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The Stray
Adopting an extraterrestrial leads to mixed results!
When a family goes for a stroll one morning and encounters an adorable little creature with no collar or tag (who just happens to be sitting in the wreckage of an unidentified crash-landed object), they happily adopt the lovable stray. They name him Grub and set about training him, but that works surprisingly . . . poorly. Taking him for a walk is an unexpected adventure, too. As hard as they try to make Grub feel at home, it's just not working. Could he already have a family of his own? Maybe he isn't really a stray, after all--just lost. But how on earth will they be able to find his family when he seems to come from somewhere . . . out of this world?
When a family goes for a stroll one morning and encounters an adorable little creature with no collar or tag (who just happens to be sitting in the wreckage of an unidentified crash-landed object), they happily adopt the lovable stray. They name him Grub and set about training him, but that works surprisingly . . . poorly. Taking him for a walk is an unexpected adventure, too. As hard as they try to make Grub feel at home, it's just not working. Could he already have a family of his own? Maybe he isn't really a stray, after all--just lost. But how on earth will they be able to find his family when he seems to come from somewhere . . . out of this world?
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2020
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 25, 2020
In The Stray, a family is out for a walk when a spaceship crashes nearby. There among the rubble is ‘the stray’. He’s a cross between a slug, a dog, a frog and maybe a few other things. One thing is for certain: he is a cutie! They decide to take him home and give him the name Grub. They give him lots of love and make him part of the family. They even try to teach him a few tricks, but soon they realize that perhaps he has a home somewhere else that he misses.
The story is a simple one, but oh – the illustrations really help this picture book come alive. To me they have an earthy-feel to them both in color and in texture (I apologize, I have no art knowledge or skill to accurately describe them). Greens, browns, yellows, and even earthy greys and blues are used, but also there is the feeling of dirt and land flying all around them in the pictures as they are speckled with this in the background. The illustrations add a lot of humor to the story since objects around them fly up in the air no matter where they go or what they do. Neighbor washing his motorcycle (on the ground)? Not anymore when Grub comes around. All while the family seemingly finds this normal.
All in all, this is a really cute picture book with fun pictures too.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Nancy Paulsen Books for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
The story is a simple one, but oh – the illustrations really help this picture book come alive. To me they have an earthy-feel to them both in color and in texture (I apologize, I have no art knowledge or skill to accurately describe them). Greens, browns, yellows, and even earthy greys and blues are used, but also there is the feeling of dirt and land flying all around them in the pictures as they are speckled with this in the background. The illustrations add a lot of humor to the story since objects around them fly up in the air no matter where they go or what they do. Neighbor washing his motorcycle (on the ground)? Not anymore when Grub comes around. All while the family seemingly finds this normal.
All in all, this is a really cute picture book with fun pictures too.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Nancy Paulsen Books for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
October 1, 2020
A family comes upon a stray being. The family takes the creature home with them and cleans it up and tries to see if the being would like to stay with them. But the being is sad, and the family starts to wonder if it is missing its own family. Happily, its family comes looking for it, and off to its own home it goes.
Ideas about pets and families would be fun to talk about with this book.
Ideas about pets and families would be fun to talk about with this book.
May 20, 2020
This looked like it would be cute, but it kind of rubbed me the wrong way. The illustrations are lovely, and the text is strong... but there's something sort of offensive about the whole thing.
A family finds a little creature in a crashed spaceship. They take him home and try to get him to be their pet. But Grub (as they call him) is not really trainable, and has a habit of making objects float. He doesn't seem very happy, either, so the family decides they need to find out who he actually belongs to.
What irked me was the initial assumption made by the family that Grub was little more than a pet. He was in the wreckage of a flying saucer, which led me to believe that he was the one flying it. (There was no mention of anyone else in the ship.) So what's the first thing the humans do? Put a collar and leash on the poor guy and selfishly treat him like their dog. Then they make the assumption that he's someone else's pet. These assumptions bothered me. How do they know Grub wasn't an intelligent being with agency? The way they treated him was rather disturbing, and what it brought to mind for me was colonial expansionists encountering indigenous peoples and viewing them as unintelligent sub-humans. How did this family know that Grub wasn't actually the pilot of that flying saucer? They weren't necessarily unkind to him, but they treated him in a condescending, infantilizing way that made me uncomfortable.
I don't know if I'd recommend this one or not. Maybe if there were some discussion about the family's questionable treatment of poor Grub, it could be a good opening for a conversation. Other than that, though, I don't think the message here is one I'd want to see perpetuated.
A family finds a little creature in a crashed spaceship. They take him home and try to get him to be their pet. But Grub (as they call him) is not really trainable, and has a habit of making objects float. He doesn't seem very happy, either, so the family decides they need to find out who he actually belongs to.
What irked me was the initial assumption made by the family that Grub was little more than a pet. He was in the wreckage of a flying saucer, which led me to believe that he was the one flying it. (There was no mention of anyone else in the ship.) So what's the first thing the humans do? Put a collar and leash on the poor guy and selfishly treat him like their dog. Then they make the assumption that he's someone else's pet. These assumptions bothered me. How do they know Grub wasn't an intelligent being with agency? The way they treated him was rather disturbing, and what it brought to mind for me was colonial expansionists encountering indigenous peoples and viewing them as unintelligent sub-humans. How did this family know that Grub wasn't actually the pilot of that flying saucer? They weren't necessarily unkind to him, but they treated him in a condescending, infantilizing way that made me uncomfortable.
I don't know if I'd recommend this one or not. Maybe if there were some discussion about the family's questionable treatment of poor Grub, it could be a good opening for a conversation. Other than that, though, I don't think the message here is one I'd want to see perpetuated.
September 30, 2020
This cute little book is about finding a stray dog, but with an alien twist. Unfortunately, the dog doesn’t really belong to them, so there’s a bit of sadness at the end. *sniff, sniff* When I was a child, we found a super cute and friendly dog roaming around. When we had no luck finding her owners, we adopted her, bathed her, fed her, got her a collar, and we absolutely fell in love with her. Several weeks later, maybe even months, her owners suddenly turned up. We were sad to see her go, but glad to see them so happy. So yeah, this book may be a comfort to those who are in a similar situation or who are fostering a dog who eventually gets adopted! The illustrations were brought to life with charcoal, pastel, and digital media.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
April 13, 2020
A delightful read! While out on a walk, a family finds a stray animal, but this is no ordinary stray. In a tale reminiscent of the movie ET, no matter how hard the family tries to turn this stray into a family pet, it just doesn't work. Grub doesn't know simply commands, isn't housebroken, and obviously isn't happy. The ending even if a little predictable makes for a satisfying conclusion to this cute twist on the typical stray pet story. No doubt about it, readers will enjoy Ruttan's sparse text and delightful illustrations as they follow the family's efforts to first domesticate their "out of this world" stray and then their touching efforts to help him return to his "out of this world" family.
April 13, 2020
I am so impressed that this book manages to cram some of my favorite themes/ideas into one picture book and have gorgeous art to boot.
Those themes/ideas are aliens, dogs, found family, and SPAAAACE - and this adorable picture book had all of that and a great message. It will also be really fun to read aloud because of its style. I definitely want to read this at story time when I get the chance.
Those themes/ideas are aliens, dogs, found family, and SPAAAACE - and this adorable picture book had all of that and a great message. It will also be really fun to read aloud because of its style. I definitely want to read this at story time when I get the chance.
April 16, 2020
Kids are going to love this imaginative story about a family who finds a stray...something! They take him/her home and then the out of this world fun begins! The rich color palette and artistic texture make you want to take your time turning the pages to fully appreciate each gorgeous illustration spread. The playful story has a sweet family message that is apparently multi-universal! :) Well done!
April 9, 2020
When a family finds a mysterious creature in a crashed UFO, they decide to take him home. They name him Grub, but Grub isn't the most conventional pet-- he seems to cause a lot of unintended trouble with things like telekinesis! Is Grub cut out for life with the humans? Fun and creative.
July 8, 2020
The Stray by Molly Ruttan. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2020. $18. 9780525514466
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
As the family is on their walk, they find a stray --- something. They bring it home and try to make a place for it in their family, but something is always different. And as the days go by, their guest becomes sadder and sadder, so they decide to do what they can to help it find its place.
A cute but ultimately not memorable story. Great for large, busy libraries.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
As the family is on their walk, they find a stray --- something. They bring it home and try to make a place for it in their family, but something is always different. And as the days go by, their guest becomes sadder and sadder, so they decide to do what they can to help it find its place.
A cute but ultimately not memorable story. Great for large, busy libraries.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
September 1, 2023
The family in Molly Ruttan's gorgeous book finds a stray. Not just ANY stray, mind you--this stray came from outer space! The family brings the stray, Grub, home and does everything they can to make their new pet comfortable. Even so, poor Grub doesn't seem happy. Will he ever be happy again? Lively, funny illustrations accompany a sweet story that children will want to read again and again.
Want to read
February 2, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
February 3, 2021
Adorable! and funny!
October 11, 2023
This variation on the found-a-stray storyline is cute and quirky, imaginative and endearing. You see, instead of a lost puppy or kitty, the family in this story finds a lost extraterrestrial. The family assumes it's an extraterrestrial companion animal type creature (it appears to part cat, part dog and... part slug? something with antenna eyes, anyway). Their assumptions about treating this being like a pet (we really don't know how intelligent this alien is -- maybe it's actually the creature that was piloting the ship that crash-landed!) leads to all sorts of problems, though the family means well. The ensuing chaos as they try to find its family is entertaining and sweet. I really enjoy Molly Ruttan's illustrations and they shine here again -- they remind me a bit of one of my favorite illustrators, Marla Frazee.
June 19, 2020
The very simple story of a diverse family's encounter with a "stray" in need of comfort, love and security invites some deeper thinking as the story unfolds. The little alien recognizes the helpful intent of their efforts, while exploring its own alien surroundings using tools unfamiliar to the family.
The illustrations offer a wealth of grins and surprises in sweep and detail as pages turn and emotions intensify.
Both entertaining and full of insight, there is much to like in this warm-hearted story about the ways in which intended kindness may be misdirected. Great invitation to truly listen and observe and inquire before making assumptions about others.
The illustrations offer a wealth of grins and surprises in sweep and detail as pages turn and emotions intensify.
Both entertaining and full of insight, there is much to like in this warm-hearted story about the ways in which intended kindness may be misdirected. Great invitation to truly listen and observe and inquire before making assumptions about others.
May 16, 2020
This adorable, out of this world story is perfect for children of all ages. When a family unexpectedly finds a stray, they welcome it home – but the stray is more unique than they realize. Ruttan’s story touches on so many themes – space, acceptance, pets, friendship, home, and kindness. It is heartwarming and a wonderful twist on the perennial stray pet picture book. Moreover, Ruttan cleverly weaves in a dual narrative - the text reflects the storyline of the family’s ups and downs of welcoming a new pet into their home, whereas the lively, colorful illustrations follow the perspective their newfound alien friend, who is not exactly sure how to fit in this new place. Readers will enjoy reading this story again and again, because kindness and unconditional friendship is where hearts – whether Earthly or out-of-this-world – call home.
May 13, 2020
When a family finds a stray that’s out of this world, they try their best to tame it. But it turns out home is where the heart is, so they may have to give it back. Their search has an unexpected twist, and ends on a sweet note. The illustrations in this book are quite vivid! I especially loved the spread of the neighborhood with realistic details like pink flamingos, a tire swing, and a little free library.
August 11, 2020
A family discovers a crashed spaceship and take the alien home and try to make it a pet. Is it sentient? Because that would be offensive. Is it an domesticated alien animal? Then why was it in a spaceship alone?
The text doesn't ever mention that it's an alien. It describes the stray in a way that could easily be describing a stray dog. Which went right over my four-year-olds' heads, who had to ask me what was going on. So, recommended for older kids who can get the joke.
The text doesn't ever mention that it's an alien. It describes the stray in a way that could easily be describing a stray dog. Which went right over my four-year-olds' heads, who had to ask me what was going on. So, recommended for older kids who can get the joke.
August 25, 2020
For the time your kids find a stray dog and ask if they can keep him… For years I felt like we had a sign on our front door that said, “Welcome ALL strays!” My kids found more strays than I thought possible given where we lived. Over the years I let them keep a cat but the rest we found homes for, which was no small task. Molly Ruttan’s THE STRAY is a heartwarming story that helps kids understand the fun, challenges, and emotions that go along with welcoming a stray into your home. Enjoy!
August 30, 2020
This is a cute story about a family that finds a stray 'creature' and brings him home to be the family pet, but soon notices that 'Grub' seems to be homesick despite all their love and attention. They put up fliers and their pets original family eventually finds them!
This was a fun read, as it seemed like we were in on a secret that the family wasn't; that the 'stray' is an extraterrestrial alien! Great illustrations!
This was a fun read, as it seemed like we were in on a secret that the family wasn't; that the 'stray' is an extraterrestrial alien! Great illustrations!
May 26, 2021
Dedication: “To all the strays in the world and beyond . . . and to all the homes that make room for them.” —Molly Ruttan. Aww, such a touching story about the havoc a stray or rescue animal can cause in a new home, how loving kindness can overcome the challenges, and the importance of letting go if the “forever home” turns out to be temporary. Well-drawn, full-panel illustrations add zany zest to the story, especially the magical night sky.
January 27, 2022
Cute story about a family who adopts a "dog" (alien), but when he isn't happy with them, they seek out his family of origin.
A friend gave this to Lily today. I liked the illustrations in it--a darker palette than I've seen in a lot of children's books--and the family's seeming obliviousness to the alien-dog-thing's weirdness and telekinesis powers.
Reminded me a little of Lilo & Stitch with the alien "dog," but it was still good, if a bit derivative, and Lily enjoyed it.
A friend gave this to Lily today. I liked the illustrations in it--a darker palette than I've seen in a lot of children's books--and the family's seeming obliviousness to the alien-dog-thing's weirdness and telekinesis powers.
Reminded me a little of Lilo & Stitch with the alien "dog," but it was still good, if a bit derivative, and Lily enjoyed it.
February 27, 2024
I love how THE STRAY juxtaposes between text about a lost pet and illustrations of a found alien. Molly Ruttan’s illustrations are so unique and magical. You find yourself looking at them again and again and discovering something new each time. SOMETHING WILD is another author/illustrated book by Ruttan that attains the same qualities. Both books address universal themes with a simplicity and complexity at the same time.
April 27, 2025
This book screams to be used in a creative writing project! A family finds a stray. (It is not in the text, but clearly it is an alien.) They try their best to help the stray adapt to their home, but the stray is not happy. Finding the family may be difficult. Yet, it is important to try to do the right thing.
I adore the illustrations in this one, especially the house illustrations showing clearly the chaos of trying to get the alien to adapt to human life in a house. Just fun!
I adore the illustrations in this one, especially the house illustrations showing clearly the chaos of trying to get the alien to adapt to human life in a house. Just fun!
April 24, 2020
A family finds a stray and names him Grub. Grub’s ways lead to out of this world fun, but Grub begins to miss home. Young readers who love pet books and space books will adore this mashup. The lively illustrations include details that children will love to discover, which will make them want to read this one over and over.
May 9, 2020
The Stray is a fun and heartwarming story about a family who finds a stray and the importance of finding home. Kids will love the fun, active, and intricate illustrations that add so many extra layers and details to this story. Finding a stray is a familiar experience for many, but this one has an out-of-this-world twist!
May 22, 2020
When a family comes upon a "stray" without a collar or a tag, they embrace the odd-looking creature and bring it into their home, where the ensuing chaos is not quite what they expect from their new best friend. Lively illustrations are a perfect pairing to this humorous story for readers, young and old, to enjoy. A nice introduction to science-fiction for the young.
July 8, 2020
A heartwarming story about a family instantly falling in love with their new pet. And even though Grub is a bit wild and makes all kinds of messes, the family considers him one of them. The family dreams of all kinds of adventures together until…things don’t go as planned. The ending is a bit sad and very sweet at the same time.
August 22, 2020
A family finds an unusual stray and decides to keep it. What could possibly go wrong? Everything! Taking care of a pet isn't easy! With simple direct text and bright illustrations, this humorous picture book will resonate with many children wanting to own a pet. An easy and enjoyable read with an important message about the dynamics between a pet and its family.
November 14, 2021
A family find a crashed spaceship and bring the little creature home with them. They bond, but the creature is obviously homesick. Eventually it's owners come for it, and the heartbroken family has to say goodbye. There is hope that perhaps this animal might be a connection between both sets of caretakers.
March 19, 2025
This is a fun story where the pictures change the whole story. Kids will be giggling as parents read what sounds like a pretty straightforward story, but which has a perfect twist to turn the story on its head. So many things to take in with the pictures, your kids will want to read it again and again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews