After Pedro reads about Mars, he wants to travel there. But when he learns it takes Mars 687 days to go around the sun—which means he’ll have to wait 687 days between birthdays—he decides to stay on Earth for a while longer.
Pedro Goes to Mars
Discuss the Book
Trip to Mars? Pages 1–9
- Important Moment: Pedro tells Dad he wants to go to Mars. When Dad says that Mars is far away, Pedro explains that he has a big suitcase and likes long trips.
- Ask and Share: Have you ever taken a long trip? How did you feel about going to a place that wasn’t your home or was far away?
Dreaming of Mars Pages 10–13
- Important Moment: After Dad suggests bringing cows to Mars for milk, Pedro dreams of a noisy spaceship crowded with cows who never sleep.
- Ask and Share: Why does Dad suggest bringing cows to Mars? If you were going to Mars, what would you want to bring and why?
Birthday Calendar Pages 14–19
- Important Moment: Pedro learns that while it takes Earth 365 days to orbit the sun—which is how long he has to wait between birthdays—it takes Mars 687 days.
- Ask and Share: On Earth, how long do you have to wait between birthdays? Do you have a hard time waiting? What do you like about your birthday? Is there anything you don’t like about it?
Staying Put—For Now Pages 20–24
- Important Moment: After realizing that he’d have to wait 687 days for a new birthday, and having a good time playing soccer in the sun with his friends, Pedro decides to stay on Earth for a while.
- Ask and Share: Why does Pedro decide to stay on Earth? What are your favorite things about our home planet? Would you make the same decision as Pedro? Why or why not?