Aliens for Breakfast

by Stephanie Spinner, Jonathan Etra, Steve Björkman (Illustrator)

It's been ten years since Richard Bickerstaff sat down to breakfast and an alien climbed out of his cereal bowl! Join Richard and Aric, a tiny, wisecracking creature from the planet Ganoob, as they battle to save the world from evil aliens in Aliens for Breakfast , Aliens for Lunch , and Aliens for Dinner . We're reissuing the trilogy with brand-new covers sporting a space age 10th Anniversary logo. Now a new generation of readers can experience the fun and adventure that won these books rave reviews and loyal fans!  

Genres: Science Fiction, Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Aliens, Chapter Books, Science Fiction Fantasy

64 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 1988

About the author

I was born in Davenport, Iowa, and grew up in Rockaway Beach, New York. I read straight through my childhood, with breaks for food, sleep, and the bathroom. I went to college in Bennington, Vermont, moved to New York City, and took a job in publishing so I could get paid for reading. I read so much bad fiction that I needed a break, so I moved to London, and from there I traveled to Morocco, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan India, Nepal, and Ceylon. I came back to America, wandered around some more -- to Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize -- and on returning to New York decided to study Tibetan Buddhist painting (called thangka painting) in Boulder, Colorado.

I painted thangkas for many years. Each one took anywhere from several weeks to a few months to complete, and at long last I understood that this was not the ideal way for me to make a living. Only a few hundred Americans collected thangkas, and they wanted old ones, painted by Tibetan monks. It was time to make a change.

So I took another publishing job, this time in children’s books. I found that I liked children’s books a lot, and before long, I became an editor.

Years passed. I was encouraged to write. I scoffed at the idea that I had anything to write about. I edited some wonderfully talented authors -- Virginia Hamilton, Philip Isaacson, Clyde Robert Bulla, Gloria Whelan, Robin McKinley, Joan Vinge, Garth Nix, and Chris Lynch, among others -- with great enjoyment. Writing seemed like torture by comparison.

Then, to my amazement, I found myself writing a book and having a good time -- simultaneously! The book was ALIENS FOR BREAKFAST, and I enjoyed writing it because my co-author was Jonathan Etra. Jon (who died of heart disease in 1990) was a close friend with a wild sense of humor, and collaborating with him changed my opinion of writing forever. After ALIENS FOR BREAKFAST, and ALIENS FOR LUNCH, which we also co-wrote, I began to think that writing could be interesting fun.

And now that I’ve been doing it full-time for more than ten years, I can tell you why I like it better than a job. First, I can work in my bathrobe. (To the FedEx man and the UPS man, I am "the woman in the plaid flannel robe.") Second, I can eat when I’m hungry, choose when to take phone calls, and walk my dogs any time. Third, the only meetings I have -- and they’re short -- are with the dry cleaner and the post office ladies. Fourth, I can read whatever I please. I may tell people I’m doing research when I read about horse-trekking, or hunting in ancient Greece, or 16 ways to better compost, but the truth is, I’m not doing research, I’m having a good time. Which I think is still allowed.

Reviews

[Caterpickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since my daughter read this story about an alien stumbling out of Richard Bickerstaff’s cereal bowl, she has been pestering me to buy better cereal. You know, the kind that has aliens in it. She’s convinced her school has been infested and she is the only one who can possibly save it.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We saw this book in our local library and I thought A might like it.

I am slowly introducing her to chapter books as she is about to be a 2nd grader and I know they will be doing chapter books.



This was a cute story. We are introduced to Richard who is surprised that an alien pops up in the cereal he is eating. It seems this alien is there because the planet Earth is being taken over by an evil alien who will befriend you. You just can't look at his teeth. I don't think A liked it as much as I thought she would. I am not sure if it was just not something she would normally pick up or not. I would say this is good for the 1st to 2nd graders to read. The good thing about this book was that the chapters were short! As far as story line it was a pretty simple story line along with simple characters. It moved at a steady pace.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread one of the first books I remember reading as a class. It’s so fun. Great beginning chapter book for kids.

[Aliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awarded with the "Texas Bluebonnet Award", the author, Stephanie Spinner places a focus upon a humorous and entertaining storyline that pertains to science fictional characters involving an "alien" individual meeting a human boy who go to the same school. Nevertheless, there are many details that can attract readers and creating a visual in their head of what is happening in the book. In addition, there are also pictures that are on some pages (black and white) that allow readers to see what is happening.

For a chapter book, it is specifically stated for ages 6-9 which estimates through around grade levels of first-third. The details mention a variety of vocabulary terms that may be difficult for first grade level readers to pronounce or simply define in their own terms. For example, there were words of "scowled", "suitable", and "cosmic" mentioned in the text. If a first grader were to read this out loud, they would not be sure of how these terms are used. Not to mention that these pages also seem a little lengthy for their age to which the book is advantageous towards second and third grade readers.

On another note, I would definitely try to incorporate reading strategies that practice visualization skills especially with chronological events. It is important for students to keep practicing the events of storylines and with chapter books, they will begin to practice using context clues to envision pictures of their own.

(https://www.rhcbooks.com/books/171212...)

[Lynnae Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute scientific fiction novel filled with comedy. A boy named Richard meets an alien name Aric who is sent to earth through his box of a cereal. They go on a mission to save the planet earth from a Drane and to find the one ingredient that can destroy him. The illustrations in this book are black and white and very few, about two picture per chapter. It is just enough illustrations to help the reader envision the rest of the book. It definitely kept my interest and had me anxious to get to the end especially to see what special ingredient would save the world. The book is an east read and would be great book for teachers to assign to intermediate readers as an in class read of even a book to read over the summer. It's recommended for ages 6-9 but I think it would able be a good book to read aloud to 4 or 5 years old. It is a great first chapter book with only 8 chapters. What I loved most about the book is that it's about a quiet boy who wasn't in the "in" crowd but this alien gave him the confidence he needed to feel like he could conquer anything, even saving the world. What a great message! It is funny, suspenseful, and definitely something children will enjoy.

[Kirsten Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aliens for Breakfast is a science fiction book written by Stephanie Spinner and Jonathan Etra. This book was about a young boy who was visited by an alien during his breakfast and helped him save the world! I rated this book five stars. I have never read it until now and I thought, for a science fiction book, there were some things children can actually relate to. From going to school, feeling jealous about the "cool kid", and friendships. I think the theme worked well as they started out at breakfast then going to school and the mall. There weren't many illustrations, but I think that could be a good thing as it makes the reader use their imaginations a lot more and see things in their own way. I do think this book would be appealing to young readers as, I said, some parts, such as the setting and the friendships, can be relatable. At the same time it is science fiction so it is fun to imagine that throughout his day, Richard is with Aric, the alien, and they are trying to save the world from Dorf, the Drane! Great read for young minds who are into sci-fi.

[Gretchen Ivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Richard Bickenstaff encounters a shocking prize in his morning cereal- an alien! Alongside this funky little pink being, Richard must save Earth from being taken over by the Dranes, an invasive alien race. Quote: ““I am a Ganoobian,” said Arik. “You are the alien.””
I enjoyed this story. The plot is a bit predictable, but the protagonists are likable and form a sweet friendship in their quest to save Earth. The bit about fingernails and toenails bleeding and aching made me mecha-uncomfy, though. That was almost enough that I would not consider reading this with my kids.
This book is intended for ages 7-9. Any student who likes sci-fi will really enjoy Richard’s adventures in Aliens for Breakfast. Also, students may relate to the feeling that adults do not listen to their concerns, as Richard feels.
Unfortunately, this book is not very inclusive. It villainizes the entire Drane race, and suggests that they are just evil because of who they are as a race. Students may relate to Richard’s struggle with losing his best friend when a new student comes to the school.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Book Aliens for Breakfast by Stephanie Spinner and Jonathan Etra is a science fiction book, the age group for this book is 7-9 years old. The book is about how Richard sits down to breakfast one morning and finds that his bowlful of Alien Crisp cereal is domestic to the genuine thing modest, a garrulous outsider named Aric, who clarifies that he has come to spare Earth from the fiendish Dranes, a match outsider race. One of them has as of now taken up home; it is, Dorf, the frightfully cool, immediately well-known modern boy in Richard's course. Richard must destroy Dorf sometime no before it is as well late, but Aric has overlooked the proper strategy for doing that. Richard and Aric's endeavors are tame and uninspired. It’s a book filled with comedy, It’s not my type of book, it’s not what interests me but it does get you wondering when you are reading the book what they do at the end to save the world.

[Christie]

Richard Bickerstaff is a normal school age boy living a normal life until he finds a small alien named Aric in his cereal bowl. Aric states that he is here to save Earth from the Dranes. The Dranes seek to control planets they like through a sort of mind control. Richard realizes that the new popular kid in his class, named Dorf, is a Drane. If they do not find a way to get Dorf to eat a lot of pepper flakes, he will multiply and Earth will be doomed. Richard and Aric eventually succeed to get Dorf to eat a lot of pepper flakes and he explodes. The classmates have no memory that Dorf ever existed.

This book is a good science fiction book as it is about Aliens coming to earth and taking it over.
This book could be used in the classroom for educational concepts like working together, adventures. Rescuing.

Mentor text traits
Ideas because the message is saving the world and working together to make it happen. Voice because the reader wants to know that Richard and Aric are going to succeed on their mission and the writer gives live to the book with trying to get Dorf to eat the pepper flakes.

Classroom application: Science -aliens, outer-space, Language Arts, social studies friendship, community working together.

The reading level of this book is: ATOS Book Level: 3.2 Interest Level: Lower Grades (LG K-3)
AR Points: 1.0

[Haley Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a children's science fiction book written for elementary school aged children. It is about a boy named Richard witnesses a tiny alien come out of his cereal box. This alien,named Aric, has come to Earth to get rid of the new kid at school. The plot of the story is that the Alien needs Richards help to destroy the new student and prevent him from taking over the world. I rated this book as 3 stars because I’m not normally into modern fantasies, especially science fiction, but I thought this was a decent story. I think there are many ideas that could be used in a classroom based on this book. Depending on the age of the children participating in the activity. One idea would be to let students draw what they think the new student and the alien from the story look like. Or have the students write a different way for the new student to be defeated.

[Destiny Valenzano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Richard is ready to have cereal, when he sees that there are Aliens in his cereal. The Aliens tell Richard very important information. Someone that the aliens are looking for is in Richard’s class. The Alien’s need Richards help.
The story is a fun and a different kind of story for kids. Kids love aliens at a young age and very much love food. It gives it that it’s not like every other book out there for kids.
The book is a great book for kids around third grade. It has great little pictures throughout the book. There isn’t many pictures, it’s more a chapter book with a few pictures.
The book is easy for kids to read and understand what is happening. The length of the book is just right for the kids that would be reading this book. The pictures could of used some color.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: Aliens for Breakfast
Author: Stephanie Spinner
Reading level: 7-9
Book level: 1st-3rd grade

Summary: One morning, Richard sits down to breakfast and discovers that his bowlful of Alien Crisp cereal has a tiny, talkative alien named Aric, who goes onto explain that he has come to save Earth from the evil Dranes (a rival alien race).

Mentor Text Writing Trait:

ideas trait- Spinner has a distinct theme of extraterrestrial life given that the title is Aliens for Breakfast. Spinner has turned this book this book into a fun fictional story for readers to love.

My 3rd graders obsess over this book. I read it for our read aloud book and they loved it so much they wanted to read it again so I suggested they could start an afterschool book club and read it together and discuss what they liked, what they didn't like and any questions that want to infer about.

[Greymalkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vetting a bunch of books before I give them to my nephew to encourage him to read more. This was highly rated on some lists and the premise sounded great. I'm not even sure I want to donate this to the library. The weak plot I could overlook for the interesting premise of a freeze dried alien saving the planet for 67 cents, but the amnesia thing was lazy writing and the solution to "killing" the bad alien was such a let-down. Justifying the main character's hatred and jealousy of the new kid was disconcerting- new kids often have it hard enough without the other kids actively being told that they should treat the new kid like a literal alien and try to kill them. The alien's constant references to his girlfriend and girls was super creepy too. No thank you.

[Jacob Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

My original introduction to science fiction inspired my first grade mind to whimsical flights of fancy that paved the way for everything from Animorphs to Ender's Game. I still remember going to the library with my class to listen to a chapter of Aliens for Breakfast each week. I remember glancing around nervously during art class, knowing I was totally helpless if someone decided to psychokinetically melt the flesh under my fingernails. I remember the giggles in our little elementary school fandom community after the book was over and the inside jokes about red pepper, which 20 years later I can never see in the same way. This book will always hold a special place in my heart!

[Erica Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, science fiction is so much fun to read. These unrealistic characters make reading less boring. Aliens for breakfast is a good book to engage all students ranging from 6-10. This would be a great book to use to talk about adjectives and have students practice how to be creative. One morning, Richard Brickerstaff woke up like any other morning, getting cereal for breakfast. After he took a few bites, an alien climbed out of his cereal bowl. He couldn't believe his eyes. This itty bitty alien named, Aric is on a mission to stop aliens from taking over and needs Richard's help. Confused, Richard agrees to help his new friend Aric safe the world. This book is filled with imaging and creativity! Love this book.

[Jerzie Finstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a little boy who wanted to have a bowl of cereal but ended up having the cereal be talking to him (the cereal is little aliens). His mom doesn't believe him but he knows what he hears. I thought this book was cute, but it also felt like it was a little confusing. It seemed as if there was a few things missing from the storyline, however the picture helped. I would recommend this book for kids 7-8 years old. This is because of how the story line and the words are simple. I also think the charter is young enough that kids those age could relate too, even though it has a science fiction feel to it. The diversity of this book was because of the ages of the parents and their son. As well as the friends and aliens add extra diversity to the story.

[Camryn Bellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sci-fi novel is intended for children ages 7 to 10. It has won the Texas Bluebonnet Award. As Richard was eating breakfast, he witnesses a tiny alien come out of his cereal box. He is asked to join a quest to save Earth from undercover aliens. The book's minimum illustrations allow the reader to use their imagination. School-aged children will find the book relatable because they share the same school experiences as Richard, such as attending school and friendships. The book itself is very comedic. Overall, school-aged children will find the book's comedic devices appealing to read. A lesson that can be done with this book is reading comprehension.

[Jake Passaretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

No awards
K-2
This book is about a little boy who opens his box of cereal, only to find a little alien inside. The alien is there to battle someone in Richard’s class and says he needs Richard’s help.
I would recommend this book because it combines humor and science fiction. It remains interesting and definitely keeps the reader on their toes.
I would bring this book into the classroom when introducing different genres, specifically science fiction. I believe this book serves as a good introduction to the genre since it is funny and will keep the students interested.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aliens for breakfast is a science fiction book made for ages 7-9. Its about a boy who goes to eat his favorite alien crisp cereal when he notices a real alien. Arctic the alien is there to destroy Dorf before its too late. This book is great for children with active imaginations. There comes a time at least once in your life you talk about aliens. For an alien to be in bowl of cereal kids would want to eat cereal all the time to see if they find something especially the ones that come with toys.

[Brooklyn DeLap · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Richard who sits down for breakfast one morning and pours a big bowl of alien crisp cereal. As he goes to take a bit, he realizes that there are real talking little alien in his bowl! This aliens name is Aric who explains to Richard that he has come to save the earth from the Dranes who aliens rivals are. Richard decides to help this alien in defeating the Dranes! I enjoyed reading this book as there was lots of suspense and action involved. This middle grade novel is great for children ages 6-9.

[Lia DeMario · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Aliens for Breakfast" is a children's science-fiction book. The age range for this book is 7-9. The book has won The Texas Bluebonnet Award. The book is about Richard and Aric the alien. They attempt to save the world from aliens. The theme of the story is friendship because Aric came into Richard's life in an unexpected way. Even though they are both very different, they team up together and put their differences to the side to battle the aliens. I would read this book to my child because it is a fun and entertaining story. The story however does not teach anything about science.

[Yesenia Cazarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, it was a cute science fiction book mixed with a little comedy. Great book to read to children for entertainment. A boy named Richard meets an alien named Aric who comes to earth through a cereal box. They both go on a mission to try and save earth from a drane. The alien also comes to earth because he needs Richard's help by trying to destroy the new kid at school. Fun and different story that can make children laugh and enjoy.

[Skylar Granado]

This is about a young boy who started eating breakfast and saw aliens in his cereal. They told the boy they were there to save the earth. This book is a good science fiction because it talks about aliens that are not real. It shows some things can not come true but to not think bad of things we are not aware of. After reading the book I would ask my students to tell me what they think about aliens, or what they picture an alien is.

[Madison Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would incorporate this book into my classroom by having it accessible to all my students if they just want to read for fun. I could also read it as a read-aloud since it is a chapter book I could read a chapter a day, or when we have free time. An activity that the students could do is to come up with how they would each help the alien help save Earth in 5 days. I can only imagine some of the ideas that they would come up with.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This simple, easy to read book is a cute addition to an early reader’s science fiction collection. While I did not find the book engaging myself because it is quite short and there is not much to the story, I think it is a compact and complete tale. It could help to pique the interest of young male readers.

[Macy Strem · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Aliens for Breakfast” had an interesting title that made me wonder what this book may be about. “Aliens for Breakfast” is about an alien in Richards cereal who needs help trying to save the world from a boy who happens to be in Richard’s class. They have to get him to eat a certain ingredient, and If he doesn’t he will become more than one person and the Earth will be in danger.

[Erica Thoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because I remember reading it and nostalgia has me convinced that it was excellent. I remember wanting an alien to fall into my cereal bowl and become my new best friend. I think young kids can easily engage and stay interested in this book. Fun read! One of the few books I got to buy from the book order!!!

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great for 3-4 grade. There are not a lot of pictures, but the author makes it very easy to paint your own picture of what is happening all the way through the book. You could make this a project where the children could pick a planet and make up what they think the aliens would look like. Then make a cereal box cover with all of the information.

[Terea W · Rating 3 out of 5]

•Aliens for Breakfast is a science fiction book for children 6-9 years old. Aliens for Breakfast is about a tiny creature coming out of Richard’s cereal and now they must battle to save the worlds from evil aliens.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boy named Richard sits for some breakfast in the morning to discover that his cereal is full of Alien Crisps. They talk to Richard and ask him for his help to save Earth from the evil Dranes. Simple and fun book perfect for young readers.