It Came from Outer Space

by Tony Bradman, Carol Wright (Illustrator)

A visitor from outer space visits an elementary school class and brings an important message about physical beauty.

Genres: Picture Books, Science Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

TONY BRADMAN graduated from Cambridge University and worked in journalism for many years as an editor and reviewer. Now a full-time author, he has produced several successful anthologies for young readers for Random House Children's Books, including three focusing exclusively on football: the FOOTBALL FEVER titles.

Reviews

[Lauras · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of THE best examples of "point of view" writing that I've come across for children. I ask my students: who is telling the story? who is "the monster" and who is the "alien." Very simple story and words, fewer than 30 sentences, but a very powerful message.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: A group of children encounter an alien at school. They explore the space ship and even take a picture with the grusome alien.

Review: I thought this was really fun and cute. One of the greatest things about reading is the suprises you encounter and having your expectations all flipped around. Having the alien actually be a human offers that suprise and allows the reader to imagine other worlds with children just like them.....but not quite. I agree with Charles J. Blume in his review in Childhood Education where he writes, "This colorful text is thought provoking and humerous." Loch-Wouters sounds silly when stating that the book is "one that young readers will think is out of this world", but I have to agree.

Reviews cited:
Blume, Charles J (1992). Books for Children -- It Came from Outer Space by Tony Bradman and illustrated by Carol Wright. Childhood Education, 69(1), 45.

Loch-Wouters, Marge (1992) Book Review. School Library Journal, 38(3), 209, 1/8p.

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a simple plot with a spaceship landing and everyone being scared, but soon finding out the aliens are nice. I think this is a good conversation starter for kids to talk about the fear of the 'unknown.' The plot is simple though so I would keep this for ages 3rd grade or younger. Beautiful illustrations though!

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

what comes first, The Twilight Zone or the book? regardless, the kids love the surprise revealed at the end of this story about a visitor from outer space.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another recommendation for students entering 1st grade, this book was enjoyed by both my boys.

[Dee-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys loved this and got a surpirse at the end, which lead to an interesting discussion.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. What a twist. It reminded me of an old Twilight Zone episode .

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the twist at the end, but the prose itself was so basic that I wasn't engaged in the story and felt like I was being talked down to.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids loved it