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The Mushroom Planet #2
Stowaway to the Mushroom Planet
No Other Earthlings know the Mushroom Planet like David and Chuck. They have seen the green ball shining in the vast black of outer space. And they have walked in its giant mushroom forests.
Now they are going back. The flight is top secret. But someone's found out, and stowed away on the space ship! How did he sneak on board? And how can chuck and David save the Mushroom People from his dangerous plans?
Now they are going back. The flight is top secret. But someone's found out, and stowed away on the space ship! How did he sneak on board? And how can chuck and David save the Mushroom People from his dangerous plans?
187 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1956
5 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Cameron
28 books52 followersEleanor Frances Butler Cameron (1912 - 1996) was a Canadian children's author who spent most of her life in California. Born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1912, her family then moved to South Charleston, Ohio when she was 3 years old. Her father farmed and her mother ran a hotel. After three years, they moved to Berkeley, California. Her parents divorced a few years later. At 16, she moved with her mother and stepfather to Los Angeles. She credits her English mother's love of story telling for her inspiration to write and make up stories.
She attended UCLA and the Art Center School of Los Angeles. In 1930, she started working at the Los Angeles Public Library and later worked as a research librarian for the Los Angeles Board of Education and two different advertising companies. She married Ian Cameron, a printmaker and publisher, in 1934 and the couple had a son, David, in 1944.
Her first book came out in 1950, based on her experience as a librarian. It was well received by critics, but didn't sell well. She did not start writing children's books until her son asked him to write one starring him as a character. this resulted in her popular series The Mushroom Planet.
With the success of the Mushroom Planet books, Cameron focused on writing for children. Between 1959 and 1988 she produced 12 additional children's novels, including The Court of the Stone Children (1973) and the semi-autobiographical five book Julia Redfern series (1971–1988). She won the National Book Award for Court of the Stone Children in 1973, and was a runner up for To The Green Mountains in 1979.
In addition to her fiction work, Cameron wrote two books of criticism and reflection on children's literature. The first, The Green and Burning Tree, was released in 1969 and led an increased profile for Cameron in the world of children's literature. Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s Cameron worked as a traveling speaker and contributor to publications such as The Horn Book Magazine, Wilson Library Bulletin, and Children's Literature in Education. She was also a member of the founding editorial board for the children's magazine Cricket, which debuted in 1973. In 1972 she and Roald Dahl exchanged barbs across three issues of The Horn Book, a magazine devoted to critical discussions of children's and young adult fiction. Her second book of essays, The Seed and the Vision: On the Writing and Appreciation of Children's Books, came out in 1993. It is her final published book.
From late 1967 until her death Cameron made her home in Pebble Beach, California. She died in hospice in Monterey, California on October 11, 1996 at the age of 84.[
She attended UCLA and the Art Center School of Los Angeles. In 1930, she started working at the Los Angeles Public Library and later worked as a research librarian for the Los Angeles Board of Education and two different advertising companies. She married Ian Cameron, a printmaker and publisher, in 1934 and the couple had a son, David, in 1944.
Her first book came out in 1950, based on her experience as a librarian. It was well received by critics, but didn't sell well. She did not start writing children's books until her son asked him to write one starring him as a character. this resulted in her popular series The Mushroom Planet.
With the success of the Mushroom Planet books, Cameron focused on writing for children. Between 1959 and 1988 she produced 12 additional children's novels, including The Court of the Stone Children (1973) and the semi-autobiographical five book Julia Redfern series (1971–1988). She won the National Book Award for Court of the Stone Children in 1973, and was a runner up for To The Green Mountains in 1979.
In addition to her fiction work, Cameron wrote two books of criticism and reflection on children's literature. The first, The Green and Burning Tree, was released in 1969 and led an increased profile for Cameron in the world of children's literature. Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s Cameron worked as a traveling speaker and contributor to publications such as The Horn Book Magazine, Wilson Library Bulletin, and Children's Literature in Education. She was also a member of the founding editorial board for the children's magazine Cricket, which debuted in 1973. In 1972 she and Roald Dahl exchanged barbs across three issues of The Horn Book, a magazine devoted to critical discussions of children's and young adult fiction. Her second book of essays, The Seed and the Vision: On the Writing and Appreciation of Children's Books, came out in 1993. It is her final published book.
From late 1967 until her death Cameron made her home in Pebble Beach, California. She died in hospice in Monterey, California on October 11, 1996 at the age of 84.[
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 14, 2018
Softhearted Mrs. Cameron! Consequences there certainly were, but in the end everyone is in his (no "her"s of any import in this 1956 middle-grade book) proper place, properly abashed and quietly elated so to be.
Do I recommend the series? Not to modern audiences. Not even to fellow oldsters who wouldn't be experiencing the warm glow of nostalgia. But if you remember David Topman and Chuck Masterson with the fondness of a Mercury-era tyke I can't tell you what a silly, sappy smile I wear as I leaf through these stories.
Do I recommend the series? Not to modern audiences. Not even to fellow oldsters who wouldn't be experiencing the warm glow of nostalgia. But if you remember David Topman and Chuck Masterson with the fondness of a Mercury-era tyke I can't tell you what a silly, sappy smile I wear as I leaf through these stories.
December 3, 2020
This was my favorite childhood book. Absolute magic.
January 20, 2021
3.5 stars
November 20, 2018
Excellent kids series follow-up.
February 25, 2021
Oh, we find a right scoundrel in this book- the stowaway!
After Mr Bass' departure, the boys are given his house, and a commission to establish the Society of Young Astronomers and Students of Space Travel. They establish a thriving group. For the time (1956), I am pleased to say, though a small part, a female does indeed make an appearance, and contribution to the discourse. It is in advancing the group aims, that the boys encounter other scientists Mr. Bass consulted. For our heroes, one of them thinks more of his own glory, disguised in the name of Science, and nearly brings ruin to the beloved Mushroom planet.
The intrepid boy explorers embark on another relief effort for Basidium. This is when the interloper enters.
There are moments of suspense, and surprises as we learn more about the people, places, and history of the Mushroom People. The factual Science continues to weave itself into the story. As I am unaware of how much was known about space at this time, I can only wonder how much the author guessed correctly. Her explanation of a 'hole in space'- which I infer is her way of describing a black hole- is a fantastic plot device.
I am keen to continue this series!
After Mr Bass' departure, the boys are given his house, and a commission to establish the Society of Young Astronomers and Students of Space Travel. They establish a thriving group. For the time (1956), I am pleased to say, though a small part, a female does indeed make an appearance, and contribution to the discourse. It is in advancing the group aims, that the boys encounter other scientists Mr. Bass consulted. For our heroes, one of them thinks more of his own glory, disguised in the name of Science, and nearly brings ruin to the beloved Mushroom planet.
The intrepid boy explorers embark on another relief effort for Basidium. This is when the interloper enters.
There are moments of suspense, and surprises as we learn more about the people, places, and history of the Mushroom People. The factual Science continues to weave itself into the story. As I am unaware of how much was known about space at this time, I can only wonder how much the author guessed correctly. Her explanation of a 'hole in space'- which I infer is her way of describing a black hole- is a fantastic plot device.
I am keen to continue this series!
December 12, 2017
I'm a little surprised to find this on Goodreads but glad I can log it. I picked it up for free at a book giveaway because of the copyright date: 1956. What were children's books like in 1956? Not bad, it turns out. I knew there was a first book, and Goodreads shows at least a book 3, so I might try to dig up a copy or two.
Yeah, it's a little simplistic, but it shows a love of science and astronomy that's admirable. I'm a little concerned about myself because I was disappointed there wasn't more death in it. That's about all I can say without spoilers.
Yeah, it's a little simplistic, but it shows a love of science and astronomy that's admirable. I'm a little concerned about myself because I was disappointed there wasn't more death in it. That's about all I can say without spoilers.
September 17, 2022
This series of young childrens chapter books are still fun and easy to read. This one almost got four stars as it’s missing the nostalgia I had associated with the first book, however the writer is just writing a fun story inspired by the children in her life and throws in facts for the readers to learn a think or two so they understand what they’re reading about and may also actually become interested in science and space.
February 8, 2019
Another throwback to my jr. high days in late 70s and fascination with stories about outer space. Though dated, rereading as an adult brought out those memories from all those years ago. Technology has changed, but in the mind of a kid...anything was possible...then and now.
February 3, 2025
Chuck and David meet Mr. Bass'es cousin Theo, who helps the boys build a new spaceship. In the process, and wannabe intellectual stows away on the trip to Bassidium and causes all sorts of trouble.
August 29, 2018
I really don't know which one I read a child. Neither of the first two ring a bell or are worth the reread, though this is slightly better.
February 14, 2019
Hard science, wild fantasy, commercial greed and a crazed research assistant combine to threaten the Mushroom Planet. All this, plus a quick description of relativity.
April 21, 2019
Second book in the Mushroom planet series. The boys return to the planet but find they have brought an egotistical adult along who has plans that may ruin the planet.
June 16, 2019
Loved it when I was a kid, and my kids loved hearing it
February 1, 2021
This book took a turn for the weird. Kiddo didn't seem to enjoy it as much as the first, probably because he spent most of the book anxious about what Horatio was doing.
August 30, 2023
This is an unnecessary sequel where the villain is a mustache-twirling caricature. However, this book still captures some of the magic of the original, even if it isn’t as good.
December 16, 2012
David Topman and Chuck Masterson thought they would never get to visit Basidium again. Their spaceship had been destroyed by the storm and tides when they'd returned to Earth and Tyco Bass was gone, simply floated away into the skies. As per his will, his home was the head of an astronomical Society. In Mr. Bass's notes, they found frequent mention of a Dr. Frobisher and decided to write him about the possibility of giving a lecture to their group.
At that same time, a man arrives at the bass home introducing himself as Mr. Theodocious Bass, an oft mentioned cousin of their benefactor, the man who'd made it possible to reach Basidium, the planet of the mushroom people.
He immediately began going over the notes left by his cousin, ordering the boys to build another spaceship. Almost as smart as Mr. Tyco, he was able to recreate everything needed to amke the boys' ship safe and able to go through space: the fluid to paint the inside and outside to make it airtight, the engines and fuel to power it, the oxygen tanks, and the control panel/automatic pilot to make the flight.
Meanwhile the lecturer arrives. Not Dr. Frobisher, he;s away on vacation with his wife, but his assistant, young Mr. Horatio Q. Peabody, a fellow with a huge ego. The lecture to the kids of the astronomy group is filled with disbelief of everything the boys know. He notices their knowing winks, smiles, and nods and listens in as they discuss their flight at midnight.
He's the stowaway of the title and they don't notice him until well underway. Peabody has big plans to make himself famous on this small planet unable to be seen without a special filter on a telescope. He claims a right to science's need to know and is already comparing the paper he will write to Einstein.
The ship arrives to find King Ra waiting for them, his two little wise men missing, and upset about their stowaway and his plans.
The boys and Mr. Theo have a fine adventure dealing with the disappearance of the wise men, Horatio's plans, the anger of the Basidium's Gods, and running into, of all people, Tyco Bass.
How they resolve it all makes for a fine little story in this second book in the Mushroom series of children's novel. I remember them fondly from childhood and, as old as I am, I still enjoyed them.
At that same time, a man arrives at the bass home introducing himself as Mr. Theodocious Bass, an oft mentioned cousin of their benefactor, the man who'd made it possible to reach Basidium, the planet of the mushroom people.
He immediately began going over the notes left by his cousin, ordering the boys to build another spaceship. Almost as smart as Mr. Tyco, he was able to recreate everything needed to amke the boys' ship safe and able to go through space: the fluid to paint the inside and outside to make it airtight, the engines and fuel to power it, the oxygen tanks, and the control panel/automatic pilot to make the flight.
Meanwhile the lecturer arrives. Not Dr. Frobisher, he;s away on vacation with his wife, but his assistant, young Mr. Horatio Q. Peabody, a fellow with a huge ego. The lecture to the kids of the astronomy group is filled with disbelief of everything the boys know. He notices their knowing winks, smiles, and nods and listens in as they discuss their flight at midnight.
He's the stowaway of the title and they don't notice him until well underway. Peabody has big plans to make himself famous on this small planet unable to be seen without a special filter on a telescope. He claims a right to science's need to know and is already comparing the paper he will write to Einstein.
The ship arrives to find King Ra waiting for them, his two little wise men missing, and upset about their stowaway and his plans.
The boys and Mr. Theo have a fine adventure dealing with the disappearance of the wise men, Horatio's plans, the anger of the Basidium's Gods, and running into, of all people, Tyco Bass.
How they resolve it all makes for a fine little story in this second book in the Mushroom series of children's novel. I remember them fondly from childhood and, as old as I am, I still enjoyed them.
July 22, 2013
Going through a bookshelf at my parent's house I came across a rather peculiar book, a science fiction book for children that was written in the 1950s. Now Stowaway to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron is the second of an eight book series about Basidium a small planetoid about 50,000 miles out from earth and the Mushroom people that live there.The most striking thing about the book is not the talk about a tiny planet close to earth that is the perfect size for little boys, but the discussion of holes in space. For a book from 1956, I didn't expect to have really any talk about holes in space since black holes were not yet common knowledge. All in all this was an interesting read about outer space. I find that outer space from before the "space age" began a special time in fiction. I simply adore Tintin's adventures in outer space and who can forget the classic Georges Méliès film A Trip to the Moon. All of these are wonderfully imaginative exploration into the universe and it is something that I think has been lost in science fiction. I was surprised by how entertaining the book was.
March 22, 2016
This second book in the Mushroom Planet series was a fast, fun read. I do agree with the Goodreads reviewer who said the pacing is awfully slow - they don't even go to the planet until the second half of the book - but that makes sense given how little time they are actually able to stay there.
The character of Horatio is a pretty stock '50s sci-fi baddie, but that is also to be expected. It's the author's inventiveness in describing the Bass cousins, the mushroom planet, and its inhabitants that makes this story so fun. I also like that the boys aren't sneaking around behind their parents' backs - their parents (or grandparent in Chuck's case) are actively allowing them to go and helping gather supplies.
Another recommended read for middle-grade-level kids.
The character of Horatio is a pretty stock '50s sci-fi baddie, but that is also to be expected. It's the author's inventiveness in describing the Bass cousins, the mushroom planet, and its inhabitants that makes this story so fun. I also like that the boys aren't sneaking around behind their parents' backs - their parents (or grandparent in Chuck's case) are actively allowing them to go and helping gather supplies.
Another recommended read for middle-grade-level kids.
July 2, 2011
It's been a LONG while since I've read this, so I don't remember that much about it other than the fact that I liked it. I was also THRILLED at the idea that that there was a sequel to "The Wonderful Flight to the Muchroom Planet. I mean think of it, an actual continuation of the story, with the same characters, who then get to go BACK to the magical planet from the first book. (This was before I discovered that some books have whole SERIES based on them, so it was a much bigger deal at the time.) I wasn't even bothered (much) by the fact that the main antagonist of the story bugged the heck out of me.
August 3, 2009
Like its prequel, The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet, this book is characterized by gentle humor, imagination, and a fun little story. I enjoyed a great deal as a child. I don't know how much interest its simple story line and calm humor would have for today's children raised on more energetic fare (e.g., The Hunger Games, the Harry Potter series, or other such books), but its worth a try. It would be a shame if the Eleanor Cameron's Mushroom Planet books went unappreciated simply because they weren't exciting enough.
September 17, 2011
Book 2 in the Mushroom Planet series and shows sophmore slump pains. The tale of the crass interloper in Utopia making plans to commercialize paradise are in full effect. The best part of the book is the ceremony in the Hall of The Ancient Ones, the rest of it's rather snoozy.
I have a feeling the next three volumes will be more interesting than this one, and for all you sports fans make a point to get the original volumes illustrated by Robert Henneberger, who compliments Eleanor Cameron's fantasy world perfectly.
I have a feeling the next three volumes will be more interesting than this one, and for all you sports fans make a point to get the original volumes illustrated by Robert Henneberger, who compliments Eleanor Cameron's fantasy world perfectly.
September 29, 2013
This was a fine book, but it never really grabbed me and forced me to read it, and this caused me to allow the inter-library loan deadline to creep up and snatch it back. Almost halfway in and they hadn't made it to the mushroom planet was part of the pacing issue that slowed me down.
My verdict is that I can't be certain these lit my imagination when I was younger, and if they did it was the concept over the execution that fired that imagination.
My verdict is that I can't be certain these lit my imagination when I was younger, and if they did it was the concept over the execution that fired that imagination.
February 26, 2019
The Mushroom Planet books were my introduction to science fiction and I've been reading sci fic ever since... It's hard to judge it as "literature" now in my 60s (I first read it in the 60s!), but it meant a lot to me at the time and has obviously had an impact on my reading over the decades...
As a side note... during a talk by author Harry Turtledove a few years ago, he mentioned that this series was also his introduction to science fiction. How cool to find another person that says that!
As a side note... during a talk by author Harry Turtledove a few years ago, he mentioned that this series was also his introduction to science fiction. How cool to find another person that says that!
February 9, 2015
Good sequel to the first story, The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet, this one has a dastardly, egotistical villain who you find yourself rooting against AND feeling sorry for. Good reading for the preteens who like adventure. Recommend to all who've read the first one and as for me I'm off to the third one!!!
February 23, 2009
Part of the Mushroom Planet Series, which got me interested in Sci-fi at a young age. See my review of the first book, "Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet". Kept me interested enough to continue with the series.
February 14, 2018
I have the first book in this juvenile series which I ordered centuries ago from Scholastic book though grade school but have not read it. This book was well written and fun so I look forward to reading the first, which I'm sure will be just as magical.
April 28, 2017
I read this when I was a kid and loved it! I read the whole series, in fact. They don't write science fiction like that any more!
June 16, 2008
Just part of the series. I just remember liking it as a child so I reread the whole series.
July 24, 2008
Young adult or childrens story really. It's not as good as the "wonderful flight" but it is still a charming work.
August 4, 2008
Recently reread this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews