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Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket
Sadie Sprocket is ready to soar!
Sadie Sprocket is a girl with a big dream—to go to Mars! No one has been to Mars (yet!), so of course that’s where Sadie sets her sights. She learns everything she can about the planet and space, then assembles her crew of trusty stuffed animals. Together they build a rocket and prepare for the historic journey. And then finally—blastoff!
Sadie and her team make it to Mars, but what will they encounter when they leave the ship? And will they travel home safely as the world watches?
Sadie Sprocket is a girl with a big dream—to go to Mars! No one has been to Mars (yet!), so of course that’s where Sadie sets her sights. She learns everything she can about the planet and space, then assembles her crew of trusty stuffed animals. Together they build a rocket and prepare for the historic journey. And then finally—blastoff!
Sadie and her team make it to Mars, but what will they encounter when they leave the ship? And will they travel home safely as the world watches?
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2021
423 people are currently reading
4648 people want to read
About the author
Sue Fliess
74 books147 followersSue Fliess ("fleece") is the bestselling author of Robots, Robots Everywhere!, I'm a Ballerina! and How to Trap a Leprechaun, and more than 35 other children's books including Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket, Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins, Mary Had a Little Lab, Beatrice Bly's Rules for Spies, and many Little Golden Books. Her books have sold over 850,000 copies worldwide. Her background is in copywriting and PR/marketing, and her essays have appeared in O Magazine, HuffPo, Writer's Digest, and more. Fliess has also written for Walt Disney.
Her books have received honors from the SCBWI, have been used in school curricula, museum educational programs, and have even been translated into multiple languages. The Bug Book was chosen for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library three years in a row and The Hug Book was selected to the Imagination Library Australia.
She's a member of SCBWI, Children's Book Guild of DC, and the Author's Guild. She does book signings, school visits, and speaking engagements.
When she's not writing, she is walking her two silly English Labradors or busy with her two teen boys. She really misses traveling. Sue lives in Northern VA with her family. Visit her at www.suefliess.com.
Her books have received honors from the SCBWI, have been used in school curricula, museum educational programs, and have even been translated into multiple languages. The Bug Book was chosen for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library three years in a row and The Hug Book was selected to the Imagination Library Australia.
She's a member of SCBWI, Children's Book Guild of DC, and the Author's Guild. She does book signings, school visits, and speaking engagements.
When she's not writing, she is walking her two silly English Labradors or busy with her two teen boys. She really misses traveling. Sue lives in Northern VA with her family. Visit her at www.suefliess.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
January 2, 2021
Good illustrations and a tale that has rhymes. The book is about a happy young girl Sadie who decides to fly to Mars.
A good way of encouraging little ones to enter the field of STEM, the end of the book includes extra facts about Mars and women in space/science.
Amazon prime first reads.
A good way of encouraging little ones to enter the field of STEM, the end of the book includes extra facts about Mars and women in space/science.
Amazon prime first reads.
May 5, 2021
Read for my daughter. It’s a good one. Free from Amazon prime first reads.
April 26, 2022
With rhyming text and vibrant illustrations this book would be exciting for any child interested in STEM subjects and/or space. It’s aimed at girls through or at least the appreciation of women in space. There is a little fact section showcasing important women in the history of Space travel.
Amazon First Reads for January 2021. I’m not sure why I didn’t read this right away because it’s totally my jam.
Amazon First Reads for January 2021. I’m not sure why I didn’t read this right away because it’s totally my jam.
February 26, 2021
So colourful.
Amazon Prime First Read for January 2021.
This is a really good, bright and colourful book. The illustrations are excellent and would add to children’s knowledge and understanding through the narrative. I like that it’s Sadie going to space and not Samuel as it’s an important message. The text rhymes which is good and should appeal to children . The language used is mostly appropriate but some would need discussion which is a positive in that it helps extend a child’s vocabulary. It should give rise to questions and answer sessions about space, space travel, planets etc. Sadie’s notebook and women in space at the end is really good.
Amazon Prime First Read for January 2021.
This is a really good, bright and colourful book. The illustrations are excellent and would add to children’s knowledge and understanding through the narrative. I like that it’s Sadie going to space and not Samuel as it’s an important message. The text rhymes which is good and should appeal to children . The language used is mostly appropriate but some would need discussion which is a positive in that it helps extend a child’s vocabulary. It should give rise to questions and answer sessions about space, space travel, planets etc. Sadie’s notebook and women in space at the end is really good.
January 4, 2021
Girls can go to space too. Sadie builds a rocket and ventures to Mars. She runs into some obstacles and save her adventure's day. What a cute and fun book for children filled with good illustrations and a pacing that will keep them entertained.
4/5
4/5
January 5, 2021
Obviously a very quick read but so worth it! Such a cute book and the illustrations are amazing! I'm a big fan of the stars and planets (not that I know a lot about them, but I love to look at them). I got this book from Amazon's First reads "program".
The extra information at the end was a nice touch as well. Very informative.
Rating: G -very kid friendly
Language: clean
Recommend: Yes
The extra information at the end was a nice touch as well. Very informative.
Rating: G -very kid friendly
Language: clean
Recommend: Yes
childrens-books
January 10, 2022THIS IS SO CUTE. A little girl builds a ship to Mars, aiming to be the first one there. It's told in rhymes and it reads like a song almost, which I adored.
This is such a great book for kids!! There are facts on female scientists and Mars at the end, too.
This is such a great book for kids!! There are facts on female scientists and Mars at the end, too.
February 4, 2021
Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket is a bright and cheery book to read.
It empowers all children, but especially girls, to dream of feats they can perform. It stresses the science and math behind most projects without making it seem like learning.
In today's learning environment, we need more heroes like Sadie to inspire children.
The rhyming patterns will help early readers sound out the words. I believe between the words, illustrations, and interesting topics; this book will be a hit. Who wouldn't want to build a rocket and fly to Mars?
Annabel Tempest worked her magic once again. The illustrations jump off the page; they are colorful, well-drawn, and appropriate for the book.
I recommend this book to everyone who reads to children, whether it be parents, grandparents, or caregivers. It should be in every daycare, school, and community library.
It empowers all children, but especially girls, to dream of feats they can perform. It stresses the science and math behind most projects without making it seem like learning.
In today's learning environment, we need more heroes like Sadie to inspire children.
The rhyming patterns will help early readers sound out the words. I believe between the words, illustrations, and interesting topics; this book will be a hit. Who wouldn't want to build a rocket and fly to Mars?
Annabel Tempest worked her magic once again. The illustrations jump off the page; they are colorful, well-drawn, and appropriate for the book.
I recommend this book to everyone who reads to children, whether it be parents, grandparents, or caregivers. It should be in every daycare, school, and community library.
February 9, 2021
Giveaway win!
This book was such a cute read. When I was a girl, I was obsessed with space (still am). This book would have been right up my alley as a child! On top of it being an inspiring story for young ones, the illustrations are gorgeous and make the entire book.
I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends and family with children, and I can’t wait to pass this one on to my nieces.
Five stars!
This book was such a cute read. When I was a girl, I was obsessed with space (still am). This book would have been right up my alley as a child! On top of it being an inspiring story for young ones, the illustrations are gorgeous and make the entire book.
I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends and family with children, and I can’t wait to pass this one on to my nieces.
Five stars!
December 31, 2021
Space girl Sadie is working on building her ship to travel to Mars. Girls can travel to space too. This adorable book with colorful illustrations will bring space adventures to the children. The book has rhythmic words that go perfect with the story. At the end of the book it goes over details on Mars and the different women who have contributed in space travels and were pioneers.
October 14, 2023
Enjoyable and informative read.
Sadie Sprocket with her ‘crew’ builds a rocket and tests everything there. Her biggest desire is to fly a rocket and go to Mars. Do they succeed? What happens on Mars?
Lovely illustrations and a beautiful message to teach children to follow their heart, no matter what. Informative too. Excellent read.
Sadie Sprocket with her ‘crew’ builds a rocket and tests everything there. Her biggest desire is to fly a rocket and go to Mars. Do they succeed? What happens on Mars?
Lovely illustrations and a beautiful message to teach children to follow their heart, no matter what. Informative too. Excellent read.
January 28, 2021
Fun story. Sadie is determined to get to Mars and sees no reason that she can’t do it! She gathers her crew, builds a space ship and gets there. She and the team work together to overcome challenges and get home safely. Great “I can do it” story.
May 9, 2021
A great book for young children
It’s lovely to see a book for kids involving STEM and with it being a girl, engineer and astronaut makes it even better.
Colourful and detailed illustrations and a rhyming prose will make this a great book to read with younger children and the facts at the end are a bit of educational fun.
It’s lovely to see a book for kids involving STEM and with it being a girl, engineer and astronaut makes it even better.
Colourful and detailed illustrations and a rhyming prose will make this a great book to read with younger children and the facts at the end are a bit of educational fun.
June 7, 2022
Wonderful! Sadie Sprocket dreams of traveling to Mars. Will she be able to make her dream a reality?
This book has a great rhyming storyline and fun illustrations. And it concludes with Sadie's notebook of facts about Mars and women in space. A delightful read! 🚀👩🚀
🎉Book Quote:
"This space-bound girl with smarts and skill would soon make history."
(kindle loc. 10).
This book has a great rhyming storyline and fun illustrations. And it concludes with Sadie's notebook of facts about Mars and women in space. A delightful read! 🚀👩🚀
🎉Book Quote:
"This space-bound girl with smarts and skill would soon make history."
(kindle loc. 10).
August 13, 2022
Fun rhymes, big bright illustrations, a rocket, you can’t go wrong! It was a bit long for my two year old. For example, one hiccup while trying to blast off from mars would have been great, but three? Too many! Let’s get off Mars already! Still fun. Loved the illustrations on the space helmets.
January 20, 2021
Such a cute book
I love this book, such a cute story to empower kids , especially girls to do whatever they want including going to space!
I love this book, such a cute story to empower kids , especially girls to do whatever they want including going to space!
January 25, 2021
2 1/2 stars.
February 3, 2021
3.5 stars
April 18, 2023
My son was amazed to find out that Mars has a mountain that's the tallest in the solar system. I like how Sadie's helmet had a section just for her up-do bun.
Read
March 9, 2024read this with my niece.. she said that she would have liked it more if it had aliens
November 1, 2025
I liked following Sadie on her space adventure. This was a nicely done story.
December 5, 2023
Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess and illustrated by Annabel Tempest is a children’s science fiction book. Meet Sadie who wants to be the first astronaut to land on Mars. But to be able to get there, you need a rocket and a crew. Interviewing some candidates, she finally has a crew. Now to build her rocket that will help her achieve her goal. Gathering things and placing them just right her rocket is ready to go. Blast off! Into space they go and looks there’s Mars! Landing they collect samples and when complications arise when it’s time to go, will they make it back in time?
This fun poetic style book brings to life that when you put your dreams into action anything could happen. One thing that is great about this book is that it is up to the reader’s interpretation if Sadie is actually doing these things, or if she is just playing pretend. This is shown through the pictures – the animal crew members, the inside of the rocket looking like a room in a home. The illustrations depict space on every page or blueprints in the background – keeping that theme of space in mind without them actually being in space.
What a fun, colorful, wonderful book for young readers. It would be a fun read-aloud and then having students create their own blueprints for their own rockets. Then being able to use recycled materials to actually build their rocket – bringing to life their own Sadie Sprocket inspirations.
This fun poetic style book brings to life that when you put your dreams into action anything could happen. One thing that is great about this book is that it is up to the reader’s interpretation if Sadie is actually doing these things, or if she is just playing pretend. This is shown through the pictures – the animal crew members, the inside of the rocket looking like a room in a home. The illustrations depict space on every page or blueprints in the background – keeping that theme of space in mind without them actually being in space.
What a fun, colorful, wonderful book for young readers. It would be a fun read-aloud and then having students create their own blueprints for their own rockets. Then being able to use recycled materials to actually build their rocket – bringing to life their own Sadie Sprocket inspirations.
November 29, 2021
Intergalactic Ingenuity 🚀🌌
As a female physician, I always appreciate finding children’s books that help promote enterprising women in fields of science. I actively support STEM programs and research-based learning opportunities that offer children a chance to advance their wells of knowledge.
As little Sadie daydreams, she floats deep among the stars. She wishes to build a rocket that can make a trip to Mars! Her imagination and dedicated perseverance give her all the tools she needs to untether herself from the atmospheric constraints of Earth 🌎 and explore faraway planets with ease.
Little readers will enjoy seeing words like “altitude,” “glitch,” and “asteroids” as the story progresses, and they’ll spot current forms of technology like selfie sticks and circuit boards. The end of the book also features some fun facts about Mars and some historically relevant women who made an impact on space exploration.
I love the way the captivating and vividly colored illustrations complement the playful font, and all of the included characters have the sweetest facial expressions! There are planetary mobiles, physics-based diagrams, interstellar sketches, space suits, and playing cards, and the rhyming rhetoric is truly engaging and memorable throughout! I absolutely loved this one and would gladly recommend it to others.
As a female physician, I always appreciate finding children’s books that help promote enterprising women in fields of science. I actively support STEM programs and research-based learning opportunities that offer children a chance to advance their wells of knowledge.
As little Sadie daydreams, she floats deep among the stars. She wishes to build a rocket that can make a trip to Mars! Her imagination and dedicated perseverance give her all the tools she needs to untether herself from the atmospheric constraints of Earth 🌎 and explore faraway planets with ease.
Little readers will enjoy seeing words like “altitude,” “glitch,” and “asteroids” as the story progresses, and they’ll spot current forms of technology like selfie sticks and circuit boards. The end of the book also features some fun facts about Mars and some historically relevant women who made an impact on space exploration.
I love the way the captivating and vividly colored illustrations complement the playful font, and all of the included characters have the sweetest facial expressions! There are planetary mobiles, physics-based diagrams, interstellar sketches, space suits, and playing cards, and the rhyming rhetoric is truly engaging and memorable throughout! I absolutely loved this one and would gladly recommend it to others.
January 29, 2021
Sadie is a young girl with a dream…to travel to Mars. She’s done all the research and planning. She’s gathered up her crew and she just needs to build her rocket. After lots of building and measuring, she is ready for lift-off.
Sadie successfully lands on Mars and does all kinds of exploring and sample gathering. When a sand storm comes up, she is worried that they will never make it back to earth.
Sadie is spunky, independent, and is determined to reach her dreams. She is a great character for kids to read about. She works hard to solve problems and encourages her crew along the way as well. Sadie inspires kids to find their passion and follow their dreams.
Fliess uses creative rhyming text and Tempest illustrates with vivid colors, lots of expression, and fun details on the pages including a selfie stick for their first photo on Mars.
The last page of the book includes facts all about Mars and information on women in space including women from the 1700s and 1800s. Who knew women were teaching us about space all those years ago? There is a lot to love about this fictional story that will inspire kids to go after their dreams.
Sadie successfully lands on Mars and does all kinds of exploring and sample gathering. When a sand storm comes up, she is worried that they will never make it back to earth.
Sadie is spunky, independent, and is determined to reach her dreams. She is a great character for kids to read about. She works hard to solve problems and encourages her crew along the way as well. Sadie inspires kids to find their passion and follow their dreams.
Fliess uses creative rhyming text and Tempest illustrates with vivid colors, lots of expression, and fun details on the pages including a selfie stick for their first photo on Mars.
The last page of the book includes facts all about Mars and information on women in space including women from the 1700s and 1800s. Who knew women were teaching us about space all those years ago? There is a lot to love about this fictional story that will inspire kids to go after their dreams.
June 14, 2021
Bring this fun fictionalized story out for career day, too!
Sadie is a young girl who dreams of traveling into space. One day, she decides to build a rocket and take her three favorite stuffies with her as she blasts off for Mars. While there is some suspense when they try to return to Earth, she and her companions make it home safely to great fanfare.
Fleiss has created a brave young heroine in Sadie, one that is pro-active and cool when things don't go as smoothly as expected. The rhyming text adds to the charm of the story, as it rolls up and down with the action. Changes in font size and color help to add excitement when reading this one aloud.
Digital illustrations by Annabel Tempest are bright and well-defined. I like the inclusion of lots of cogs and Spirograph-like atom patterns (as in Sadie's bun), that help give this book a very "scientific" feel.
Use this in a study of careers and one of space travel. I think Sally Ride would approve.
Recommended for grades PreSchool-3.
Sadie is a young girl who dreams of traveling into space. One day, she decides to build a rocket and take her three favorite stuffies with her as she blasts off for Mars. While there is some suspense when they try to return to Earth, she and her companions make it home safely to great fanfare.
Fleiss has created a brave young heroine in Sadie, one that is pro-active and cool when things don't go as smoothly as expected. The rhyming text adds to the charm of the story, as it rolls up and down with the action. Changes in font size and color help to add excitement when reading this one aloud.
Digital illustrations by Annabel Tempest are bright and well-defined. I like the inclusion of lots of cogs and Spirograph-like atom patterns (as in Sadie's bun), that help give this book a very "scientific" feel.
Use this in a study of careers and one of space travel. I think Sally Ride would approve.
Recommended for grades PreSchool-3.
March 27, 2021
Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess is a great early reader book. This book tells the story about a little girl named Sadie who has big dreams of building a rocket and making the first ever trip to Mars. She gets her crew of stuffed animals to help her with the journey and they work together to build the rocket and plan the first ever trip to Mars. After successfully landing on Mars they encounter many unexpected things but with Sadie’s determination and knowledge they successfully complete their mission and return back to Earth with new findings. I think this was a great story with very detailed and colorful illustrations that went along with the story. It is a story that will inspire all children, but especially younger girls to follow their dreams no matter how big. I would recommend this book for young girls aged 4-7 who have big dreams and have an interest in science or space. This book also included diverse characters which is great for young children.
April 15, 2021
This book made me feel happy. It is about a little girl who wants to go to space, and she ends up building a rocket with her team and traveling to mars. They explore mars and then a storm comes by and they get stuck there. Eventually they fix the ship and get on their way home. Sadie has now become famous, and everyone wondered where she would go next. This book had rhyming throughout the entire thing which I enjoyed because it made the book flow easier, which is a great point for children. When things rhyme it makes it easier for children to guess what’s next and makes it more enjoyable for them. The illustrations where nice as well, especially for children who like space and out of this world stuff this is a good book for them.
January 2, 2021
Little Girl Goes to Mars
In this brightly colored picture book, Sadie—who has a great love for astronomy—decides to build a rocket ship and be the first to fly to Mars. She encounters some trouble while on the red planet but safely makes it home, to the acclaim of all. The book is told in rhyming couplets that don't quite always scan well. The illustrations are whimsical, but I found myself wishing for more realism because space and its objects are so beautiful. At the end of the book, the author provides information about Mars and important females in space exploration. If you have a little girl who is intrigued by space, she will most likely enjoy this book.
In this brightly colored picture book, Sadie—who has a great love for astronomy—decides to build a rocket ship and be the first to fly to Mars. She encounters some trouble while on the red planet but safely makes it home, to the acclaim of all. The book is told in rhyming couplets that don't quite always scan well. The illustrations are whimsical, but I found myself wishing for more realism because space and its objects are so beautiful. At the end of the book, the author provides information about Mars and important females in space exploration. If you have a little girl who is intrigued by space, she will most likely enjoy this book.
January 17, 2021
Absolutely Adorable!
I picked this up on Amazon First Reads to see if it would be right for my nephew, as he's an advancing first-grader, and it's such an adorable read! The errors mentioned in previous reviews have been corrected and I had no issues.
The rhyming narrative, colorful artwork & creative storyline just make it an all-around great book. An added bonus is a glossary for the young readers, along with a short history of women involved with space. If you're a theatrical reader, you'll have fun reading this to younger children, but it is written perfectly for the age group the author intended.
I recommend it.
I picked this up on Amazon First Reads to see if it would be right for my nephew, as he's an advancing first-grader, and it's such an adorable read! The errors mentioned in previous reviews have been corrected and I had no issues.
The rhyming narrative, colorful artwork & creative storyline just make it an all-around great book. An added bonus is a glossary for the young readers, along with a short history of women involved with space. If you're a theatrical reader, you'll have fun reading this to younger children, but it is written perfectly for the age group the author intended.
I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews