The newest title from Australian kids author/illustrator Graeme Base will hit U.S. retailers this month. New York pubco Harry N. Abrams is putting out the musical sci-fi picture book, entitled The Worst Band in the Universe: A Totally Cosmic Musical Adventure (US$19.95), about the travails of young musician named Sproc, who decides to leave his home planet in search of musical freedom. Worst also comes with a CD featuring songs penned by the author. In support of the book, Henry N. Abrams has organized a 14-city promotional signing tour for Base, which also kicks off this month.

Retro science books

Before Bill Nye became the Science Guy, there was Zoom-the edutainment TV show from the early 1970s, which showed tweens learning about the mysteries of science and the joys of arts and crafts. This year, WGBH has revived and updated Zoom, which has been airing on PBS since January. Licensed Zoom merchandise, including videos (WGBH) and activity kits (Woodkrafter Kits) began shipping this summer, and now Little Brown & Co has released two new books.

ZoomZingers and ZoomFun With Friends (US$7.95 each), both picturebooks, contain info for kids on how to do crafts, card tricks and scientific experiments. Currently available, the books are targeted to six- to 11-year-olds, who comprise half of the TV series’ audience.