Chiodo Bros' Alien Xmas

Nothing says Christmas like marauding aliens! "X" is a thieving alien who is sent to Earth on a fiendish mission to rob the entire planet. But upon arriving at the North Pole, X mistakes Santa's workshop for a weapons-building facility and thus begins a chain of events that leads to an all-out alien invasion. Can Santa and his trust elf save Christmas (not to mention the human race!). Or will an army of evil aliens learn that is better to give than to steal? Co-authored by Stephen Chiodo and Jim Strain, "Alien Xmas" is expertly illustrated by Charles Chiodo. The resulting collaboration is a unique, original, one-of-a-kind, superbly presented and enthusiastically recommended Christmas picturebooks that combines science fiction with the values of the Christmas season. This is one Christian picturebook that will thoroughly and completely entertain children and adults alike.

The Chiodos never fail to amaze me with their imagination and creativity. This story is no Santa vs The Martians. And its not Giving vs Receiving. It's the End of the World... and right before Christmas! X is like Invader Zim, going off on his leader's assignment, with stealing being so natural for his kind. To see the alien awaken to the love behind Christmas is reminiscent of Alf's Christmas, but within a crazy, exciting, and (at one point) hopeless scenario, it's a whole lot more fun. Seeing what happens to Santa's airborne sleigh had me convinced there was no happy ending in sight. Without giving it away, the ending will delight any reader, young or old, sci-fi fan or not. Its very clever, very hip, and does not talk down children. If you like a heartwarming story that isn't sickeningly sweet, packed with gorgeous artwork from Charlie Chiodo, you have to get a copy of this book. This book is also a must for any Chioo Bros fans. Its a rare chance to see how their projects look drawn up before fabrication or shooting starts. Honestly, the illustrations alone are worth the price. After reading X's story, I bought copies for all my sci-fi friends. I'll also never be able to see the word "Xmas" in the same light.. or should I say the same color?

I picked this up for my son because he's into aliens and I really enjoyed reading it to him. I found myself laughing at the nutty humor and storyline, and the illustrations are really rich and unique. It doesn't hurt that there's a little forward by famous animator Ray Harryhausen, one of my personal heroes. There's even a blurb by Ray Bradbury! How much more of an endorsement do you need? This will be a holiday favorite in my family for years to come.