"The Homesick Astronaut: Can Oscar Ride His Scooter in Space?" by Golia Kalicka follows the story of a child named Oscar reflecting on his desire to live in space with his toys. They discuss facts about gravity and Earth but also question if Oscar can ride his scooter in outer space, enjoy lollipops, or play with monkey bars while in space. Oscar recognizes his desire to be home and with activities that he would miss if he lived in space. This book touches on themes of adventure and curiosity and fits into the category of science fiction as the events occurring in space throughout the story are not plausible in real life.
The illustrations in this story are whimsical and fun, flowing with the curious nature of the story itself and the sequence of events. The illustrations appear to be done in watercolor with a slight collage style that keeps images visually interesting. They do not detract from the story and relate to what is being read on the page.
I think this book is a fun adventure book that answers abstract questions children may have about space. It allows them to be creative and adventurous while also recognizing the simplicity of home. This book can be used in the classroom during a science unit. Students could be given a blank box to draw what they think they could or could not do in space. Children would then share with the class what their drawing represents and discuss as a class the science behind the possibility of completing said task in space.
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