CM Magazine: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. (POP Classics).

________________ CM . . . . Volume XXIV Number 18. . . . January 12, 2017

cover
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. (POP Classics).

Jim Thomas, adaptor. Illustrated by Kim Smith.
Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books (Distributed in Canada by Penguin Random House Canada), 2017.
44 pp., hardcover & ebook, $19.99 (hc.).
ISBN 978-1-68369-010-8 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-68369-011-5 (ebook).

Preschool-grade 3 / Ages 4-8.

Review by Janice Foster.

**** /4

excerpt:

E.T.worked on his radio all night.

Meanwhile, the people who were looking for E.T. were getting closer.

E.T. wanted his family to find him and take him home. But he had to hurry. E.T.wasn’t meant to live on Earth. He was starting to feel sick.

When Elliott discovers what he thinks is a goblin hiding in the family shed a week before Hallowe’en, he doesn’t expect it to be an extra terrestrial creature stranded on Earth. With the help of his siblings, Elliott manages to rescue E.T. from the government scientists and return him to his spaceship. Hiding an alien, teaching him how to speak, flying on bicycles and learning about the meaning of friendship are some of the elements of story that will appeal to this junior audience.

Retelling the story of Steven Spielberg’s classic movie E.T. The Extra Terrestrial in a 40 page illustrated picture book might sound impossible. But E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, the latest addition in Quirk’s Books’ “Pop Classic Picture Books”, captures the essence of this exciting, imaginative story and introduces it to younger children.

Canadian illustrator Kim Smith’s expressive illustrations, partnered with a simple concise text, recount the special relationship between Elliott and the creature from outer space whom he calls E.T.. Smith’s colourful, animated illustrations depict the range of emotions of the characters and add humour to the story. The simplicity of the story, adapted by author Jim Thomas, which excludes the more frightening and mature movie scenes, allows for the younger child to enjoy this classic science fiction tale of universal friendship. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial is a perfect family read aloud and makes a special addition to the home library as this classic movie celebrates its thirty fifth anniversary.

Highly Recommended.

Janice Foster is a retired teacher and teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

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