Space Blasters: Suzie Saves the Universe

One minute young amateur inventor Suzie Wen is at home watching her favourite TV series Space Blasters and wishing her summer holidays were going to be more exciting, the next she’s actually in the TV series, transported there somehow thanks to her very own Super 3-D TV Gizmo. It’s a surprise for the crew too, Captain Jane, Spaceman Jack and Five-Eyed Frank the alien but, with the exception of Frank who seems put out by the unexpected arrival of a small human, they’re very welcoming, especially when Suzie lends a hand in saving the universe. It turns out that a number of moons have been going missing, something that allows for Suzie to visit not one but three very different planets, each with their own unusual inhabitants. That in itself makes for thoroughly enjoyable reading, but there are added bonuses too, including the crew camaraderie, plus the chance for Suzie to save the day when Jane and Jack are both out of action – once she’s won round Frank that is. The set-up is very satisfying, allowing endless opportunities for adventure with an empowering emphasis too on Suzie’s talent for invention; plus, the book is sprinkled with fact boxes of space and science-y info guaranteed to spark the interest of all readers. At the book’s conclusion, Suzie accepts the crew’s invitation to stay on board the spaceship and boldly go on to their next universe-saving adventure. Readers will be eagerly awaiting the next instalment.