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Ten points for premise. In this illustrated chapter book, aliens abduct Freddy and his family and zip off to the planet Flurb, where Freddy is crowned king. His family does not fare as well, relegated to such �honored tasks� as boot licker. The alien world is full of exciting fun, for Freddy at least, with a massive flying slug to ride and delectable treats with vaguely scatological names. Although the premise is stellar, execution stumbles. Stock characters play predictable roles: mischievous Freddy, jealous older sister, bubbly mom, grumpy dad. A sinister alien villain and his trusty sidekick round out the cast. With such flat characters, motivation for their actions is scant, giving the sequence of events the feel of a rickety roller coaster: jerky and abrupt but full of action. Although adults will notice these failings, young readers will likely forgive the book its faults in exchange for the broad humor and engaging alien world. Generous illustrations make this�the first of a planned series�a likely choice for reluctant boy readers. Grades 3-5. --Suzanne Harold

Product Description

Freddy's just a normal kid . . . with an out-of-this-world life!

Freddy, his sister, Babette, and their parents have been abducted by aliens! Next stop, the planet Flurb, where things couldn't be more different from their ordinary life on Earth. On Flurb, they snack on yootleturds, the buildings are alive, and the aliens make Freddy King!

But his reign won't last long if the evil Wizbad has anything to say about it . . . or Babette! Her brother as king? No way!