Alien on a Rampage

May 1, 2012
In this warm-hearted sequel to Aliens on Vacation (2011), David resumes his summer job at Grandma's Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast and finds himself on the wrong footing with a creepy alien. David is thrilled to be back at Grandma's, where he helps with the vacationing outer-space guests. However, he quickly discovers a sinister element in the new employee, Scratchull. Scratchull is a skull-headed, slug-eating alien whose voice drips with condescension. He gives David the creeps but has everyone else fooled. Snarffle, a purple, bouncy alien with six legs, a spinning tail and a boundless appetite, becomes David's charge and supplies much of the story's chuckles. Meanwhile, David stumbles upon Scratchull's diabolical plan to get home and destroy Earth in the process. Replete with good intentions but lacking in finesse, David is unable to convince the others of their danger. Grandma has entered the baking contest at the Pioneer Day Festival in an effort to improve her relations with the human community, but with Scratchull helping out in the kitchen, David cannot shake this feeling of unease. Over the course of this funny sequel, David proves you don't have to be a rocket scientist to overcome villainy, and Snarffles can be man's as well as alien's best friend. With a festival grand finale that's like a picnic of the living dead, this outing is spot-on for middle graders who like a dash of humor in their science fiction. (Science fiction. 8-12)

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July 1, 2012

Gr 3-6-In this sequel to Aliens on Vacation (Hyperion, 2011), David returns for a second summer with his grandmother at her Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast, a popular vacation spot for extraterrestrial visitors. His plans for helping out around the resort and spending some quality time with Amy are dashed by two unearthly additions-supercilious repairman Scratchull and Snarffle, a purple ball of fluff with an insatiable appetite. David ends up taking on Snarffle, who tumbles in through the transporter unannounced, as a pet, while watching Scratchull for suspicious behavior. When he finds out the repairman's true plan, it's up to him to convince everyone else what's going on, before the whole planet is at risk. David is a great protagonist, believable in his motivations and decisions, with just the right mix of self-possession and concern for others to drive the plot forward, and Scratchull, with his haughty attitude and slimy charm, is the perfect foil. Throughout the book, the two attempt to undermine and defeat each other, with often hilarious results. Kids will readily identify with David and enjoy reading along as he works to bring Scratchull to justice and have a great summer. A fun, action-packed read.-Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City

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