This book is a fun and hilarious story that I believe younger grades would enjoy most. The Lexile level of this book is AD440L. I have many different ideas for lessons using this book but I think it would be best to focus on rhyming. While reading the book, the teacher could have students help point out all the words that rhyme. After the book has been read, the teacher could give each student a rhyming word used in the book. Then have each student find another student whose word rhymes with their word. Basically, students would have to find their rhyming word match. For an extension, the teacher could even have the class come up with their own story using the same rhyming words. Each match could come up with sentences for their two words. 

I just didn't get this book. Maybe because I'm over the age four and just couldn't get past the factor that having others steal your underpants to wear them is more along the lines of creepy and illegal rather than cute.  

Claire Freedman's first page packs a wallop when it comes to getting the key story information out there. In the first four line stanza (each spread features four rhyming lines) we discover that not only do aliens love undies, but that there aren't any undies in space. It leaves us with the suspenseful line "So here's a big surprise" as a cue to turn the page and enter the story.

The text is, for the most part, smooth and easy to read aloud.  There are some fun lines:

Mum's pink frilly knickers

Are a perfect place to hide

And Grandpa's woolly long johns

Make a super-whizzy slide.

But I didn't really feel the pull to read it again and again. Sorry, aliens. Once was enough.

One thing I do really like about this book is Ben Cort's illustrations. The characters (human and extra-terrestrial) are in cute, active, and expressive poses. The illustrations remind me of Guy Parker-Rees illustrations in the colors used and the "glow" they seem to feature, but Cort's backgrounds are simpler (textured brush-strokes) and the painting rougher and more textured. The aliens themselves remind me a bit of Dr. Suess' creatures. They are cute and a bit kidney-bean or insect like in a fluffy sort of way. One unusual thing Cort did is a vertical spread midway through the book that requires turning the book so it's oriented like a calendar to fully appreciate.  

Lexi Ander created a huge, new world in Alpha Trine, with lots of interesting species and conflicts. Every one of the alien races is different and unique and sometimes even kind of funny (or not) – like the L'Eemas, who will destroy themselves (preferably in a great explosion) when they reach a certain age.

But sometimes it felt like the world was too complex for this one book, like some parts were too short or rushed. Because of all the facts and explanations it took me a while to get into the story.

But it’s only the first book in this series and I know there will be more! There are still so many questions unanswered and I really want to know what will happen to Alpha and… err… you will know what I mean if you read it! ;)