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An Alien in the Jam Factory
The first book in a hilarious, jam-packed new adventure series starring Scooter the inventor and his top secret alien sidekick.
Scooter McLay’s cerebral palsy affects how quickly he can move his body, but his hyper-creative brain is a constant fizz of brilliant ideas. He spends every day inventing top secret recipes and machines for his family’s jam factory. There’s just one thing missing ... a pet, to share it all with. Or better still, a friend. When a tiny alien named Fizzbee crashes through the factory window, she might just be the answer. Now it’s all hands on deck, as they team up to save the factory from dastardly neighbour Daffy Dodgy.
Scooter McLay’s cerebral palsy affects how quickly he can move his body, but his hyper-creative brain is a constant fizz of brilliant ideas. He spends every day inventing top secret recipes and machines for his family’s jam factory. There’s just one thing missing ... a pet, to share it all with. Or better still, a friend. When a tiny alien named Fizzbee crashes through the factory window, she might just be the answer. Now it’s all hands on deck, as they team up to save the factory from dastardly neighbour Daffy Dodgy.
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 12, 2022
4.5 Stars
Our main character Scooter has cerebral palsy but it doesn't restrict him, he is full of ideas and inventions. Scooter helps with his parents jam factory has but what he really wants is a pet which his parents aren't keen on due to the hygiene issues.
However what lands in Scooters life is a fuzzy, orange, small, chatty, humorous alien called Fizzbee who wants to befriend him and help.
Working together they foil the rival Doughnut factory owner Daffy's plan to steal all the jam flavours and save the day and just maybe Scooter has his ideal pet after all?.
I listened to this on audio which really enhanced my experience especially Fizzbee's little alien voice and the noise's he makes which were funny. The characterisation was brilliant. As a adult listening to this I enjoyed it but could only imagine how much children would with the bits of toilet humour thrown in!.
Definitely a fun read or listen I would recommend.
Our main character Scooter has cerebral palsy but it doesn't restrict him, he is full of ideas and inventions. Scooter helps with his parents jam factory has but what he really wants is a pet which his parents aren't keen on due to the hygiene issues.
However what lands in Scooters life is a fuzzy, orange, small, chatty, humorous alien called Fizzbee who wants to befriend him and help.
Working together they foil the rival Doughnut factory owner Daffy's plan to steal all the jam flavours and save the day and just maybe Scooter has his ideal pet after all?.
I listened to this on audio which really enhanced my experience especially Fizzbee's little alien voice and the noise's he makes which were funny. The characterisation was brilliant. As a adult listening to this I enjoyed it but could only imagine how much children would with the bits of toilet humour thrown in!.
Definitely a fun read or listen I would recommend.
April 2, 2021
Great fun to read, an entertaining jam filled escapade that is perfect for kids starting with chapter books and anyone who’s looking for a giggle!
March 26, 2021
The best thing to happen to kids fiction since exploding sprout rocket jam on toast.
March 24, 2023
Fun book for 7-8 year olds, fab as a read aloud and includes a wonderfully unique character in Scooter, a wildly imaginative and creative child with cerebral palsy who dreams up new products for his parents’ jam factory.
June 12, 2025
حالا سهونیم ستاره هم میشه بهش داد
May 24, 2021
3.5 stars.
Funny, cute & adventurous. Oh and have LOTS of jam. It’s a story about jam factory after all!
This book is filled with wonderful illustrations and some black pages! Perfect for younger readers or anyone looking for a charming, short and fun story. Also, you’d want to get ready to make your own jam, like I did :p
*Review copy provided by the publisher.
Funny, cute & adventurous. Oh and have LOTS of jam. It’s a story about jam factory after all!
This book is filled with wonderful illustrations and some black pages! Perfect for younger readers or anyone looking for a charming, short and fun story. Also, you’d want to get ready to make your own jam, like I did :p
*Review copy provided by the publisher.
September 19, 2021
Scooter McLay: determined, ingenious and desperate for a pet. Although being born with cerebral palsy, the hyperactive brain he acquired as a by-product of this has ensured that Scooter is a master-mind of invention. It is in the McLay jam factory where his wild and wacky ideas create the best range of jam and jam products ever. Yet, Scooter is lonely. Nobody is allowed into the factory and his parents will absolutely not let him have a pet. Until...one night when Scooter is awakened by yet another attempt at invasion from their arch rival Daffy Dodgy and her fat white guinea pig, Boris, he discovers that something has managed to break in...and it isn’t Daffy. Has Scooter really found the pet he so wanted? And can he manage to keep Fizzbee a secret?
Chrissie Sains creates a fast-paced, endearing adventure that will have children twisting and turning as much as the rails of the McLay factory roller coaster. The message that we all have something special to give, that we are not always what we seem, is loud and clear throughout as Scooter has learned to harness his skills and overcome his physical limitations.
Chrissie Sains creates a fast-paced, endearing adventure that will have children twisting and turning as much as the rails of the McLay factory roller coaster. The message that we all have something special to give, that we are not always what we seem, is loud and clear throughout as Scooter has learned to harness his skills and overcome his physical limitations.
May 22, 2021
Oh my days, this is the most fun reading a children's book I've had in ages! Chrissie's jolly, upbeat voice and her inventiveness shines through in An Alien in the Jam Factory.
About a boy called Scooter, who has cerebral palsy, the book is all about his life living in his parents' jam factory. Scooter is full of ideas, has made lots of great inventions to help the factory run well and create some amazing jam flavours, but all he really wants is a pet.
Instead of a pet, he gets a fun-filled, orange ball of an alien called Fizzbee who - through much mirth and adventure - helps Scooter foil evil rival Doughnut factory owner Daffy's plan to steal all his jam flavours.
With some amazing illustrations too, this is a top-notch, pacy, brilliant book!
About a boy called Scooter, who has cerebral palsy, the book is all about his life living in his parents' jam factory. Scooter is full of ideas, has made lots of great inventions to help the factory run well and create some amazing jam flavours, but all he really wants is a pet.
Instead of a pet, he gets a fun-filled, orange ball of an alien called Fizzbee who - through much mirth and adventure - helps Scooter foil evil rival Doughnut factory owner Daffy's plan to steal all his jam flavours.
With some amazing illustrations too, this is a top-notch, pacy, brilliant book!
August 12, 2021
Scooter McLay nearly died when he was born, but he didn't. He had cerebral palsy but that didn't stop him or his ideas! Scooter was chief of inventions at his families Jam Factory. But the lady next door, Daffy Dodgy at Dodgy Doughnuts want to get into the factory, she wants their jam. But one night when she is trying to work out how to break in someone else actually does. But this someone is an alien, called Fizzbee, who has come to earth just because of Scooter.
This book is funny; the inventions and the factory are a bit mad!
For teachers I can highly recommend a visit from Chrissie Sains.
This book is funny; the inventions and the factory are a bit mad!
For teachers I can highly recommend a visit from Chrissie Sains.
April 5, 2021
I’ve just raced through this... and let me tell you, this is a whole load of fun! Scooter, a young inventor whose parents own a jam factory, yearns for a pet do he tell all of his inventions to, but his parents refuse doesn’t quite end up with a pet, but ends up with a jam-loving alien! Their rival, Daffy Dodgy wants to steal all of his ideas! Can they foil the plot from their rival to break into the factory? I really enjoyed this - I think it would be perfect in Year 3/4! The illustrations are brilliant and filled with charm!
May 7, 2021
What a great book for those starting to read chapter books. A great balance of text and illustrations. I just love the illustrations throughout the book.
The main character has Cerebral Palsy, it's only mentioned briefly - it's so subtle that you barely notice. However that for me is what makes this book special. We need more books that children can see themselves reflected in. What's great about Scooter is his determination - he doesn't let anything hold him back, even an alien appearing in his family's jam factory!
The main character has Cerebral Palsy, it's only mentioned briefly - it's so subtle that you barely notice. However that for me is what makes this book special. We need more books that children can see themselves reflected in. What's great about Scooter is his determination - he doesn't let anything hold him back, even an alien appearing in his family's jam factory!
May 22, 2021
This is such an enjoyable book following the adventures of Scooter, a brilliant jamtastic inventor, and Fizzbee, a tiny flying alien as they try to prevent the villain Daffy and her hamster Boris from stealing all their brilliant jam inventions. With heart and humor and brilliant illustrations mixed in this is a perfect read for young children and hopefully just the start of a wonderful series.
April 7, 2021
JAMTASTIC! ❤❤❤❤❤
Great fun, jam-packed with inventions and adventure. I absolutely loved it!
My 7-yr-old granddaughter is thoroughly enjoying reading this book too. So much so, she is taking it into school to show it off and recommend it to all her friends.
Great fun, jam-packed with inventions and adventure. I absolutely loved it!
My 7-yr-old granddaughter is thoroughly enjoying reading this book too. So much so, she is taking it into school to show it off and recommend it to all her friends.
May 17, 2024
Great fun adventure as Scooter McLay tries to keep his jam inventions safe from Daffy Dodgy, while trying to keep the jam factory safe from Fizzbee, a cute but chaotic alien. Lovely detailed illustrations and short, pacey chapters keep you turning the page.
December 31, 2024
Finished this just before new years. For me it was just okay. I liked that the mc had a disability, but it never really came up much. I thought the bad guy was fun, but got no comeuppance.
My 7yo son really liked it though
My 7yo son really liked it though
April 5, 2021
Oh, so, so funny, we actually laughed out loud reading this. What a heartfelt story, so well written with the sweetest illustrations. Absolutely loved this! More please!
April 23, 2021
Brilliant book! Really cute! Or jamtastic is probably the better word for it. Seriously great chapter book for kids, ok and adults... i enjoyed it too
January 7, 2023
Not exactly a BAD book, but somehow the spark is missing. For a start, it needs to be funnier.
December 5, 2023
Read with my 8 year old son.. it was a cute story but a bit long winded in parts and the switching POV meant he enjoyed some chapters more than others.
April 26, 2025
Good fun!
July 23, 2025
very whimsical and funny.
January 5, 2024
Review - https://www.varshaseshan.com/an-alien...
Book Club ideas - https://www.varshaseshan.com/an-alien...
Book Club ideas - https://www.varshaseshan.com/an-alien...
December 16, 2025
Re read this book with my new class!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews