Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity Paint

I mostly remember the absurdity of reading this book as a kid in the 1990s and trying to wrap my head around this being a "scientific" depiction of what space travel was going to be like, in *checks notes* 1956. You know, just casually making a gravitational slingshot around Saturn after accidentally launching my weird grandfathery stepdad's spaceship.

Also, Danny has to write "Space travel isn't possible" 500 times for his teacher at the beginning of the book. On what planet is this considered educational??

Super duper pulp, I bet it would be a fun reread.

First sentence: Space Captain Daniel Dunn stood on the bridge of the Revenge with his eyes on the viewer screens. He could see the fiery trails that were the rocket ships from Jupiter. Adjutant Dan Dunn ran up to report. "Sir," he cried, "They've got us surrounded!"

Premise/plot: Danny Dunn is a daydreamer. His current obsession is space [the final frontier]. Should he be spending class time daydreaming about exploring space? Probably not. Is he punished by his observant teacher? Yes. Does that lead to a real adventure in space? Perhaps. Danny's mom is a housekeeper who works for a scientist professor, Professor Bullfinch. Danny finds the Professor fascinating. Danny "accidentally" helps the Professor invent something unexpected and show more unintended--anti-gravity paint. This discovery will lead them [and two others, I believe] into space in a ship of their own, a ship not powered by rockets but by anti-gravity paint. Will they arrive on earth in time for Danny to turn in his homework??? Will they return at all????

My thoughts: It's silly, but it's vintage silly. Vintage science fiction can be a hoot. This is the start of a long series. I'm not sure I'm up to reading them all. But I definitely enjoyed this one. Does it deserve to be widely read today? Probably not. Though I don't recall anything particularly offensive or inappropriate. Though to be fair, it has been over a week since I've read it. I enjoyed it because of the glimpses into the imagination. It captures a time and place where ANYTHING was possible in terms of space exploration. It isn't grounded in science but in fantasy. I do imagine that there were a LOT of young children [boys and girls] who were interested in space in the 1950s and 1960s. This children's book isn't set in the future. It doesn't star adults, it's an ADVENTURE story starring a young child that probably many original readers could relate to. show less

This book is simply brilliant. Should be compulsory reading for any budding inventor or scientist. While we are waiting for reality to catch up and anti-gravity paint to become available in the stores, the adventures of Danny Dunn help pass the time.

From 1969 vintage Scholastic cover:

"Look out!" cries Professor Bullfinch. But he is too late. Danny Dunn has already knocked over the mysterious flask. The strange glowing liquid spills to the floor.

Not until the professor shoots to the ceiling does the scientist realize what has happened. Gravity has been conquered...and by accident!

Danny has a hard time keeping the news "top secret" as the professor starts working for the government on the first anti-gravity spaceship. Little does Danny know that he will find himself a passenger on the first flight--or what a wild ride and hair-raising tour of the planets that ride will be!