Product Description

Ben is upset when he finds an alien living in his house. It looks strange, and doesn’t let Ben watch TV. But the "alien," who is Ben's grandfather, is equally unhappy. He's convinced Ben is an unkempt monster. A creative story on generational gaps.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #593164 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-09
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .38" h x 8.68" w x 8.74" l, .60 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 24 pages

Books in Canada
Ben’s elderly grandfather has just moved in. Ben thinks of him as an alien. His body comes apart-his teeth come out and his hair comes off. He makes lots of noise when he breathes, and he needs a button in his ear to hear what is being said to him. He eats only green food-peas, broccoli, and spinach, and he takes many pills. At the same time, Ben’s grandfather is convinced he has moved in with a monster. He tells his friends about Ben’s bad habits: The kid doesn’t stop talking. His room is always a mess. He forgets to clean it but demands a reward nonetheless, and he wants only junk food to eat. But after living together in the same house, both the alien and the monster start liking one another. Ben tells his friends how much he enjoys the Alien’s war-time stories and how proud he is of the Alien’s war medals. The Alien even gives Ben a ride in his wheel chair to soccer practice. Meanwhile, the Alien now boasts to his friends about how smart the monster is-how Ben taught him to play games on the computer and how he helps him find the things he has misplaced around the house. Both the Monster and the Alien are now envied by their friends as both unexpectedly find comfort and affection in each other’s company.
An Alien in my House is heart-warming with wonderfully quirky illustrations by Chum McLeod.
Olga Stein (Books in Canada)

Review
Humourous and lively while conveying a message of acceptance and respect. (The Council Connector newsletter )

The Globe and Mail

January 17,  2004

One day young Ben tells his friends that there is an alien living in his house. Who knows where he's from - "Mars, stars, space" - the point is tat "His face is covered with bike tracks. His body comes apart like Lego. He pulls out his teeth and says 'my pearlies.' He pulls off his hair and says 'my rug.' He walks on three legs, rat-a-tap-tap."

That very same day the "alien" tells his friends that he has moved into a monster's house. Who knows where he's from - "Park, jungle, zoo" - the point is, "His face is as smooth as butter. His body is stretchy like rubber. He twists into every letter of the alphabet. He even walks on his hands."

Each regales his audience with the foibles of the other, but slowly, inexorably the two become inhabitants of the same planet, as well as the same house, even kindred spirits - which is just as well since they are grandfather and grandson. What the texts can't tell us, McLeod's illustrations do - warts and all.

About the Author
Shenaaz Nanji was born in Kenya and now lives with her family in Calgary, Alberta. She is the author of Treasure for Lunch, Teeny Weeny Penny, Grandma’s Heart and The Old Fisherman of Lamu.

Chum McLeod is the illustrator of Business in Bangkok, Belfry Bat the Scaredy Cat, and Aunt Fred is a Witch. She lives in Barrie, Ontario.