Alien Superstar
Authors: Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver Illustrator: Ethan Nicolle
Age range: 8-12
Reviewer: Jeanette Perkins aka Beeba
Alien Superstar is the first in a new three book series by this dynamic duo. The story begins with a thirteen year-old alien who escapes his planet ruled by tyrants. He blasts off his old planet and right into Universal Studios in Hollywood. Luckily everyone mistakes him for part of the entertainment.
The tale follows Buddy Burger (his adoptive Earth name) as he navigates his way through the following weeks. From landing a role on a hit television show to camouflaging his true alien features, the book is packed with humor. The fun illustrations every few pages add to the story.
There are several themes laced throughout the book. The loving relationship between Buddy and the grandmother he left behind unfolds as Buddy reminisces about their past times. Tolerance and acceptance of those who are different is driven home in various scenes. And wait until you read about all the trouble Buddy’s uncontrollable “sensory enhancer” gets him into. Alien Superstar is a positive, far out tale for your middle grade grands.
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About the authors:
Henry Winkler is an Emmy Award–winning actor, writer, director, and producer who has created some of the most iconic TV roles, including Arthur “the Fonz” Fonzarelli on Happy Days and Gene Cousineau in Barry. He lives in Los Angeles.
Lin Oliver is a children’s book writer and a writer and producer for both TV and film. She is currently the executive director of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She lives in Los Angeles.
About the illustrator:
Ethan Nicolle first broke into comics when he created two volumes of Chumble Spuzz in 2007. He went on to create a web comic called Axe Cop with his little brother that became a viral sensation and went on to become an animated series on FOX and FXX. He has worked as a staff writer and story editor on VeggieTales in the House at Dreamworks Animation for NetFlix, writing over 50 episodes. Nicolle has also written on other shows like Teen Titans Go! and Bunnicula. He did the book illustrations for Nick Offerman’s books Gumption and Good Clean Fun. Ethan lives in Rancho Cucamonga, CA with his wife, kids and various pets.
About the reviewer:
Jeanette Perkins is the grandmother of two adorable grandsons. She lives in beautiful St Pete Beach, FL. Jeanette is a book and product reviewer for GRAND and is looking forward to reviewing lots of new and useful books and products for all us grandparents.
If you have a product for boomer grandparents and or their grandkids, tell us all about it in an email to editor@grandmagazine.com.