Sir Elton John posits that, “”Mars ain’t no kind of place to raise your kids.”” Chris Gall, Tucson resident and author and illustrator of the new children’s book, “”There’s Nothing to do on Mars,”” would likely agree.

The story follows a young boy named Davey and his robotic dog, Polaris. The duo try to amuse themselves for a day on the desolate surface of Mars while Davey’s family escapes the hustle and bustle of Earth-life. Davey’s journey leads to encounters with odious aliens, mysterious fossils and even signs of water on the red planet.

Children will appreciate the moral at the end of the story, but children and parents alike will adore the vibrant, detailed illustrations. The quality of the artwork alone gives this book great re-read value, as there is always something new to be discovered!

The author bio on the book’s back flap describes Gall as a professional illustrator and space enthusiast; both of these qualities make themselves apparent inside the vividly-decorated pages of this charming space narrative.