Dalmartian: A Mars Rover’s Story

Stephen had visitors in his yard one evening. The visitors had come from afar to take specimens but left on their ship very quickly when they found they had company. One visitor was left behind, but Stephen invited him in, offering as well as encouraging a place to sleep, breakfast in the morning, a walking tour, and a stopover at a park.

Stephen and his guest very quickly became friends, but one evening the other visitors came back and the guest left with them to return home. Stephen was heartbroken as was his new friend; however, when the “sun rose the next morning, they were both right where they belonged”.

Lucy Ruth Cummins touches on a number of important concepts throughout Dalmartian: A Mars Rover’s Story. Hospitality for a guest and sharing is highly visible but also conflict resolution by “getting on the same page” when deciding to go for a walk and get some “fresh-airing”, or even sleeping arrangements.

Interestingly, keeping their business to themselves (minding their own business) was mentioned, but foremost was the ability to have a laugh with a friend and simply enjoy each other’s company.

With all of this being said, the title is short and catchy, inevitably prompting a reader to open the book to find out what a Dalmartian could possibly be. It is also reflective of the book’s contents, the visitor/visitors are simply little dogs – hence the prefix “Dal” - and the furthest thing from outer space aliens one would think would exist on Mars. As such, the book is extremely friendly and non-intimidating for a child. The illustrations are very simple but effective against a variety of backgrounds that are at times stark but also colored in various shades of grey, blue, and black as well as orange to emphasize the time of day.

Dalmartian: A Mars Rover’s Story is a wonderful tale that will not only appeal to children but dog lovers everywhere.