A child astronaut lands on Mars, so determined to find life there that he’s brought a gift of chocolate. He searches the entire lonely planet with no success, all the while unaware that a big red creature is following him, curious about the stranger. The boy finally finds a form of life—a yellow flower, left for him by the Martian in return for the box of candy—but never does see the quiet, friendly Martian. The Earthling leaves in his spaceship, taking the candy box with him, not realizing that it’s empty until he is well on his way back home. A wry, clever story with a very simple first-person text is sure to please young listeners, who will enjoy knowing more than the main character. (Ages 3-5)