Product Description

In this slyly humorous tale of visitors from outer space and a nicecouple from Bellmore, we learn that the key to intergalactic human-alienrelations is... spaghetti and meatballs. That and a few common courtesies. Whena spaceship quietly lands next to Moe and Shirley's tool shed and two aliens askto use the bathroom, Moe becomes slightly hysterical while Shirley tries to keepher cool. Later that evening, when Shirley's cousins arrive for a spaghettidinner, the aliens return, bearing a gift. Meanwhile, Moe has alerted the FBI,the Pentagon, the Army, the Air Force, and the Marines. The relatives and Moetake turns fainting while Shirley politely offers her new visitors appetizers. But what is in the gift box the aliens have brought? " It's a bomb! It's gas! It's a laser! " Cousin Etta yells, before swooning again. Ever the charminghostess, Shirley slowly unwraps the gift, which, as it turns out, is none of theabove. First published in 1988, Company's Coming received several prestigioushonors, including The New York Times Book Review's Notable Books and theRedbook Children's Picture Book Award. It's one of those rare books thatwill delight adults as well as children, passing on an easy-to-swallow messageof human kindness and grace under pressure. Al Yorinks is the author of theCaldecott-winning Hey,Al, and David Small is well known for his artwork in Caldecott HonorBook The Gardener. (Ages5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2240133 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-01
• Released on: 2000-07-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

Amazon.com Review
In this slyly humorous tale of visitors from outer space and a nice couple from Bellmore, we learn that the key to intergalactic human-alien relations is... spaghetti and meatballs. That and a few common courtesies. When a spaceship quietly lands next to Moe and Shirley's tool shed and two aliens ask to use the bathroom, Moe becomes slightly hysterical while Shirley tries to keep her cool. Later that evening, when Shirley's cousins arrive for a spaghetti dinner, the aliens return, bearing a gift. Meanwhile, Moe has alerted the FBI, the Pentagon, the Army, the Air Force, and the Marines. The relatives and Moe take turns fainting while Shirley politely offers her new visitors appetizers. But what is in the gift box the aliens have brought? "It's a bomb! It's gas! It's a laser!" Cousin Etta yells, before swooning again. Ever the charming hostess, Shirley slowly unwraps the gift, which, as it turns out, is none of the above.

First published in 1988, Company's Coming received several prestigious honors, including The New York Times Book Review's Notable Books and the Redbook Children's Picture Book Award. It's one of those rare books that will delight adults as well as children, passing on an easy-to-swallow message of human kindness and grace under pressure. Al Yorinks is the author of the Caldecott-winning Hey, Al, and David Small is well known for his artwork in Caldecott Honor Book The Gardener. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly
When a flying saucer lands in the yard, and two aliens emerge, Shirley promptly invites them in for dinner. Her husband, less sanguine, phones the FBI, and they call in the military. By the time the visitors return, the house is surrounded by soldiers and tanks. As her relatives faint with apprehension, Shirley unwraps the gift the aliens offer. Her trust is rewarded, for the box contains a quite harmless blender ("And we don't even have one," she exclaims). Now assured of the aliens' peaceful intentions, everyone sits down together for a homemade meal. Yorinks displays his talent for droll, surprising humor in this offbeat tale about trust and hospitality. Through deliberate exaggeration and absurdity, he pokes fun at paranoid and militaristic responses to perceived threats from those different from ourselvesa timely message indeed. Small's illustrations reflect the story's quirkiness and humor, from Shirley and Moe's broad gestures and shrugs, to the bug-like aliens who understand the value of a nice appliance and a warm welcome. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Amusing and Enlightening
This was a clever children's book that definitely opens up topics for discussion. It explores discrimination, fear and acceptance. A great read for children in 1st and 2nd grade, but younger children would be amused as well. The illustrations are imaginative and fun. The writing is perfect for the younger reader (6 to 8 years old).

Delightful book with a great twist of humor.
This book is delightful blend of humor with great wit. It has become one of our families favorites.

An amusing twist.
I was kind of worrisome when my son recieved this for a xmas present one year, as flipping through it I saw lots of army men, tanks, guns, and bombs. However after reading through it I let it go, and since then this book has grown on me more and more. It has a positive measage of not judging others until you get to know them, and getting along with EVERYONE. As well as a good lesson in manners.
The book starts out with a strange elderly couple (whom almost look like they are out of the 60's) when something lands in their lawn "Shirley thats NOT a BBQ"
When the little alien men ask to use the bathroom, the wife is kind and lets them in..and even invites them to dinner with her relatives. However the husband is afraid os the aliens and calls the FBI. By dinner time the relatives are all there and everyone is afraid of these strange aliens, and even the FBI has the house "surrounded" however the wife remains nice the whole time. The aliens brought a mysterious box with them, making everyone more nervous. The tension builds well until they finally open the box...and its..
well it turns out the aliens aren't there to take over the Earth, and they all sit down, relatives, FBI, and Aliens, to a wonderful home cooked dinner.