Sunday 9 November 2014

When Angus Met Alvin by Sue Pickford (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, semi short 'n' sweet review)


April 2014, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Content: friendship (eventually), tolerance, lots of humour 

Summary from Frances Lincoln
Angus is a gentle alien who loves growing things in his space garden. But his world is turned upside-down by the unwelcome arrival of Alvin, a cocky and boastful alien from a different planet. Until Alvin’s clever-clever tricks misfire and turn him into a minute, pin-size creature, Angus helps his visitor recover – if he promises to behave better and learn some manners. Maybe the two aliens will end up friends after all . . .

Nayu's thoughts
If only all Alvins in the world could be taught manners by people like Angus, more people in the world would take notice of and respect both their surroundings and the people they meet. Angus and Alvin are complete opposites, which most readers will be able to relate to because at some point in life we meet people who have one or two characteristics which are the reverse of ours. 

The illustrations really made the differences between the aliens stand out in a way that made me think 'wow, they are different'. Readers will love seeing Angus being taken down a peg or two, and may dream of people like Angus also being shrunk. Sadly until that technology exists, I can only hope the Angus's of the world read this book and reconsider their narrow and selfish view of life. 

Find out more on Sue's website

Suggested read 
If you love aliens try Welcome To Alien School by Caryl Heart and Ed Eaves (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

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