Two children, Robin and Charlie, find themselves stranded on a vibrant yet perilous planet after a catastrophic event aboard their spaceship. The narrative begins with Robin's quest to retrieve her stolen doll, leading her into a chaotic situation as the ship faces imminent destruction. Amidst the chaos, they escape in a small model spaceship, which lands on a mysterious world filled with fantastical elements. As they explore this new environment, they encounter pirates, Indians, and mythical creatures, all of which they inadvertently created through their imaginations. The children navigate their adventures, learning about the power of creation and the consequences of their whims. Their innocent play leads to the manifestation of a world where they can conjure anything they desire, but it also brings forth dangers they must confront. The story escalates when a spaceship from Earth arrives, led by Captain Purcell and his crew, who are unaware of the children's influence on the planet. Tensions rise as one of the crew members, Glaudot, becomes obsessed with harnessing the children's powers for his own ambitions. He attempts to manipulate Robin, seeking to exploit her abilities to create weapons and dominate the galaxy. As Glaudot's intentions become clear, Robin and Charlie must protect their world from his greed. They face various challenges, including encounters with Cyclopes, which they had created as part of their imaginative play. The children learn that their creations can have real consequences, and they must find a way to reclaim control over their world. The climax unfolds as the children, with the help of the crew, confront Glaudot and the Cyclopes. They devise a plan to outsmart the giant and thwart Glaudot's ambitions. In the end, the children realize the importance of responsibility in wielding their creative powers. They choose to remain on the planet, embracing their roles as guardians of this unique world, while also contemplating their future together. The narrative explores themes of innocence, the power of imagination, and the moral implications of creation, ultimately leading to a resolution where the children accept their responsibilities and the potential of their newfound home.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1966 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy