The Mystery of UFOs [Library Binding]

Judith Herbst (Author), Greg Clarke (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1997 | Age Level: 7 and up

Throughout history there have been many reported sightings of objects in the sky, and some that have even landed on Earth. In this witty and scientifically accurate study, Judith Herbst poses several explanations for these close encounters, ranging from human-made objects and natural phenomena to the possibility of life on other planets. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Judith Herbst's eclectic collection of anecdotes and well-researched facts paints a fascinating history of UFO sightings in the United States. The stories, which include a Yakima Indian folktale, a detailed description of the Roswell incident, and a lesson in Jungian psychology, are guaranteed to spark the interest of even the world's greatest skeptics. What were people really seeing when they looked up into the sky? Greg Clark's hilarious ink and watercolor illustrations provide young readers with a host of silly possibilities: weather balloons, flying pancakes, and lenticular clouds, to name just a few. This engaging, lighthearted treatment of a historically controversial topic is great fun to read and even more fun to talk about afterwards. (Ages 7 to 11)

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4?Cartoon-style illustrations in muted colors add a touch of lightness to a normally serious subject. They are whimsical at times, such as showing four animal witnesses to the infamous Roswell, NM, crash with a lizard standing upright, scratching his head in wonder and a bird dressed in tank top, jeans, and sports shoes. Modern concepts of UFOs and alien beings are introduced through brief recountings of well-known sightings, mostly in the American West and Southwest. Two major theories as to what UFOs may be are advanced?theycould be alien spacecraft or visions of solid objects made real by human imaginations. One page of illustrations shows "What UFOs Are NOT." Pictures include: "lenticular clouds," a sun pillar, a meteor, Venus, ball lightning, and blimp lights and a "Flying Pancake" (experimental aircraft). These items are frequently reported as UFOs. The U.S. government's investigative efforts, beginning with "Project Sign" and ending with "Project Blue Book," are mentioned. Characteristics of a typical alien-abduction experience complete this basic survey of UFO mysteries. Elaine Landau's UFOs (Millbrook, 1995) mentions less well known sightings and has photographs, a glossary, bibliography, and index, all of which are lacking in Herbst's presentation. Both titles end with the opinion that UFOs remain mysteries that bear further investigation.?Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Library Binding: 40 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (November 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689316526
• ISBN-13: 978-0689316524
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,728,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Are there aleins amonst us?, April 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mystery of UFOs (Library Binding)

Some people think UFO's and aleins are jokes. But what do they know? No one has been found of anything. Sure they have probley have seen a shadow or a strange light in the sky. But to really think about it no one actually knows.So read about things you didn't even know, find the answer to your questions, finally find out the real mystery of UFO's.