Preemie the Explorer, a little rocket who is in the process of being built, stands on his launching platform, waiting impatiently for his builders to finish him. Although his capsule and engines are attached and functioning, Preemie’s outer shell and turbo thrusters have not yet been attached. One night, a terrible storm descends over “Mama Spacecraft” building yard. Three children who are passing by, race into Preemie’s cabin to escape the storm. When lightning smashes Preemie’s launching tower to pieces, the little rocket is forced to take off into space. This is an intergalactic preterm birth! Despite not being completely finished, Preemie finds that he can fly quite well and is excited at the prospect of exploring the universe. Preemie soon comes across a gang of spacecraft, however, who tease him about his small stature. Preemie feels awful and wants to go home so his builders can complete his construction, but his maps have not been installed on his computers. Preemie and the children are lost in space. They come upon planet NICU which is inhabited by clever moles and kangaroos who look after little creatures who have been born too soon. The moles and kangaroos provide Preemie with some valuable wisdom which helps him find the courage to defend himself and the children when the gang of bullying spacecraft catch up with them again. The nasty red rocket is the worst bully of all, and when Preemie’s eldest passenger, Veronica, stands up to him, it leads to an exciting and dangerous intergalactic space chase which tests Preemie’s courage and self-confidence.
The story is beautifully illustrated, full of colorful characters, exciting action, and humor. It also provides children with valuable insights about self worth which can help them retain a healthy self esteem when facing social challenges. As well as being a crazy, entertaining ride through space, Preemie was written to help children learn vicariously that being different is not a bad thing. It conveys the message that everyone has strengths on which they can concentrate their efforts. Preemie is a cheeky, lovable kid with whom we empathize and root for and, in doing so, root for ourselves overcoming our own challenges.
For more information and to meet the characters, visit www.preemietheexplorer.com.
The story is beautifully illustrated, full of colorful characters, exciting action, and humor. It also provides children with valuable insights about self worth which can help them retain a healthy self esteem when facing social challenges. As well as being a crazy, entertaining ride through space, Preemie was written to help children learn vicariously that being different is not a bad thing. It conveys the message that everyone has strengths on which they can concentrate their efforts. Preemie is a cheeky, lovable kid with whom we empathize and root for and, in doing so, root for ourselves overcoming our own challenges.
For more information and to meet the characters, visit www.preemietheexplorer.com.
