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Space Ship
The Spaceship Under the Apple Tree
First book in a series of classic children's science fiction.
One on-line blurb states: "It's the gentle, wonder-full story of Eddie, a boy scout who spends summers on his grandma's farm, and his encounter with Marty from Martinea. The two become fast friends and travel the world in Marty's spaceship, disguised as a little green car and powered by secret power ZZZ. Exciting and easy to read, and drenched with Slobodkin's beguiling illustrations, here's a series kids will love to discover." (Gord Wilson, alivingdog.com)
One on-line blurb states: "It's the gentle, wonder-full story of Eddie, a boy scout who spends summers on his grandma's farm, and his encounter with Marty from Martinea. The two become fast friends and travel the world in Marty's spaceship, disguised as a little green car and powered by secret power ZZZ. Exciting and easy to read, and drenched with Slobodkin's beguiling illustrations, here's a series kids will love to discover." (Gord Wilson, alivingdog.com)
First published January 1, 1952
3 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Louis Slobodkin
111 books17 followersLouis Slobodkin entered the Beaux Arts Institute of Design, where he studied drawing, composition, and sculpture, at the age of fifteen. In his six years there, he won over 20 medals for his work, and was awarded the Louis Tiffany Foundation Fellowship.
In 1927, Slobodkin married Florence Gersh, a poet and children's author. However, Slobodkin did not become involved in children's literature until 1941, when he illustrated The Moffats, by his friend Eleonor Estes.
In 1944, Louis Slobodkin won the Caldecott Medal for illustrating Many Moons, written by James Thurber.
During his career, Slobodkin illustrated nearly 90 books, 50 of which he also wrote. He and his wife collaborated on five books.
In 1927, Slobodkin married Florence Gersh, a poet and children's author. However, Slobodkin did not become involved in children's literature until 1941, when he illustrated The Moffats, by his friend Eleonor Estes.
In 1944, Louis Slobodkin won the Caldecott Medal for illustrating Many Moons, written by James Thurber.
During his career, Slobodkin illustrated nearly 90 books, 50 of which he also wrote. He and his wife collaborated on five books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 23, 2008
This book is one of a few that got me started on a 45-year science fiction spree. I read it in elementary school, along with Miss Pickerell Goes to Mars (etc.), and have been hooked ever since.
November 29, 2009
When Eddie discovers his new extraterrestrial freind is the same age as he--11 and a half--he exclaims, "Let's be friends". Marty yanks out his English dictionary--"factory--fireplace--furniture. No 'friends'. What means friends?"
Eddie tries ,with difficulty, to explain. NOt much luck. Eddie is a well, drawn likeable character--a typical bright 11 year old. But Slobodkin outdid himself with the character of Marty.
When we first meet Marty he is bossy; somewhat suspiscious, and does not like to admit that he--or the Martinean scientists--might ever be wrong.
He has lost his precious spool of Zurianomatichrome wire, and without the secret Power Z it can provide, his Astral Rockt Disc is going nowhere and he is stuck in rural upstate New York on Eddie's grandmother's farm. So he is also moody and unhappy about that.
But as the excellent advnetures continue, Marty's character grows and matures, and he becomes much more of a likeable character.
In the last major scence of the book, we see how much he has changed. "Like Boy Scout, now must tell truth". He admits to Eddie he lied when he stated he was a scientist-explorer from Marinea. "WHAT!!?" Eddie gasps. Marty confesses he is only a "Junior" scienctist explorer. And having failed in his assignment to study Earth, he will not be promoted to Full Scientist Exploroer.
Eddie's response--and solution to this is an inspired and top notch scene. I read that scene---Marty shakes hands and say "Goodbye, Friend"---fifty years ago and it is STILL great.
Lousi Slobodkin was also an illustrator of children's books; if you can find a copy with his original illustrations, they really enhance the story.
Very, very highly recommended for any child--boy or girl, it's not just a boys' book--oage 7 or over. For any fan of children's Sf. For anyone who likes a good, touching, whimsical story.
Eddie tries ,with difficulty, to explain. NOt much luck. Eddie is a well, drawn likeable character--a typical bright 11 year old. But Slobodkin outdid himself with the character of Marty.
When we first meet Marty he is bossy; somewhat suspiscious, and does not like to admit that he--or the Martinean scientists--might ever be wrong.
He has lost his precious spool of Zurianomatichrome wire, and without the secret Power Z it can provide, his Astral Rockt Disc is going nowhere and he is stuck in rural upstate New York on Eddie's grandmother's farm. So he is also moody and unhappy about that.
But as the excellent advnetures continue, Marty's character grows and matures, and he becomes much more of a likeable character.
In the last major scence of the book, we see how much he has changed. "Like Boy Scout, now must tell truth". He admits to Eddie he lied when he stated he was a scientist-explorer from Marinea. "WHAT!!?" Eddie gasps. Marty confesses he is only a "Junior" scienctist explorer. And having failed in his assignment to study Earth, he will not be promoted to Full Scientist Exploroer.
Eddie's response--and solution to this is an inspired and top notch scene. I read that scene---Marty shakes hands and say "Goodbye, Friend"---fifty years ago and it is STILL great.
Lousi Slobodkin was also an illustrator of children's books; if you can find a copy with his original illustrations, they really enhance the story.
Very, very highly recommended for any child--boy or girl, it's not just a boys' book--oage 7 or over. For any fan of children's Sf. For anyone who likes a good, touching, whimsical story.
May 23, 2023
This series is pretty hard to find, but it's so worth it! It's enthrallingly cute; both in plot and it's numerous illustrations!
Your family won't be able to resist Eddie or Marty ... or dear old grandma either, whose hard-of-hearing actually brought about Marty being called Marty. Because after all, when your grandson is trying to be discreet about the alien he brought home with him and you ask him where his little friend is from and you hear "Martin E. Ann," why not call the little guy "Marty."
It's a memorably quirky, clever, humorous story that will keep you and your entire family entertained from beginning to end! I highly recommend these books and do wish you the best of luck in finding a copy. Fingers crossed that with more people reading them, they'll be reprinted again!
Ages: 5 - 13
Cleanliness: "gosh" "blimey" and the like are said sometimes.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
Your family won't be able to resist Eddie or Marty ... or dear old grandma either, whose hard-of-hearing actually brought about Marty being called Marty. Because after all, when your grandson is trying to be discreet about the alien he brought home with him and you ask him where his little friend is from and you hear "Martin E. Ann," why not call the little guy "Marty."
It's a memorably quirky, clever, humorous story that will keep you and your entire family entertained from beginning to end! I highly recommend these books and do wish you the best of luck in finding a copy. Fingers crossed that with more people reading them, they'll be reprinted again!
Ages: 5 - 13
Cleanliness: "gosh" "blimey" and the like are said sometimes.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
June 9, 2019
The Space Ship Under the Apple Tree was one of the first--maybe the very first--"chapter books" I ever read, and the first science fiction story I ever read. It was also the first book that was a must-read among my peer group--everyone who was anyone in Mrs. Suffecool's third grade class in the fall of 1964 read the first adventure of Eddie Blow and his alien friend "Marty." Much of my fondness for this story comes from it occupying such a singular position in my reading history. I later read the first sequel, The Space Ship Returns to the Apple Tree, and while I enjoyed it, the special magic of encountering something for the first time just wasn't there.
March 21, 2014
My review is highly biased as this was a favorite as a child. Also, you're not likely to find the book as it's been out of print since the '70's.
However, that being said, I enjoyed this little science fiction epic (there are 4 books in the series) and the manner in which Slobodkin kept his consistency throughout. It's rare to see that today. To often authors change characters on a whim, and that's not realistic.
For a young person, reading this pre-Space Shuttle Era, this was full of imaginative and other-worldly astonishment. This first book focuses on the protagonists discovery of the spaceship and it's pilot and their adventures in rural American ala 1960's era.
Unfortunately, it may not have stood the test of time because, while I successfully purchased a copy of the series, my grade-school daughter has no interest in reading this story.
However, that being said, I enjoyed this little science fiction epic (there are 4 books in the series) and the manner in which Slobodkin kept his consistency throughout. It's rare to see that today. To often authors change characters on a whim, and that's not realistic.
For a young person, reading this pre-Space Shuttle Era, this was full of imaginative and other-worldly astonishment. This first book focuses on the protagonists discovery of the spaceship and it's pilot and their adventures in rural American ala 1960's era.
Unfortunately, it may not have stood the test of time because, while I successfully purchased a copy of the series, my grade-school daughter has no interest in reading this story.
December 30, 2015
This was my gateway book to science fiction. My 3rd grade teacher kept pushing dreary "good little girl" books at me, which I wanted no part of. I liked books about kids (girls, boys, didn't matter) who did stuff and occasionally got in trouble. That's Eddie and Marty all over.
There are actually five of these books, but West Park Elementary's library only had the first two.
Highly recommended for young readers, even though they are somewhat dated.
There are actually five of these books, but West Park Elementary's library only had the first two.
Highly recommended for young readers, even though they are somewhat dated.
March 17, 2013
Louis Slobodkin's "Under the Apple Tree" series is among my fondest memories of my childhood. This is science fiction for middle-grade readers, and gladly recommended to them.
I don't even remember how old I was when I read them, so I gave December 31, 1961 (when I was eleven).
I don't even remember how old I was when I read them, so I gave December 31, 1961 (when I was eleven).
February 18, 2016
I enjoyed this book and its sequel very much - at a time when I should have seen myself as too old for such things. Very imaginative about space yet accurate about people and life, it had all the reasons why a child would love to read a book.
October 16, 2023
I'm not sure this book REALLY rates five stars, but in my mind it's completely justified.
When I was a child, I really loved books, and especially loved the library (weird that I would work at the library as both a teenager and as a second career as an adult, right?). I read so many books from my local library, but I also visited my grandfather in Branson every summer. My stepgrandmother, Rachelle, had a part-time job at the library in Branson, so I devoured most of the books that interested me there too. This is one of those, and one of which I have very fond memories.
Obviously, it's not a new book. It wasn't new even then. While the copy I just finished reading was a 1969 printing (making it just a skosh older than I am), "The Space Ship Under the Apple Tree" was originally published in 1952, when my parents weren't even 10 years old yet. As such, it's children's science fiction from a simpler time, and that's part of its charm. Eddie Blow, the main character, is by all measures that I know a stereotypical boy from the early '50s. Slobodkin's text and illustrations show him as a slender kid with a shock of hair, probably grown out from a buzz cut or a flat top. His Levi's are straight-legged and a little rumpled, and his t-shirt is ubiquitous. Though he is from New York, he is visiting his grandmother for the summer, so despite being a city boy the story is set in the country. When a particularly spectacular meteorite lands in the vicinity of the old orchard on grandmother's farm, it's up to young Eddie to make sure "grandfather's apple tree," the ancient tree planted by Eddie's great-great-grandfather, was not damaged.
Well, not only was the tree not damaged, Eddie finds a new ravine at the site, as well as the flying saucer (which was still a relatively new term then) that made it. Even more interesting is the small man in the strange jumpsuit that has emerged from the flying saucer, along with a variety of gadgets which are clearly not of this earth.
The little man is from the vaguely-defined planet Martinea, and Eddie decides to call him Marty. But the fuel that powers the ship and all the gadgets has been damaged by exposure on the earth, so Marty has to stay for a few days, and much mischief ensues as the little man's thoughts and behaviors clash with the expectations of Eddie, his grandmother, and some of the other people nearby.
Of course, all's well that ends well, but it's a nice little story on the way. That's not really a spoiler, as there were two sequels (I'm going to try to read at least one of them next spring, during my library's reading challenge involving juvenile and YA titles) about Eddie and Marty, as well as a fourth book featuring Eddie without Marty.
When I was a child, I really loved books, and especially loved the library (weird that I would work at the library as both a teenager and as a second career as an adult, right?). I read so many books from my local library, but I also visited my grandfather in Branson every summer. My stepgrandmother, Rachelle, had a part-time job at the library in Branson, so I devoured most of the books that interested me there too. This is one of those, and one of which I have very fond memories.
Obviously, it's not a new book. It wasn't new even then. While the copy I just finished reading was a 1969 printing (making it just a skosh older than I am), "The Space Ship Under the Apple Tree" was originally published in 1952, when my parents weren't even 10 years old yet. As such, it's children's science fiction from a simpler time, and that's part of its charm. Eddie Blow, the main character, is by all measures that I know a stereotypical boy from the early '50s. Slobodkin's text and illustrations show him as a slender kid with a shock of hair, probably grown out from a buzz cut or a flat top. His Levi's are straight-legged and a little rumpled, and his t-shirt is ubiquitous. Though he is from New York, he is visiting his grandmother for the summer, so despite being a city boy the story is set in the country. When a particularly spectacular meteorite lands in the vicinity of the old orchard on grandmother's farm, it's up to young Eddie to make sure "grandfather's apple tree," the ancient tree planted by Eddie's great-great-grandfather, was not damaged.
Well, not only was the tree not damaged, Eddie finds a new ravine at the site, as well as the flying saucer (which was still a relatively new term then) that made it. Even more interesting is the small man in the strange jumpsuit that has emerged from the flying saucer, along with a variety of gadgets which are clearly not of this earth.
The little man is from the vaguely-defined planet Martinea, and Eddie decides to call him Marty. But the fuel that powers the ship and all the gadgets has been damaged by exposure on the earth, so Marty has to stay for a few days, and much mischief ensues as the little man's thoughts and behaviors clash with the expectations of Eddie, his grandmother, and some of the other people nearby.
Of course, all's well that ends well, but it's a nice little story on the way. That's not really a spoiler, as there were two sequels (I'm going to try to read at least one of them next spring, during my library's reading challenge involving juvenile and YA titles) about Eddie and Marty, as well as a fourth book featuring Eddie without Marty.
March 17, 2025
“Northern Lights are so pretty,” said Eddie’s grandmother. “Somehow they make me think….well, like as if I was seeing the sound of music, good rich sounding music from an orchestra or an organ”.
The plot is simple. The science is charmingly…“Jetsons”! But the friendship between Eddie and “The Little Man” was refreshing and touching. And of course, Grandmother understands more than she lets on.💕
Plot: Eddie befriends an alien, who is trying to get home but loses an important piece of equipment that he needs in order to do so. 👽
There is also a rhythmic quality that appeals, and my son has since been running around the house yelling: “Zurianomatichrome Wire!” He loved it.
If you want to hear more, I included it in a YouTube video on some out-of-print books still worth reading
The plot is simple. The science is charmingly…“Jetsons”! But the friendship between Eddie and “The Little Man” was refreshing and touching. And of course, Grandmother understands more than she lets on.💕
Plot: Eddie befriends an alien, who is trying to get home but loses an important piece of equipment that he needs in order to do so. 👽
There is also a rhythmic quality that appeals, and my son has since been running around the house yelling: “Zurianomatichrome Wire!” He loved it.
If you want to hear more, I included it in a YouTube video on some out-of-print books still worth reading
October 7, 2023
It started well, but then I found myself bored about the search for the source of the secret energy and the whole boys scout part. I understand that many people read it a few decades ago and that this served as an introduction to sci-fi for them, which is nice, but there are many other books today which are better written and could do the same for the younger generations.
August 10, 2019
A quick read. I remember this from my childhood. The atmosphere reminded me of Mayberry RFD. Small town sweetness. I enjoyed the light feeling and the kindness to strangers that was shown. Quaint.
July 29, 2022
I read this classic children's story about a boy who meets an alien years ago. I still think of it sometimes. Guaranteed to make you laugh.
May 15, 2023
My teacher read this book to our class when I was in grade 5 (1976), our class loved it. It was nice to re-read.
September 11, 2018
Got this book years ago from my mother as a Christmas present for my sisters and l. she read a chapter a night and l loved it. Took a lot thinking and googling but l found the book again. Very happy!
April 14, 2019
I recently reread this book more than fifty years after reading it for the first time. I saw it on an old list of notable children's books, stared at the title, found an image of the original cover, read the Goodreads reviews, and knew that I had rediscovered a treat.
What surprises me is that Slobodkin foretold the future in some ways better than many "hard" science fiction authors of his day. An explorer, nicknamed Marty, comes from space to study America and its ways: He has a portable device like a typewriter to take notes without paper, and a dictionary with luminous pages to help him with his English. In other words, he has a hand-held computer. In 1952, when computers were built of vacuum tubes and filled whole rooms. As if that weren't enough, on Marty's home world atomic energy is passé, though on the real Earth it was barely getting started.
Another thing that strikes me about this book is his portrayal of Marty, who never reveals his real name or anything about his culture, but is forthcoming with details about science and technology, including secrets. Marty has deep feelings but doesn't express them easily or appropriately, and he always does the right thing eventually, after Eddie persuades him. Marty might make a good role model for an autistic child.
What surprises me is that Slobodkin foretold the future in some ways better than many "hard" science fiction authors of his day. An explorer, nicknamed Marty, comes from space to study America and its ways: He has a portable device like a typewriter to take notes without paper, and a dictionary with luminous pages to help him with his English. In other words, he has a hand-held computer. In 1952, when computers were built of vacuum tubes and filled whole rooms. As if that weren't enough, on Marty's home world atomic energy is passé, though on the real Earth it was barely getting started.
Another thing that strikes me about this book is his portrayal of Marty, who never reveals his real name or anything about his culture, but is forthcoming with details about science and technology, including secrets. Marty has deep feelings but doesn't express them easily or appropriately, and he always does the right thing eventually, after Eddie persuades him. Marty might make a good role model for an autistic child.
December 14, 2024
How do you "rate" a book like this? Like many other reviewers I'm reading, I too was probably introduced to science fiction before age 10 by this book. Over the decades I forgot almost everything about it except the title and the fact that the author had what I considered an unusual name, but by bringing up the Goodreads list "Children's Sci Fi of the 1950s" I hit it almost immediately.
Between the very occasional book like this, and the excitement in the US at that time of the space program. America was still smarting from the USSR's Sputnik launch in 1957, and what happened after that is well-known history.
Between the very occasional book like this, and the excitement in the US at that time of the space program. America was still smarting from the USSR's Sputnik launch in 1957, and what happened after that is well-known history.
October 29, 2012
Oh, how I loved this book as a child. My father liked to frequent garage sales, and he always brought something back for me. One time it was this book.
Eddie (of course his name was Eddie) befriends a Martian boy who crash landed into the apple orchard. So he takes him to school and the Boy Scout Jamboree. Meanwhile, "Marty" is trying to find his spool of Zurianomatichrome wire which gives him the secret Power Z he needs to get back home.
I read an awful lot of 1950s books in my childhood, now that I think about it.
Eddie (of course his name was Eddie) befriends a Martian boy who crash landed into the apple orchard. So he takes him to school and the Boy Scout Jamboree. Meanwhile, "Marty" is trying to find his spool of Zurianomatichrome wire which gives him the secret Power Z he needs to get back home.
I read an awful lot of 1950s books in my childhood, now that I think about it.
June 27, 2013
My sci-fi list is sparse, and this made a great addition! It had some good lines (which I can't find now), talked all about Boy Scouts back in its golden years, and had several mentions of the founding fathers/documents. For a sci-fi book, it sure had a whole lot of good old-fashioned American pride. The visitor from space was not well developed (we never learned about his personal life or home planet). We did get to hear about a lot of cool inventions, though. The kids loved the non-gravity shoes. Such a fun read with the kiddos!
July 3, 2012
Enjoyed this as a child--part of my lifelong love affair with science fiction--the flying saucer my parents and I saw over our farm one night (really!!) never landed under our apple tree, but that didn't stop me from looking for or wondering about what might live beyond the clouds!
April 27, 2009
Favorite childhood book - age 8, nice book.... but dated in terms of current science
September 9, 2012
I got busy, and haven't finished it. I am reading "Flat Stanley" to my class right now. They are loving it.
paula
paula
November 4, 2011
Though we wished for a little more action, overall my boys and I enjoyed reading this book about a boy's summer at a farm with a quirky little space man.
April 16, 2015
Meh. Not as good as I was hoping. I'm out of the age range, I suppose, but that's never stopped me before.
August 16, 2015
my favorite series of books age 8.
March 6, 2016
This was my favourite book when I was a child. Every time I went to the school library I just had to read it! It was the first of many, many science fiction books I've read since.
August 4, 2016
I just thought of this book and I'm imagining it was the first sci fi book I fell in love with. I just never want to forget it so I'm recording it here.
January 2, 2020
Favorite book of all time
June 20, 2020
My favourite childhood book
April 27, 2010
A good beginer for children into science fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews