Nose Pickers from Outer Space (L.a.F.) [Turtleback]

Gordon Korman (Author), Victor Vaccaro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2002 | Series: L.a.F.

Fourth-grader Devin is disappointed in the nerdy exchange student who comes to live with his family, until he realizes that Stan is not from Chicago but from outer space.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The flippant title of this debut book in the L.A.F. :) series should tip off readers to Korman's fast-fire (if sometimes pat) wordplay and amusingly preposterous plot. Devin Hunter suspects he's in trouble the first moment he lays eyes on his school-exchange buddy, Stan Mflxnys, who enters the airport via the baggage shoot. Sporting a crew cut, a tie and "big thick glasses that made his eyes look like fried eggs," Stan has nerd written all over him and breaks all of Devin's "Rules of Coolness." Devin, who narrates the story, describes his embarrassment at being paired with Stan; his humiliation escalates at school, where this odd fellowAeasily recognizable to readers as an alienAspends a good deal of time ostensibly picking his nose, eats a paper plate and napkin for lunch and announces that he's 146 years old. But before long Devin realizes that Stan's special powers, housed in his computerized nose, are mighty useful when it comes to completing household chores in a nanosecond, clinching first-place in field-day events and, as the tale unfurls, saving the earth from a chilling fate. Korman's tongue is in his cheek as often as Stan's finger is in his nose, creating a light and silly caper that will, as the series obviously intends, bring on ample laughs. Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon, illus. by Tony Ross, is also scheduled for publication this month; two more titles are planned for October. Final artwork not seen by PW. Ages 7-10. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4-Devin's new fourth-grade National Student Exchange Program buddy definitely violates all "Rules of Coolness." Stan has a crew cut, wears a tie, and sticks his finger up his nose in public. Then, Devin notices that when Stan "picks" his nose, odd things happen-suitcases are mysteriously unpacked and after-dinner chores are completed in seconds. A surreptitious mirror check at night reveals that the newcomer's olfactory apparatus conceals a powerful computer, complete with switches, blinking lights, and communication tools. Stan is actually an alien travel agent from the planet Pan. His mission-to determine if Earth is a suitable vacation spot for his fellow Pants, or if it should be moved out beyond Pluto to avoid obstructing the view of the Saturn rings. Devin has to help his new pal "sell" the Earth's advantages before the aliens decide to get rid of the planet entirely. There is lots of elementary-level punning, particularly concerning the aliens-Training Pants rookie agents, Smarty-Pants ruling council, etc. Devin's teacher and classmates are intolerant, negative characters, but Devin himself learns to be more accepting. This is a lightweight story with no pretensions to literary style, but young readers who enjoy Daniel Pinkwater's off-the-wall, absurd humor will get a kick out of it. The black-and-white cartoon illustrations are funny, the chapters are short, and the print is large.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Turtleback: 137 pages
• Publisher: Demco Media (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606226427
• ISBN-13: 978-0606226424
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,746,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Korman Shows Some Flashes of Old Brilliance, October 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Nose Pickers from Outer Space (L.A.F.) (Paperback)

While certainly better than Korman's other 1999 offering, Stars From Mars, Nosepickers from Outer Space is not as good as Don't Care High, I Want to Go Home! or the Bruno & Boots series. The original title of this book, Alien Exchange Student, gives some idea of what it's about- an elementary schooler's student that he hosts turns out to be from outer space. While the story is reasonably original, many references to current events/people will hurt the book's lasting ability. Furthermore, while the book definitely has many laughs, some of the stretched humor regarding clothing doesn't work.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eugene: Gordon Korman has done a "Bang Up" Job!, December 3, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Nose Pickers from Outer Space (L.A.F.) (Paperback)

Devin Hunter has a unique experience with his foriegn exchange buddy. He always thought he was wierd, and freaks out when he discovers his exchange buddy, Stan from Pan, is an alien with a computerized nose. Devin has to go through a lot of problems with his alien friend.
Wow! Gordan Korman did an excellent job writing this book. "Nose Pickers From Outer Space" is really cool. It entertained me the whole way through, and kept me laughing. Yet, it was pretty easy to read! I loved the catchy title, the humorous pictures, and the overall story.
If you like to laugh, are between the ages of 9-13, and want an easy book report, or want to be entertained, then this is the book for you! I highly reccommend that you read "Nose Pickers from Outer Space".

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very funny one from Gordon Korman., August 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Nose Pickers from Outer Space (L.A.F.) (Paperback)

Though not as wonderful as the Bruno and Boots books, this book is awfully funny. As a 22 year old who has been reading Gordon Korman for years, I found this book to be up to Korman's standards. The alien aspect is a nice change of pace. The book still deals with Korman's favorite (as it seems to me) topic of friendship. Kids should love this one. Very fuuny with unexpected twists and turns. I just started reading it to 2 friends of mine, 7 and 11 year old brothers. They both told me they love it so far, and that they have both read ahead because they can't wait for me to finish it. We eagerly await Korman's next book.