Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

By Frank Cottrell Boyce

Walden Pond Press, 2017. Fiction. 321 p.

Prez is a foster child living with a new family on their farm for the summer after his grandfather becomes too ill to care for him. Prez doesn’t speak, even though he enjoys the hubbub of life at the farm. But things get complicated and hilariously comical when a creature arrives that looks like a dog to everyone else – and only Prez can see Sputnik for what he is: a small little man from outer space wearing a kilt and goggles; an alien who’s trying to save earth from being destroyed.

An amusing sci-fi adventure ensues as Prez and Sputnik strike out to find 10 reasons why our planet should be saved and to solve the mystery of Grandpa’s whereabouts. This is ultimately a tender story of family love and loyalty, and now I really want to name my next dog Sputnik! Also, the audio on this one is not to be missed.

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