They Came

PreS-Gr 2—An old-fashioned spaceship is the focus of this silly lesson about embracing the unknown. Nobody can figure out why this mysterious vessel has landed on Earth. What could the creatures on it want? "They came to steal our things!" predicts Police Captain Pinchneck. Star Reporter Sparkles Galore fears they're here to steal TV shows and fame. Tank General Turret, meanwhile, forecasts planetary takeover. The sole voice of reason is Stephen Sprout, a little boy whose outlandish-yet-mundane prediction—they're here for marshmallows—turns out to be true. While this book's ending, which sees aliens sharing hot chocolate with relieved townspeople, is a little twee, this zany comedy, with its over-the-top cartoon figures, will appeal to readers who enjoy Dav Pilkey's work. The graphic novel storytelling style features colorful panels and dialogue balloons.