Aliens on Vacation - Book Review

Title ~ Aliens on Vacation
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Clete Barrett Smith
Release Date ~ May 3, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Disney Press
Source ~ NetGalley

GOODREADS SUMMARY

David, otherwise known as Scrub (don't ask), isn't happy about leaving Florida and his friends to summer with his grandmother in "Middle of Nowhere," Washington. When he arrives at her Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast, he isn't surprised by its 60s meets Star Wars decor, but he issurprised by the weird-looking guests. It turns out that each room in the inn is a portal, and his grandma is the gate-keeper, allowing aliens to vacation on Earth. Grandma desperately needs Scrub's help with welcoming (and disguising) the tourists, shopping for cartloads of aluminum foil for dinner, and taking rambunctious alien kids camping in the nearby woods. The problem is, the town sheriff--already suspicious about Granny--is a scout leader camping in the same spot. Will Scrub blow Granny's cover, forcing the B&B to shut down forever? Full of cosmic chaos and mind-bending mayhem, Scrub's summer adventure will leave readers wanting to make a return trip.

REVIEW

Just like the rest of us, aliens like to take vacations. But where is an alien to go to get some rest and relaxation? Why the Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast of course! The premise to this book is so very cute.

I have read books about all sorts of creatures – fairies, werewolves, mermaids, vampires, and even trolls. Those creatures are no match for the aliens that Clete Barrett Smith dreams up. There is one alien that is ridiculously tall, others that have purple dots, some with eyes on their middles, and even a rainbow colored alien that floats. My favorite aliens are the Jungle Boys who seem to be made of rubber and they have a ton of energy. They sort of remind me of my little brother. Hyper!

Scrub is sent to spend the summer with his grandmother at her bed and breakfast. He is shocked when he learns that the other guests are aliens! Scrub is weirded out at first, but he quickly gets used to the unusual setup. I liked Scrub’s innocence and ability to roll with the punches. When he finds a bad guy is trying to shut down the bed and breakfast, Scrub rushes to his grandmother’s aid.

There is even a sweet little middle grade crush worked into the plot between Scrub and alien-lover Amy. Oh, and you will not believe who Amy really is! Like any young crushes, these two are adorably awkward when they are together.

You get exactly what you expect in this cute debut. Aliens on Vacation.

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

What a great cover! I like the mix of colors and Scrub hesitantly walking up to the Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast. I think I can see some aliens in the windows!