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Notes From An Alien Planet: A Children’s Book For Adults
As part of an interplanetary exchange scheme, a human (from San Francisco) arrives on another planet. He begins to write his journal as he explores the new world and meets the inhabitants.
In this book, you are taken on a transformative journey between two worlds. The narrator is the reader’s eyes and ears on this extraordinary trip from the old and the familiar to the new and surprising, but can his observations be trusted?
We learn about life and friendships in this alien culture through a thought-provoking and profound narrative. Our pioneer gets along very well with Tungy, his exchange partner, but is all as it seems in this alien landscape?
There’s lots to uncover in this story. In a genre of its own. Disturbing, witty and prescient.
In this book, you are taken on a transformative journey between two worlds. The narrator is the reader’s eyes and ears on this extraordinary trip from the old and the familiar to the new and surprising, but can his observations be trusted?
We learn about life and friendships in this alien culture through a thought-provoking and profound narrative. Our pioneer gets along very well with Tungy, his exchange partner, but is all as it seems in this alien landscape?
There’s lots to uncover in this story. In a genre of its own. Disturbing, witty and prescient.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 22, 2025
Once I started to read "Notes from an Alien Planet", I was reluctant to take a break. Michael Burke's creative, sensitive style of writing pulled me into the plot and I was drawn to see what would happen next. I cared for the main character and was keen to read his journey. I am mindful that the book is described as a "children's tale for adults" and I understand that description. The plot felt unique to me. It's an excellent story and an interesting writing style with illustrations that help the reader.
Interestingly, the author's notes are contained at the rear of the book and these also gave me an added, fascinating insight into the author's style and approach. I will be honest, I normally read biographies but this book has wetted my appetite to open my mind and read some fiction. I strongly recommend this book.
Peter Hughes 22/11/25
Interestingly, the author's notes are contained at the rear of the book and these also gave me an added, fascinating insight into the author's style and approach. I will be honest, I normally read biographies but this book has wetted my appetite to open my mind and read some fiction. I strongly recommend this book.
Peter Hughes 22/11/25
November 20, 2025
“Notes from an Alien Planet” is certainly one of the most original books I’ve read recently. What stood out to me the most was the visual aspect — the illustrations feel soft, almost childlike, and there’s something genuinely magical about them. The idea of creating a “children’s book for adults” is beautiful and fit the concept perfectly. The artwork and the overall atmosphere were definitely the most enjoyable parts of the reading experience for me.
However, I have to be honest and say that the writing style was very challenging. The book is written in an abstract and complex way, which often made me feel lost in the story. At times, I felt like I didn’t understand half of what was happening, and I’m not sure whether that was intentional or simply a style that didn’t resonate with me. The main character also felt quite unusual — his reactions and emotional outbursts sometimes seemed unclear or stronger than necessary, which made it difficult for me to fully connect with him.
Still, I truly appreciate the author’s creativity and willingness to experiment. The original concept, the magical visual elements, and the effort to create something completely unique are definitely the book’s strongest qualities. Even though the narrative wasn’t always clear to me personally, I believe that readers who enjoy symbolic, abstract, and artistic storytelling will find a lot to appreciate here.
However, I have to be honest and say that the writing style was very challenging. The book is written in an abstract and complex way, which often made me feel lost in the story. At times, I felt like I didn’t understand half of what was happening, and I’m not sure whether that was intentional or simply a style that didn’t resonate with me. The main character also felt quite unusual — his reactions and emotional outbursts sometimes seemed unclear or stronger than necessary, which made it difficult for me to fully connect with him.
Still, I truly appreciate the author’s creativity and willingness to experiment. The original concept, the magical visual elements, and the effort to create something completely unique are definitely the book’s strongest qualities. Even though the narrative wasn’t always clear to me personally, I believe that readers who enjoy symbolic, abstract, and artistic storytelling will find a lot to appreciate here.
November 11, 2025
Unsure who this is aimed at, or the purpose.
I always enjoyed Jeanne Willis' series of picture books about Dr Xargle, the alien teaching preparing his alien students for their field trips to Earth to study humans and animals. You understood the concept straightaway and laughed at the misconceptions and otherworldly views on Earth life.
This book takes the opposite tack, and took a while to get used to. In this short story, a human is taking a trip to an alien civilisation.
I'm sorry but I just didn't 'get' it. It wasn't funny like Dr Xargle and it didn't seem to make a point about humanity or the universe. It suddenly ended and I found there were some Author Notes that gave more information about the short preceding chapters that made some things make a little more sense.
The whole thing was strange, no explanation and context for the expedition, and I've had to re-read bits of it a few days later to remember what even happened.
I'm not sure who this is aimed at, but I'm puzzled and trying to work out the author's expectations, maybe a longer novel to explore this in more depth would have worked better?
Sorry if I haven't clicked, if it was obvious.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
I always enjoyed Jeanne Willis' series of picture books about Dr Xargle, the alien teaching preparing his alien students for their field trips to Earth to study humans and animals. You understood the concept straightaway and laughed at the misconceptions and otherworldly views on Earth life.
This book takes the opposite tack, and took a while to get used to. In this short story, a human is taking a trip to an alien civilisation.
I'm sorry but I just didn't 'get' it. It wasn't funny like Dr Xargle and it didn't seem to make a point about humanity or the universe. It suddenly ended and I found there were some Author Notes that gave more information about the short preceding chapters that made some things make a little more sense.
The whole thing was strange, no explanation and context for the expedition, and I've had to re-read bits of it a few days later to remember what even happened.
I'm not sure who this is aimed at, but I'm puzzled and trying to work out the author's expectations, maybe a longer novel to explore this in more depth would have worked better?
Sorry if I haven't clicked, if it was obvious.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
October 28, 2025
A short but charming read with children's drawings accenting the very serious notes from the planet.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews