Review: Mr Chicken Goes To Mars

Guaranteed to bring a chuckle to every reader, this book by our very own past Children’s Laureate and celebrated, multiple award-winner Leigh Hobbs, is an absolute delight. 

Having been to Paris, London, Rome, Australia and almost everywhere else in the whole entire world, Mr Chicken decides it’s time for something new. He will go on an interplanetary adventure to Mars.

And what an adventure he has! From a rocket that’s purpose-built by Boris (complete with spotted doona and little lunch table), to stopping en route at a space station for lunch and meeting a Martian mid-flight, Mr Chicken is very busy.

Told in inimitable Hobbs style with stupendous Hobbs illustrations, this wacky adventure book is really something! In fact, it’s many things. The endpapers require a lot of (wonderful) looking at, and the inky black of outer space is a welcome contrast from the crazy vibrant yellow and scribble that are the hallmark of Mr Chicken.

Fun, funny, intriguing, compelling and utterly magnificent, Mr Chicken Goes To Mars is the ultimate adventure.

Between naps, of course. 

Highly recommended.

Title: Mr Chicken Goes To Mars
Author/Illustrator: Leigh Hobbs
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 3 October 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760878276
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book