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Even Aliens Need Snacks
In the follow up to his breakout picture book, Even Monsters Need Haircuts , Matthew McElligott brings back the young barber in a new tale where his culinary concoctions bring him galaxy-wide fame. Creating snacks that make most humans queasy, this chef has found a new clientele-aliens. Readers will delight in McElligott's gently offbeat humor and unique artistry as spaceships full of hilarious creatures line up for a taste of the intergalactic cuisine. For space fans, foodies, and budding entrepreneurs alike, this book has something for everyone.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2012
4 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Matthew McElligott
25 books42 followersMatthew McElligott is the author and illustrator of many books for children. When Matt is not writing, he teaches as a Professor of Graphic and Media Design at Russell Sage College in Albany. He lives on a small farm in upstate New York with his wife and their animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 18, 2021
4,5/5. Beau petit livre jeunesse qui mélange l’humour, une touche de recettes dégoutantes et aussi un message intéressant. Bien fait, efficace et avec des belles illustrations. J’ai bien aimé!
November 26, 2014
Even Aliens Need Snacks is a cleverly written book about a young boy who enjoys creating interesting new food with the ingredients available in his Mom's kitchen. Despite his like for such foods as an eggplant, mustard, and lemonade smoothie, his Sister insists nobody else in the universe would eat the food he makes. To prove her wrong, the young boy sets up a food stand on the front lawn to serve his concoctions. It seems as though his Sister is right, until sometime during the night when a spaceship lands and aliens begin lining up at his food stand. They love each and every masterpiece he creates! From turnip-side-down cake to toothpaste soup, they can't get enough. Then he creates his biggest surprise yet, galactic pudding, using each and every one of his favorite ingredients. Despite his best intentions, the aliens despise this new creation, and the boy realizes his Sister was right. "There really are some things no one else in the universe will eat."
It's easy to understand how this book fits nicely with the fantasy/science fiction genre, as the pictures on the pages paint a vividly creative depiction of aliens of all shapes, sizes, and colors. One of the last pages in the book shows the boy's Sister sitting at the kitchen table reading the book, It Came From Mars, which might suggest the aliens were imagined in a dream the boy had after reading the book. As we've all done a time or two in our dreams, trying to imagine what a space alien might look like if we met one in real life is a certainly left to the imagination. This book plays on the imaginative minds of young readers everywhere.
This book could be used as an excellent resource to introduce students to the Science Fiction genre and provide multiple approaches to expand on their understanding. The pictures in the book are not scary, but portray aliens in a variety of forms, which could lead into a discussion or activity relating to the use of imagination. Children could also follow the concept of the book and create a writing assignment based on a food they would like to invent and who might be interested in trying it. Though this book is geared toward younger elementary learners, I believe it could be effectively implemented in the upper elementary grades as well.
It's easy to understand how this book fits nicely with the fantasy/science fiction genre, as the pictures on the pages paint a vividly creative depiction of aliens of all shapes, sizes, and colors. One of the last pages in the book shows the boy's Sister sitting at the kitchen table reading the book, It Came From Mars, which might suggest the aliens were imagined in a dream the boy had after reading the book. As we've all done a time or two in our dreams, trying to imagine what a space alien might look like if we met one in real life is a certainly left to the imagination. This book plays on the imaginative minds of young readers everywhere.
This book could be used as an excellent resource to introduce students to the Science Fiction genre and provide multiple approaches to expand on their understanding. The pictures in the book are not scary, but portray aliens in a variety of forms, which could lead into a discussion or activity relating to the use of imagination. Children could also follow the concept of the book and create a writing assignment based on a food they would like to invent and who might be interested in trying it. Though this book is geared toward younger elementary learners, I believe it could be effectively implemented in the upper elementary grades as well.
March 14, 2013
it was a cute book.
June 18, 2022
The illustrations are fun and engaging and help contribute to understanding and engaging with the story. The story is fun and helps to share the message that it's okay to be yourself and be creative; however, the closing notes of the story make it seem a little defeatist. . The text isn't hard to read on the page, and the words themselves aren't too hard for children to read by themselves.
July 12, 2023
I did an alien storytime and craft program at my library last week, and this was the book I read. I had started to get nervous, wondering if any of the books I had requested would work, since most of them were too chaotic, long, or scary-looking, but this one was perfect! I paper-clipped together the page spread with the alien that was the biggest and scariest, and enjoyed sharing everything else.
The story is creative and unique, and the parents laughed out loud more than once. I love the surprise twist at the end, and the illustrations are so cute and fun. The length is also just right for younger kids and older ones to enjoy together. I definitely recommend this to people who enjoy quirky, silly books.
The story is creative and unique, and the parents laughed out loud more than once. I love the surprise twist at the end, and the illustrations are so cute and fun. The length is also just right for younger kids and older ones to enjoy together. I definitely recommend this to people who enjoy quirky, silly books.
October 7, 2020
Copyright: 2012
Genre: Science Fiction
Themes: Aliens, Food
This book was pretty cute, funny, and a little bit gross, which kids will probably love. It's interesting how the sister says that no one will eat the boy's food, but she likes the food that the aliens wouldn't even eat. I suppose I could use this book in my future classroom as a short, funny break type of story. It might help students get the giggles out.
Genre: Science Fiction
Themes: Aliens, Food
This book was pretty cute, funny, and a little bit gross, which kids will probably love. It's interesting how the sister says that no one will eat the boy's food, but she likes the food that the aliens wouldn't even eat. I suppose I could use this book in my future classroom as a short, funny break type of story. It might help students get the giggles out.
September 15, 2018
A silly book, with just a hint of eww. Unless that is that turnip-side-down cake is your style. Kids will love hearing this story and checking out the fantastical pictures of aliens along with some err.....interesting food choices. Just goes to show, food isn't really the same anywhere, even on other planets.
November 21, 2018
A cute story of a boy who likes to cook but no-one likes his recipes.Until aliens show up and he learns which ones like what.Then he needs to stop his snack stand and makes a special recipe using all of the ingredients.When they don't like it, he leaves it in his refrigerator and goes to bed.Little does he know-someone does.A nice ending for how the book began-clever.
October 24, 2019
This is a story about a young boy who likes to create his own creative food items. His sister doesn't think anyone in the whole universe will like his strange food. He opens up a stand and down come aliens, lined up to get some of his food. The aliens even like his toothpaste soul. Can you believe that? Such a cute book to read aloud.
September 30, 2019
This book is great for a little extra encouragement! Students who are having difficulty may need some cheering up and this is the book for them! It includes aliens and who doesn't love a book with aliens?!
April 21, 2024
I was not a huge fan of this story as I found it kind of boring and odd. It is about a kid who cooks "weird" things and none of the humans like it, however, the aliens who visit at night like his food. Due to this, he stays up late and sells his recipes to the aliens at night.
February 6, 2018
This book had really cute illustrations, a charming/amusing story, creative ideas, and a cute ending.
April 10, 2019
PJ story time 4-10-19
October 3, 2019
Cute children’s book
October 4, 2019
I found it long, kids found it interesting.
November 7, 2019
This book will only interest the students who are into science fiction, but if you do have students interested in science fiction and they need encouragement this book will be perfect!
January 18, 2020
This was a cute book about how it's okay to like things that other people may not. As long as you're not hurting anyone. Aliens love his cooking, even though his sister doesn't. What a great book.
March 18, 2020
This book was amusing. The boy has a chef's heart, but an unusual palate that is at least a hit with aliens. The one dish the aliens don't like, his sister does. lol
April 12, 2021
This was my FAVORITE picture book as a kid, and it will forever have a special place in my heart. ❤️
May 13, 2022
Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yeah!
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yeah!
April 6, 2013
Even Aliens Need Snacks by Matthew McElligott is a science fiction book intended for readers N-P. It is a humorous tale of a young chef who is negatively critiqued by his family for his unique culinary concoctions. One night he meets aliens, who quickly become his best customers! The wit and humor of this story parallel the fun, futuristic illustrations, making it ideal for young readers. The last page is humorous in that, the 'galactic pudding' was the only dish unappealing to the aliens, but just so happens to be the dish his patronizing sister dines on!
The plot is easily identifiable in that the boy simply wanted anyone, or anything, to enjoy his creations. The language of McElligott is simple and comprehendible. The illustrations complete the story. They are caricature drawings adorned with a simplistic color palette, not too drab or too bright. The page upon which the spaceship descends is delightfully the more colorful of the pages. Each alien corresponds to its favorite cuisine, which is quite comical. The first alien that enjoyed the mushroom iced tea had a head shaped like a mushroom, the alien that liked the Swiss cheese donut holes was round like a donut with holes in it, the alien that liked the turnip-side-down cake obviously was double sided turned upside down, and the alien that enjoyed the toothpaste soup was inevitably a creature with lots of teeth! It's an imaginative book that could easily conjure up further discussion by exploring what culinary creations the students would make and serve. It could also be an art lesson on food art, or science related on the ingredients in the food we actually eat. This book would appeal to young readers by featuring aliens which is always exciting and enjoyable.
The plot is easily identifiable in that the boy simply wanted anyone, or anything, to enjoy his creations. The language of McElligott is simple and comprehendible. The illustrations complete the story. They are caricature drawings adorned with a simplistic color palette, not too drab or too bright. The page upon which the spaceship descends is delightfully the more colorful of the pages. Each alien corresponds to its favorite cuisine, which is quite comical. The first alien that enjoyed the mushroom iced tea had a head shaped like a mushroom, the alien that liked the Swiss cheese donut holes was round like a donut with holes in it, the alien that liked the turnip-side-down cake obviously was double sided turned upside down, and the alien that enjoyed the toothpaste soup was inevitably a creature with lots of teeth! It's an imaginative book that could easily conjure up further discussion by exploring what culinary creations the students would make and serve. It could also be an art lesson on food art, or science related on the ingredients in the food we actually eat. This book would appeal to young readers by featuring aliens which is always exciting and enjoyable.
September 22, 2013
By: Matthew McElligott
Illustrations By: same as above
Grade Levels: K-2
DRA, Lexile Measure, GLE: n/a
Reviewed By: Aaron Carter
This comical book is about a child who mixes unusual ingredients together to make foods/drinks that, besides himself, no earthling will eat. His food stand gets no visitors until one night, when an alien stops by and tries one of his recipes. During the subsequent nights a host of aliens--in all shapes, sizes and appearances--stop by for his custom blends, until he mixes something that they even dislike. Funny enough, that's the one that his sister, who complained early on about his concoctions, actually liked. The illustrations that accompany the simple, easy-to-understand sentences, nicely complement the story.
Illustrations By: same as above
Grade Levels: K-2
DRA, Lexile Measure, GLE: n/a
Reviewed By: Aaron Carter
This comical book is about a child who mixes unusual ingredients together to make foods/drinks that, besides himself, no earthling will eat. His food stand gets no visitors until one night, when an alien stops by and tries one of his recipes. During the subsequent nights a host of aliens--in all shapes, sizes and appearances--stop by for his custom blends, until he mixes something that they even dislike. Funny enough, that's the one that his sister, who complained early on about his concoctions, actually liked. The illustrations that accompany the simple, easy-to-understand sentences, nicely complement the story.
October 20, 2015
I sort of related to this book because I remember when I was younger and I visited my mother's mom, I invented the strawberry and ranch snack! My family said it was "disgusting" but I thought it was pretty good. Anyways, every once in awhile, I read a short, comical, quick-to-the-point type of book. I liked this book! It was really cute, and even though it was short, the ending still had a comedic twist to it. Not only that, it also contained a positive message; don't give up on your dreams even though people doubt and/or make fun of you. In conclusion, I'd just like to say that I absolutely adored the illustrations! It was simple yet appealing. I might have to try the eggplant, mustard and lemonade smoothie...!
December 17, 2024
McElligott has a follow-up piece to Even Monsters Need Haircuts! The previous stories focused on a boy and his adventures as a noturnal barber for monsters at this father's shop. In this story, the boy is a chef who creates unique dishes "that no one in the whole universe would eat." His sister is wrong...
I love the nightlife of both McElligott's stories. The illustrations are clean and creative from ink, pencil, and digital techniques. The font (Aunt Milred) is a sarif with slight bumps along the lines. I hope McElligott shares more nocturnal adventures of a creative kid.
Reviewed from a library copy.
2019 storytime theme: aliens
2024 storytime theme: space
I love the nightlife of both McElligott's stories. The illustrations are clean and creative from ink, pencil, and digital techniques. The font (Aunt Milred) is a sarif with slight bumps along the lines. I hope McElligott shares more nocturnal adventures of a creative kid.
Reviewed from a library copy.
2019 storytime theme: aliens
2024 storytime theme: space
September 22, 2012
"In the follow up to his breakout picture book, Even Monsters Need Haircuts, Matthew McElligott brings back the young barber in a new tale where his culinary concoctions bring him galaxy-wide fame. Creating snacks that make most humans queasy, this chef has found a new clientele-aliens." Kids will love the aliens in this book. I love the fact that the boy is the one who does the cooking and baking. The last scene is amusing in that the aliens don't like his "masterpiece", but his condescending sister does.
October 24, 2015
An eggplant, mustard and lemonade smoothie? Who would eat such a thing? A young boy is sure he can sell his unique food, so he builds a food stand. But no one comes ... until that night. All summer, his customers keep coming back for their favorite things: sponge cakes with leeks, swiss cheese donut holes, and toothpaste soup. But even his galactic pudding, that he serves at the end of the summer, seems to be too unusual to be enjoyed. Or is it?
Love the different aliens that the illustrator has created and so will students. A fun read aloud.
Love the different aliens that the illustrator has created and so will students. A fun read aloud.
September 29, 2012
A very fun tale! I love the illustrations and the humor is wonderful. A young chef discovers that aliens make the perfect customers for his unique creations. The illustrations are great-the aliens are creative and the text matches the illustrations with lots of humor (the topsy turvey alien loves the turnip slide down cake, bean puffs are popular with guys from the gas planets-very funny stuff!) A great read aloud and storytime book!
September 12, 2012
Cute story about a boy who's experimental cooking is more popular with the way-out-of-town crowd than with his family. I especially like the someone understated humor here. We read this at least 10 times this week, and I definitely need to find another title by the author to try out with our 4-year-old: Even Monsters Need Haircuts.
September 24, 2012
(K-2) I'd really like to give this book 3.5 stars. A little boy's mom is always letting him experiment in the kitchen. His recipes include eggplant, mustard, and lemonade smoothies, and mushroom iced tea. He opens up a snack stand, but people don't seem to really care for his concoctions; however, aliens seems to love them until...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews