Description
Written by Alex Van Tol
Illustrated by Mike Deas
For children aged 8 to 12
Alex Van Tol has harvested the knowledge of museum biologists to alert the next generation of responsible environmentalists. Her list of serious invaders includes the colourfully named Purple Loosestrife, Violet Tunicate, Eastern Grey Squirrel and Yellow Perch, species that tend to take over an area and crowd out or destroy native species. She names the creatures that can eat their way through an ecosystem, like Smallmouth Bass, Gypsy Moths and American Bullfrogs, as well as those that cause damage to property, like Norway Rats and European Starlings. And she points out the species that might do serious harm to humans and other animals, such Rockpool Mosquitoes, Giant Hogweed and Poison Hemlock. Some aliens, like European Wall Lizards and Giant Garden Slugs, haven’t yet posed problems in BC, at least not that we’re aware of – but they still need to be watched. And finally, Van Tol raises the alert species that haven’t yet arrived but may be coming soon, like Northern Snakeheads, Fence Lizards and Zebra Mussels.
This readable and alarmingly informative book will help young people prepare for the invasion, and arm them with the tools to stop the spread of unwanted aliens in British Columbia.
About the author
A former middle school teacher, Alex Van Tol has written numerous books for young people. She claims that Aliens Among Us has been the most fun to research and write, because she learned so much in the process. She lives with her two sons in Victoria, BC.
About the illustrator
Mike Deas has illustrated or written several books for young readers, including Dalen and Gole and the Graphic Guide Adventure series. He grew up with a love of illustrative storytelling and Capilano College’s Commercial Animation program helped him fine-tune his drawing skills and imagination. Mike lives with his family on sunny Saltspring Island.
foundation –
Congratulations to Aliens Among Us for making it onto the BC Bestseller List for the week of October 11, 2015!
Resource Links –
“The author uses an engaging voice to educate readers about alien and invasive species to British Columbia. The author provides an introduction to the topic and why it is an important topic to discuss. The author then goes into detail on each alien species that has been introduced and its effects on the local environment. Side bars provide extra entertaining factoids that engage the reader. Hand drawn illustrations as well as photographs detail the creatures and botany discussed. The book also contains a table of contents, glossary of terms, scientific names listing, sources, and index.
This book would be great for any student learning about the environment, and the effects of introducing new species to the ecosystem. The species in particular that are detailed pertain to BC and the state of Washington. The book sums up with suggestion on how the reader can help prevent the spread of alien species and spread the word to inform others about this problem.”
Emma-Leigh Mitchell
Resource Links: Connecting Classrooms, Libraries & Canadian Learning Resources
Volume 21, Number 2, December 2015
CM: Canadian Review of Materials –
“This compact but informative book is a terrific guide to recognizing and understanding animal and plant species that have moved beyond their natural territories to become “aliens” within British Columbia’s environment. Some are more harmful than others, becoming invasive by upsetting natural balances and threatening biodiversity.”
“The book is expertly illustrated with close up photos, as well as cartoon style drawings that enhance specific details in the text. For instance, you’re not likely to ever use a Giant Hogweed stem as a pea shooter after seeing the effect it will have on your lips!
Whether you live in BC, or you are curious about the origins and spread of these species, keep this book around as a handy reference. It will help you pay closer attention to some of the animals and plants you may have thought always belonged in your neighbourhood. This publication will help to spread the word, in an engaging way, about environmental invaders.”
View full review here.