Aliens for Breakfast (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) [Paperback]

Stephanie Spinner (Author), Jonathan Etra (Author), Steve Bjorkman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: October 22, 1988 | Age Range: 6 - 9 years | Series: A Stepping Stone Book(TM) | Lexile Measure: 420L (What's this?)

It's been ten years since Richard Bickerstaff sat down to breakfast and an alien climbed out of his cereal bowl! Join Richard and Aric, a tiny, wisecracking creature from the planet Ganoob, as they battle to save the world from evil aliens in Aliens for Breakfast, Aliens for Lunch, and Aliens for Dinner. We're reissuing the trilogy with brand-new covers sporting a space age 10th Anniversary logo. Now a new generation of readers can experience the fun and adventure that won these books rave reviews and loyal fans!  

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This short, eight-chapter novel has a zany premise loaded with reader appeal but, disappointingly, never takes off. Richard sits down to breakfast one morning and discovers that his bowlful of Alien Crisp cereal is home to the real thinga tiny, talkative alien named Aric, who explains that he has come to save Earth from the evil Dranes, a rival alien race. One of them has already taken up residence; it is, in fact, Dorf, the eerily cool, instantly popular new boy in Richard's class. Richard must destroy Dorf before it is too late, but Aric has forgotten the correct method for doing that. Richard and Aric's efforts are tame and uninspired, the turns of plot seem random rather than carefully thought out, and the eventual solution (feeding Dorf large quantities of red pepper, which causes him to explode) requires little ingenuity or initiative on Richard's part. Loose, rather quirky pen-and-ink illustrations are a dashing addition to what is otherwise easily forgotten fare. Ages 7-9.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

ea vol: 62p. (Stepping Stone Bks.). CIP. Random. 1988. PLB $5.99; pap. $1.95. Grade 2-4-- In the first book, three self-appointed private investigators decide to search their small town for criminals. Julian, his younger brother, and their friend Gloria read the wanted posters in the post office and then set out to investigate the hospital, the local bar, the supermarket, and a restaurant. At the supermarket they convince a man that he should rescue his dog from a hot car, and at the hospital they save a young child from drowning. Considering the length of the book, the plot is well developed and interesting, and the characters are aptly drawn. A quick and interesting read--and one that will surely draw in less-able readers. Aliens for Breakfast is a science fantasy story. Richard meets an alien when he eats a sample box of new breakfast cereal. Together they strive to find the secret weapon which will destroy the enemy alien (who is in Richard's class as the new boy). If not stopped in time, the enemy alien will clone himself and overtake the earth. The drawings are sketchy but adequate to set the mood of the events in a helter-skelter manner. The plot is simple but satisfying. It will be enjoyed by older readers who need simple fare but want something a little out of the ordinary. In Pioneer Cat, nine-year-old Kate Purdy and her family find themselves moving West on the Oregon Trail. The characters ward off a buffalo stampede and an Indian attack and deal with a stowaway cat and her surprise kittens, all the while chronicling the trip itself and the developing friendship between Kate and Rosie Murphy. Robinson's black-and-white illustrations are just detailed enough to add some depth to the text but not so overwhelming as to give a "too young" look to the book. The print is easy to read but not oversized (a factor that often turns away older reluctant readers). While the brevity does not allow for substantial character or plot development, Hooks does give the essence of Kate's sensitive and cunning nature while portraying Rosie as a self-sufficient young girl and a faithful friend. The fast-moving plot helps readers along. --Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, Iowa
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Age Range: 6 - 9 years
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition (October 22, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394820932
• ISBN-13: 978-0394820934
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.4 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,567 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent possibilities in the classroom November 21, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Aliens For Breakfast is a wonderful exploration into fantasy with a touch of the realistic. Used in the classroom, it provides an excellent vehicle to explore characterization and main idea. My students totally enjoy the adventure!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Early Chapter Book! September 10, 2007

By NM Mom

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a wonderful beginning chapter book for 1st-2nd Graders. It is a perfect level for children who are beginning to read chapter books on there own. The topic is interesting: Aliens, Saving the world. It is funny ,too. My 1st grader LOVES it! There are 2 more: Aliens for Lunch, and Aliens for Dinner.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I liked this book! April 21, 2003

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

Aliens for Breakfast is about a kid named Richard. He has to save the day because a little alien comes to him and tells him that Dorf is going to take over the world. This book had some of my favorite things like aliens, magic, and adventure. I think kids will like to read this book on their own time.