ALA Booklist (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

It's the first day of school for Freddy (Captain Freddy, that is), who blasts off to outer space while getting ready. School is big, far away, and full of strangers, not unlike outer space, so what better way to prepare than with a pretend trip on a rocket? At his space station, Freddy checks the rocket engines and starts the countdown. When the rocket spins out of control, Freddy lands on a faraway planet, interacts with an alien, and returns home in time to blast off to school. On the outset, this seems to be about Freddy's nerves when it comes to starting school, but the focus soon turns to his interest in outer space. Three pages of back matter include facts about some of the celestial bodies and a short list of further reading options. The brightly colored digital illustrations feature blocky figures and shapes, adequately conveying the scenes as the action slips playfully into fantasy and back. Those facing the prospect of starting school will appreciate Freddy's diversion.

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

Freddy is nervous about the first day of school, so his mind turns to outer space: instead of putting on shoes, he puts on moon boots, and so on. His fantasy (or is it?) features flat, chunky digital art--just right for a story featuring a rocket ship, planets, and other geometric marvels. Space facts conclude the story. Reading list. Bib.

Kirkus Reviews

A boy anxious about his first day of school settles his nerves with some pretend play.Freddy is obviously mad about space—his room is blue and decorated with stars and constellations, and a planet mobile hangs above the outer-space quilt on his bed. But he may not be quite ready for school yet: "School is big. It's far, far away. And it's full of strangers." The boy alternately imagines working in space and getting ready for school—his backpack is his jetpack, his shirt is his uniform, his new shoes are moon boots, and that laser he straps on? It looks suspiciously like a banana. But a sudden problem with the ship leaves Freddy floating in space alone, until he lands on a faraway planet and meets an extraterrestrial who tries to take his laser. But then Mom opens the door to find Freddy and his baby sister on the floor playing. Freddy's finally ready, though: "School's a big place….But I've been to space, and it is gigantic." Reflecting the space theme, Chou's digital illustrations employ lots of deep blue, pops of bright color, and angular lines. Freddy, his mom, and his sister have medium-brown skin and dark, straight hair.While not as strong as Sue Ganz-Schmitt and Shane Prigmore's Planet Kindergarten (2014), it's a great choice for space fans and a good way to introduce kids to distraction as a coping technique. (bibliography, further reading) (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Uneasy about starting school, a boy named Freddy constructs an interstellar fantasy to boost his confidence. His new school shoes become -moon boots,- and his backpack is actually a jet pack, which comes in handy after Freddy needs to make a quick escape from his rocket. Working in digital media, Chou (the B. Bear and Lolly series) uses saturated colors and geometric shapes to create a retro atmosphere that evokes atomic-age fascinations with extraterrestrial exploration. Shreeve (Oliver at the Window) believably builds Freddy-s self-assurance as the story progresses, though it ends on an oddly inconclusive note. As Freddy, his mother, and his younger sister use jet packs to -blast off to school- in the final scene, it-s unclear whether Freddy-s fantasy is continuing or they actually are space dwellers. A page of -space facts- is included. Ages 3-7. Author-s agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator-s agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency. (July)

School Library Journal (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

PreS-Gr 1 Freddy is apprehensive about his first day of school, as he hides under the covers and imagines how far away and big it is, along with all the strange new faces he will encounter. In order to prepare himself for this overwhelming transition, "Captain" Freddy launches himself into important work at his pretend space station. The rocket ship is loaded, fuel tanks are filled, and engines are humming before he courageously steps onto the launchpad for the initial countdown. At liftoff, Freddy's rocket zooms out of control until he is ejected and lands on an alien planet millions and millions of miles away from home, where he befriends an alien (his baby sister) who can communicate with him after an awkward start. Once home, he is finally able to "blast off to school." Chou's bright, meticulous illustrations and Shreeve's text present just enough detail, albeit in simple fashion, to keep space lovers happy. Fans of all things space related should readily gravitate to this offering and will enjoy the informative space facts at the end. VERDICT A picture book adventure best appreciated by lovers of the solar system and planets who are about to confront the challenges of the first day of school. Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY