NEW PET

A little boy and a young space alien continue their Galactic Space Exchange Program in this second entry in a series by Yaccarino, following First Day on a Strange Planet (2000). The story alternates between Blast Off Boy (the Earthling), now living with the Gleep family on planet Meep, and emerald-green Blorp, residing on Earth with Blast-Off boy’s family, the Smiths. Blorp the alien finds a baby hippo and Blast Off Boy acquires a huge green monster, with each character trying to get his uncooperative pet to behave. The super-sized pets cause some amusing antics and provide the set-ups for a few funny lines, with Yaccarino’s characteristic geometric illustrations providing a futuristic flair. The format of alternating settings is rather confusing, despite a graphic device of the appropriate planet at the beginning of each setting transition. Additional confusion is caused by three similar character names (Blorp, Blinky, and Blippy) and a total cast of 11 named characters to keep straight. While the story won’t send any young readers into orbit, it will appeal to those who adore aliens of any variety, and the third title in the series is already on the launch pad. (Picture book. 5-8)