WE’RE OFF TO LOOK FOR ALIENS

In a true testament to the old chestnut that truth is stranger than fiction, Dad shares his latest loopy children’s book with his own kids. Mr. Mailman delivers a copy of We’re Off to Look for Aliens, fresh from the printer. Dad hands it off to the family for their opinions and, too nervous to stay and watch them read, takes the dog for a walk. Indeed, Dad’s book (a trim 8” x 8” square, literally pasted into the frame story) is as quirky as he is, depicting a daring mission to Mars, where colorful aliens play. Dad tells his adventure in catchy, repetitive verse; the hero looks a lot like Dad, just as the book’s dog, Wilberforce, resembles the family dog. One more surprise awaits when Dad and dog return. McNaughton truly offers two books in one: In the wraparound book, his ink-and-watercolor illustrations are warm and realistic, while the book-within-a-book is bright and full of goofy cartoon shapes. Inspired metafictive read-aloud fun for an elementary audience. (Picture book. 5-9)