Earthlings Inside and Out: A Space Alien Studies the Human Body [Paperback]

Valerie Wyatt (Author), Dusan Petricic (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

A non-fiction book for children

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Danoid, from the Planet Memo, lands on Earth and receives permission from Central Command to study its life forms. In spite of a promising beginning, the book quickly degenerates into a confused array of cartoons; lame dialogue; and occasional anatomically correct drawings of muscles, bones, and organs. More puzzling than the odd format are the suggested science-fair ideas: one involves using a bent paper clip on various parts of a friend's body, including the tongue and lip. Another experiment instructs readers to have several people eat corn and ask them to time how long it takes the undigested corn to pass through their bodies. The text is full of forced (and unfunny) attempts at silliness and the full-color illustrations are oddly lifeless cartoons of children with big ears and an alien that looks like a vacuum cleaner. Jeanne Willis's Earthlets (Dutton, 1989) does a better job with the same idea.
Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

PLB 1-55074-513-1 Wyatt (The Science Book for Girls, 1997, etc.) adopts an alien's-eye-view of earthlings, comparing the human body with that of a friendly lifeform from outer space. A cartoon anatomical outline charts the alien Danoid's first encounter with Pete. Danoid labels hands as primary manipulatives, feet as planet connectors, and knees, multidirectional movement facilitators. Earthling skin, hair, brains, bones, muscles, and organs are measured by these compare-and-contrast standards, delivering information along the way. Sifting through a flurry of text, readers will stumble upon headings marked ``Science Fair Ideas,'' consisting of simple, at-home experiments such as tracking one's pulse with a dab of modeling clay or smelling foods that have strong odors. While the concept is attention-getting, and often humorous, the actual information is often overwhelmed by distracting asides, experiments, and reports filed to Danoid's commander; this compendium may be more worthwhile for browsers than researchers. (diagrams, index) (Nonfiction. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550745131
• ISBN-13: 978-1550745139
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 6.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,447,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning while laughing, May 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Earthlings Inside and Out: A Space Alien Studies the Human Body (Paperback)

My class used this book while studying a unit on the body. They laughed and had such a good time reading it, they didn't even know they were learning. The books format makes it easy for student to find specific information. My students could hardly wait until free choice time so they could read more about Pete and his adventure with his new alien friend. The book is full of facts and information,while being easy and fun to read. As a classroom teacher I can't ask for more than that!

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning while laughing, May 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Earthlings Inside and Out: A Space Alien Studies the Human Body (Paperback)

My class used this book while studying a unit on the body. They laughed and had such a good time reading it, they didn't even know they were learning. The books format makes it easy for student to find specific information. My students could hardly wait until free choice time so they could read more about Pete and his adventure with his new alien friend. The book is full of facts and information,while being easy and fun to read. As a classroom teacher I can't ask for more than that!