throughout for the adults. As a mom that reads a lot of kids books I really appreciate when there are little nuances that kids might not understand. My kiddo has ASD and often chooses a book to be his favorite and I have to read it a million times I wouldn’t mind if this becomes his favorite book. It is so cute. I love the scientific explanations at the end as well…it makes the appropriate for younger kids and older kids. I love a book that can grow with my kid. I can’t wait to purchase this book for my son’s library!

Was this review helpful?

I read this with my 4 year old daughter and she thought it was so silly but she was also asking questions about what she was learning. This is a wonderful story to teach her more about space and NASA, but in an age appropriate manner.

Was this review helpful?

Flop eared hound dog Rover wants to go into space with his human and NASA because he knows that he is more qualified than any vehicle Rover. He sends a letter to NASA and does get an answer! There are information pages at the end to further explain a few things. Fun learning story!
The illustrations by the author are simple, imaginative and FUN in exploring using brilliant colors. Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital Galley on Thorium PDF from Familius via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 09 2025 *****review
#EarthRover by Taylor Woolley @woolleystories @familiusbooks @childrensbookcouncil @goodreads #kidlit #picturebook #illustration #childrensbooks #imagination #bookbub #humor #learningisfun #childrensbooks #storytelling #kidlit #picturebooks #childrensbooks #stemeducation #lunarmission #picturebook #childrensbook #space #marsrover #lunarrover #adventure

Was this review helpful?

My kids thought this was really cute, we love anything written about dogs. The illustrations were really sweet.

Was this review helpful?