Eleanor Cameron (1912–1996)

So yeah, I read this now for the (marvelous as always) illustrations by Beth & Joe Krush and to clear up my memory of it. And as I'm going along I remember reading it once as a child but not particularly liking it (despite all the aspects that do charm like writing style, setting, fairy tale vibe...) until I get to the end and realize what's wrong.

The males are dangerously moody. Both Dirk and Peter are absolutely the kind of people who make lousy husbands and fathers. They can charm when they choose to, but accidentally cross them and they go cold, try to warm them up and they're more likely than not going to lose their temper and strike out.

If you see your daughter reading this, ask her what she thinks of those guys' behavior.… (more)

• 195 pages, medium sized words
• Science fiction/book in a series

Answering a newspaper ad, David and Chuck build a small spaceship for Mr. Bass, who then commission the boys to fly to his home planet to save his people from disaster! David and Chuck summon their courage and launch their spaceship, fly to the Mushroom Planet, and save Mr. Bass’ people all in one night.

This is a fun, well-written book that makes flying to space seem very logical and simple for 10-year-old boys. Good moral themes of courage and self-sacrifice are learned.… (more)