Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Bunting has created a suspenseful science-fiction tale for young and reluctant readers." School Library Journal
"This will work with reluctant or cautious beginning chapter-book readers, and it is sure to find fans among the extraterrestrially inclined." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Synopsis
Ben is excited and more than a little nervous when he receives a strange package on his birthday. Inside are photographs of himself . . . with an alien! The other contents are just as weird-a note, a tape, and two warm vein-covered rocks. Even when he finds out that his friend Jason ordered the gift from a "Wanna Buy an Alien?" ad in a tabloid, Ben can't shake the feeling that it's all real-especially when events begin unfolding just as the contents of the package had predicted. This entertaining and suspenseful sci-fi chapter book, illustrated with black-and-white drawings, will keep readers guessing at the truth right to the hair-raising surprise ending.
About the Author
Storytelling and the magic of words have always been important to Eve Bunting. She grew up in Northern Ireland, where storytelling is a tradition, and came to America as a young mother. Eve writes every day and her ideas come from what excites and interests her. She has the unique ability to address contemporary social issues, from homelessness to illiteracy, in a sensitive manner, and at the same time to explore the dynamics of family relationships. Eve Bunting is the author of more than 200 beloved books for young people, from preschoolers to teenagers. Among her many popular picture books for Clarion are THE WALL, FLY AWAY HOME, and TRAIN TO SOMEWHERE. Ms. Bunting lives in Pasadena, California.Timothy Bush made his Clarion picture-book debut as the illustratorof CHRISTMAS CRICKET by Eve Bunting. Mr. Bush lives in New York City.