| Product: |
Dr Xargle's Book Of Earth Hounds - Jeanne Willis |
| Date: |
20/04/08 (158 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Looking at life through an alien's eyes
Disadvantages: None
***Background***
This is one in a whole series of books about how Dr Xargle looks at things on Earth from his home on a bizarre planet where he lectures to his students. Jeanne Willis is the author of this strange but very funny series and her words are helped along by the illustrations of Tony Ross, who is of course so well known for his lovable character, The Little Princess.
***The Story***
When we open the book we see Dr Xargle, who is a green alien with many eyes long straggly arms. He informs his class that today they are going to learn about Earth Hounds.
We are told that they have fangs at one end and a waggler at the other but sometimes it can be difficult to tell which end is which when the Earth Hound is hairy, so a sausage can be held at either end to find this out.
He goes on to explain that they have a long pink flannel in their mouths, which lick just about everything including their undercarriages and love to jump up high to reach anything they can eat.
We find out that they are taken to a place called walkies and they chase sticks before rolling about in the pat of moohorns (the Xargle name for cows). He then hides under a duvet so that he doesn't have to get a wash.
Of course the hound does have to get in the bath but struggles all the time and then goes off to get dirty again.
The book ends with all the aliens putting on human costumes so that they can visit Earth and find out what it's like to play with a real Houndlet.
***The Illustrations***
I love Tony Ross' illustrations and this book shows them off to perfection. They are in the style of the Little Princess books and one of my favourites is the look of disgust on a cat's face as it watches an Earth Hound lick it's own undercarriage. I also think the picture of the owner having to go and collect the ball that the Earth Hound won't fetch from the pond is just hilarious. The pictures are bright and bold and the black writing at the bottom of the pages is easy to read.
***My Thoughts***
The first time I came across Dr Xargle was in the form of a free book accompanying a sample of Dry Nites Pyjama Pants and it told the story of how earthlets sometimes waken up in a puddle and how many of their friends might do this too. I was very impressed as I was toilet training my son at the time and it really helped take the pressure off him even though I didn't actually use the sample.
My son brought this one home from the school library and has had it for a bit longer than usual because of school holidays. Unlike some of the ones he chooses, he has been happy to have this one for as long as possible and really seems to love the story in it.
All kids seem to love finding out about animals and pets but this one is told in such a funny way that it really is a novelty to read. The idea that aliens are not only watching us but also coming among us to learn about our ways is something that fascinates children and showing them as youngsters and learning about things in schools can help take away any fears that your child might have about little green creatures.
As with a lot of young children, my son seems to have books where he really loves the story and others where the pictures are a firm favourite but I have to say that this book seems to be equally balanced and he seems to be impressed with every aspect. I agree with him totally and found the book to be a joy to read to him at bedtime.
This is one of the rare books that I'm sure make many parents laugh as well as their children and that is something to be applauded because it means that many mummies and daddies out there will enjoy this one too.
One final comment has to be in reference to the title acknowledgement where it tells us that this book has been translated into human by Jeanne Willis.
***Other Titles In The Dr Xargle Series***
Dr Xargle's Book Of Earthlets
Dr Xargle's Book Of Earth Tiggers
Dr Xargle's Book Of Earth Mobiles
Dr Xargle's Book Of Earth Weather
Dr Xargle's Book Of Earth Relations
***Other Info***
The retail price for this paperback book is £4.99 but you can get it for £3.99 from WH Smith. They also do free delivery to stores for collection.
ISBN No. 1842701703
Summary: Fun look at how alien's learn about us.
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scuba_angel - 20/04/08 I remember the Dr Xargle books, I used to 'borrow' them off my sister when she was learning to read as I liked them when I was learning and wanted to re-read them. |
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