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An Alien Took My Cheese
An Alien Took My Cheese hooks young readers right from the start. Owen wakes up one morning, only to discover his favorite snack has vanished without a trace. But who—or what—could be behind this? As the story moves forward, the possibility of an alien culprit comes into focus. With his loyal dog Clover by his side, Owen dives into a thrilling adventure, determined to solve the mystery of the missing cheese. What he finds along the way, though, is something he never expected.
Janice Hostetter spins a tale that sparks curiosity and lively discussion, especially during story time. Humor and suspense blend seamlessly, pulling readers in and holding their attention tight. The idea of an alien thief adds a fun and imaginative twist, keeping the story vibrant and fresh. Owen’s close bond with Clover brings warmth to the narrative, turning their quest into more than just a hunt for stolen cheese—it becomes a touching story of friendship. The interactive nature of the book shines through as Owen picks up clues around the house, inviting readers to join the detective work. Bright, engaging illustrations amplify the experience, urging young minds to dive deeper into the story and ask questions. The sensory details Hostetter weaves in—like the stench in the garage, the clatter of mysterious noises, and the eerie green slime—make the tale come alive. These vivid elements not only enhance the story but also offer a subtle educational layer, perfect for helping children explore their senses.
This story moves at a brisk pace, perfect for young readers who love a good mix of humor and adventure. The quick tempo keeps the energy high, ensuring kids remain captivated from start to finish. With its blend of comedy, heartwarming moments, and surprising twists, An Alien Took My Cheese stands out as a must-read for any child eager for a mystery full of delightful surprises.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D7WZ4STT
A Human Story
SiP follows a twelve-year-old boy with aquaphobia whose father’s naval ship is sucked up a giant drinking straw into space, leading him to join forces with his uncle, pirates, and aliens to try and save the Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had one of those daydream “Wouldn’t that be a cool idea” moments where I imagined an enormous straw drinking the oceans, like a juice box, and the idea grew from there. Earth is mostly water after all, and water is relatively rare in the universe so the idea that something might come and drink it was an interesting starting point.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
I’m not the strongest swimmer. I can swim, but I don’t float. My body is not naturally buoyant. Jim in the story is slightly different, in that he is a strong swimmer who experiences a trauma that creates a fear of the water. I think some of Jim’s fear stems directly from my own lack of confidence in the water, and from the challenge it creates for him as the hero in the situation he ultimately finds himself in.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Family, friendship, humanity, inner strength, love. I wanted the story to be a positive, uplifting one. I tried to avoid violence or the ‘good vs evil’ trope in favor of telling a human story.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The story deviates in book two and introduces new protagonists, a new conundrum, and an adventure that at first glance isn’t linked to the events of SiP. That all changes, however, when the story leads to the mysterious location which is also the title of the next book – AREA 52. The series is going to span seven books and will continue in the same vein as SiP – telling a human story using non-human, and extremely odd circumstances.
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Teaming up with his wacky inventor uncle, a bunch of fishermen (who think they’re pirates), and a group of bizarre alien castaways, Jim’s incredible journey takes him from a sleepy village in Portsmouth, England, across the Atlantic and into the very edge of space.
If that wasn’t enough, the President of the United States is trying to stop everyone from blowing the straw to pieces, while the Earth could well be doomed if Jim can’t convince the mysterious presence in orbit that the world is worth saving. SiP by Marius Trevelean. The last straw for Planet Earth.
SiP is a science fiction mystery adventure for tween girls and boys thirsty for new and exciting books to read. Suitable for middle school kids ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 and even parents, teachers, grown-ups with a sense of humor, and anyone who loves adventure stories, science fiction, and funny books! All content is good, clean, fun, and age-appropriate for school grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th.
SiP
SiP, by Marius Trevelean, is a delightful blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt characters. The story follows Jim Moss, a boy tasked with saving Earth from being discarded. The narrative begins with Jim’s severe aquaphobia, stemming from a near-drowning accident. Fearing he’ll never fulfill his dream of joining the Navy like his hero father, Jim’s life takes a dramatic turn when a giant red and white drinking straw descends from the sky and anchors itself in the Atlantic Ocean, sucking up the battleship his father commands. Together with his inventor uncle, Professor Bartholomew Banks, a crew of fishermen reminiscent of pirates, and a host of extraterrestrial allies, Jim must overcome his fear of water to thwart the alien responsible for Earth’s potential condemnation.
Written in a style reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, complete with a playful nod to the latter via the number 42 bus, this book is ideal for teenagers aged 13-17. The story’s core theme of friendship shines through Jim’s diverse companions—from his loyal friend Ben and his eccentric uncle to the eclectic group of fishermen, stranded aliens, and even the very alien threatening Earth. Jim’s kind-hearted nature leads him to help the giant alien understand the best qualities of humanity, even at great personal risk.
SiP features clean, well-crafted humor, exemplified by playful jabs at Flynn’s appearance, Peg’s wooden leg, Captain Shanty’s exaggerated tales, Hello’s unique voice, Aunt Muriel’s indifference, and Professor Banks’ seemingly impractical inventions. The crisply-written narrative makes for an easy yet impactful read, combining light-hearted moments with touching themes.
SiP, by Marius Trevelean, is a captivating and enjoyable read that masterfully blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments. Through the journey of Jim Moss and his eclectic group of companions, readers are treated to a story that celebrates friendship, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Trevelean’s witty and engaging writing style ensures that both teenagers and adults alike will find much to love in this imaginative tale. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a delightful escape into a world where humor and heroism go hand in hand.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0CR75WVNL
LITERARY TITAN 