Dar Tellum: Stranger from a Distant Planet

by James R. Berry, Enrico Scull (Illustrator), Isaac Asimov (Editor)

A young boy makes contact with a plant-like creature from a distant planet and together they help solve a major world crisis.

Genres: Science Fiction, Childrens, Fiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1973

About the author

US author most noted for juvenile fiction

Reviews

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I recall correctly, I got this book through the Scholastic Book service in the mid to late '70s. Can't remember a thing about it but I do know that I liked it a lot.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorites as a kid. It really made me believe in science, even tho it was sci-fi. The belief that the mind had infinite capabilities was inspiring. I spent many hours attempting to learn telekinesis (no luck yet.)

[Cavalierartist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sort of children's book that encouraged me to have faith in the potential of science. Written in 1973, it eerily predicts our current global warming crisis. It describes the cause and effect of the phenomenon, and offers a possible solution. With the help of a telepathic connection with an alien, Ralph, the young protagonist, tries to solve the crisis. Sadly, it appears that no one heeded Berry's prescient warning nearly fifty years ago. A good and timely read for children 8-12, though adults could benefit from it too.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it as a kid decades ago so I cannot do a proper report on it now. However, I hunted it down online today because I had loved it so much. It was a short science fiction book that captured my imagination. Telekinesis is the key word I associate with this book. Fond memory.

[BookLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this small book in a pile of things my mom was getting rid of. I quickly read it and was surprised by how poignant it was for today's climate. If you get a hold of this book, I'd recommend giving it a quick read.

[Cheryl]

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[Aries Aster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a library cellar and for 50 cents, I was given the cute story of a boy and his friend from a far off planet, and how they saved the world in only 64 pages.