BOB’S BEST-EVER FRIEND

The hardworking, lantern-jawed gent introduced in Man on the Moon (2002) finds doggy (more or less) companionship in this cheerfully oddball sequel. Searching for “a pal who’ll always be by my side,” Bob mopes through an ordinary Earth day of solitary meals and errands (spaceship batteries and Moon-patterned underwear) before rocketing off to work as a guide and performer for lunar tourists. The ordinary events described in Bartram’s text find hilarious counterpoint in the seemingly staid illustrations. As Bob obliviously goes about his business, sharp-eyed viewers will pick out small alien hands snatching every cupcake in sight, pigeons and other city residents transformed with bright colors and eyes on stalks and, in nearly every scene, a small tail-wagger who looks just like a puppy save for the single eye atop its head. Of course, Bob and this last do ultimately hook up, and go off blissfully together. Fans of Chris Gall’s There’s Nothing To Do On Mars (2008) and William Joyce’s classic Day With Wilbur Robinson (1990, 2006) will be richly entertained. Value added: a glow-in-the-dark poster inside the jacket. (Picture book. 6-9)