Aliens on Vacation

( 43 )

Overview

David isn't happy about leaving Florida and his friends to summer with his crazy grandmother in "Middle-of-Nowhere," Washington. Arriving at her Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast, he isn't surprised by its the-60's-meets-Star-Wars d cor, but he is surprised by the weird-looking guests. It turns out that each room in the inn is an off-earth portal and his grandma the gate-keeper, allowing aliens to vacation on Earth. Grandma desperately needs David's help monitoring the visitors, shopping for cartloads of ...

See more details below
Paperback
$6.99
BN.com price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up In Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (Paperback)
  • All (28) from $1.99   
  • New (17) from $3.61   
  • Used (11) from $1.99   
Aliens on Vacation

Available on NOOK devices and apps  
  • Nook Devices
  • NOOK HD/HD+ Tablet
  • NOOK
  • NOOK Color
  • NOOK Tablet
  • Tablet/Phone
  • NOOK for Windows 8 Tablet
  • NOOK for iOS
  • NOOK for Android
  • NOOK Kids for iPad
  • PC/Mac
  • NOOK for Windows 8
  • NOOK for PC
  • NOOK for Mac
  • NOOK Study
  • NOOK for Web

Want a NOOK? Explore Now

NOOK Book (eBook)
$5.87
BN.com price
(Save 16%)$6.99 List Price
Note: Kids' Club Eligible. See More Details.

More About This Book

Overview

David isn't happy about leaving Florida and his friends to summer with his crazy grandmother in "Middle-of-Nowhere," Washington. Arriving at her Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast, he isn't surprised by its the-60's-meets-Star-Wars d cor, but he is surprised by the weird-looking guests. It turns out that each room in the inn is an off-earth portal and his grandma the gate-keeper, allowing aliens to vacation on Earth. Grandma desperately needs David's help monitoring the visitors, shopping for cartloads of aluminum-foil for dinner, and taking rambunctious alien kids, that glow-in-the-dark and look like trees, camping. The problem is, the town sheriff, already suspicious about Granny, is a scout leader camping in the same spot. Will David blow Granny's cover, forcing the B&B to shut down for good, or will the intergalactic police have to intervene?

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal
Gr 5–7—Instead of enjoying summer hanging out in the Florida sunshine, Scrub has been shipped clear out to Washington state to work at his grandmother's space-themed inn. He quickly realizes that the Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast is not merely a clever name. Grandma's guests are actual aliens—from outer space—looking for a relaxing holiday on our quaint backwater planet. Grandma and Scrub try to provide appropriate Earth disguises for excursions, but it's tricky for tentacled, three-eyed, or 10-foot-tall travelers to pass through unobtrusively. The local townsfolk are leery of Grandma's New Age lifestyle and her unusual guests who don't speak English well and have odd customs and mannerisms. Scrub's new friend Amy seems particularly determined to solve the mystery of the inn's clientele—and, unfortunately, her dad is the town sheriff, who would relish an excuse to close Grandma down for good. When the growing suspicion boils over into mob action, it's up to Scrub to save his grandmother's secret—and her livelihood. This deceptively lighthearted tale includes plenty of chuckles. Scrub's chaotic campout with three rowdy juvenile aliens is especially funny. Each chapter is headed by an amusing illustration of a "Tourist"—often in Earth disguise. There is also a powerful message about tolerance and responsibility. The town's mounting prejudice and fear creates an atmosphere of conflict, and the final confrontation with the terrified crowd is genuinely tense. A good choice for young science fiction fans, with special appeal to middle-school boys.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Children's Literature - Jean Boreen
Scrub is sent to live with his grandmother for the summer when his busy parents are, once again, too busy to stay home with him. He knows that his grandmother runs a bed and breakfast called The Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast and assumes that she named it that to capitalize on people's interest in Star Trek. But when Scrub starts to meet the guests, he confronts Grandma concerning their strange looks and characteristics, unique clothing styles, and unusual eating habits. Grandma admits to Scrub that her B & B is, indeed, a tourist spot for aliens wanting to experience Earth, and that lately she has been having a much more difficult time keeping their presence under the radar. Complicating this is Scrub's new friendship with Amy, the daughter of Sheriff Tate, a lawman who seems very suspicious of Grandma and her hospitality business. This is a fun book, the first in a series, and younger readers will certainly enjoy the variety of aliens and their unique requests. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D.
School Library Journal
Gr 5–7—Instead of enjoying summer hanging out in the Florida sunshine, Scrub has been shipped clear out to Washington state to work at his grandmother's space-themed inn. He quickly realizes that the Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast is not merely a clever name. Grandma's guests are actual aliens—from outer space—looking for a relaxing holiday on our quaint backwater planet. Grandma and Scrub try to provide appropriate Earth disguises for excursions, but it's tricky for tentacled, three-eyed, or 10-foot-tall travelers to pass through unobtrusively. The local townsfolk are leery of Grandma's New Age lifestyle and her unusual guests who don't speak English well and have odd customs and mannerisms. Scrub's new friend Amy seems particularly determined to solve the mystery of the inn's clientele—and, unfortunately, her dad is the town sheriff, who would relish an excuse to close Grandma down for good. When the growing suspicion boils over into mob action, it's up to Scrub to save his grandmother's secret—and her livelihood. This deceptively lighthearted tale includes plenty of chuckles. Scrub's chaotic campout with three rowdy juvenile aliens is especially funny. Each chapter is headed by an amusing illustration of a "Tourist"—often in Earth disguise. There is also a powerful message about tolerance and responsibility. The town's mounting prejudice and fear creates an atmosphere of conflict, and the final confrontation with the terrified crowd is genuinely tense. A good choice for young science fiction fans, with special appeal to middle-school boys.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Kirkus Reviews
Summer with grandma: boring, right? David, aka Scrub, is dreading it. His too-busy parents have sent him to stay with his hippie-dippy grandma in a small town in Washington. Grandma runs the Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast, which caters to weirdoes who pretend they're from outer space. The obvious becomes unavoidable when Scrub witnesses one guest devouring aluminum foil while guzzling bleach and Scrub's closet door turns out to be a portal for all manner of tentacled, many-eyed, rubbery-skinned creatures. Grandma enlists Scrub to outfit the vacationing guests in earthly disguises, and he discovers he likes this new feeling of being trusted. But his head and tongue go wonky when curious neighbor Amy, daughter of the town sheriff (who wants to close the inn), starts poking around. Though the momentum takes a while to rev, the hi-jinks hit full gear when Scrub takes three puckish alien youngsters on a camping trip and they cross paths with the sheriff's scouting troop. The jig is up, and Scrub feels the weight of grandma's disappointment. What can he do to set things right? With goofy alien illustrations to kick start each chapter, this tale explores the confusion of impending teen-hood and the importance of a sense of purpose, plus how cool it would be to have friendly aliens living among us. Ideal for upper-elementary readers dabbling in sci-fi. (Science fiction. 9-13)
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781423157236
  • Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
  • Publication date: 5/8/2012
  • Pages: 272
  • Sales rank: 71,530
  • Age range: 8 - 12 Years
  • Product dimensions: 5.34 (w) x 7.46 (h) x 0.56 (d)

Meet the Author

Clete Barrett Smith (www.cletebarrettsmith.com) is a high school teacher who managed to find the time to write award-winning screenplays and work toward a master's degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts before he published this, his first novel. He lives in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and two daughters and is hard at work on another adventure about the Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast.

Christian Slade (www.christianslade.com) received an M.A. in Illustration from Syracuse University and a B.F.A. in Drawing and Animation from the University of Central Florida. His many clients include publishers, toy companies, and film studios. His work has been recognized by The Society of Illustrators in New York City and Spectrum annuals.

Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 43 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(26)

4 Star

(11)

3 Star

(3)

2 Star

(1)

1 Star

(2)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 43 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 4, 2012

    Great

    Great book. Me ( a 10 year old ) thinks this is a adventurous, fun, and a creative book! I'm sur your 10 year old will love it!(:

    13 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 15, 2012

    Aliens on Vacation

    I lov this book it is a fun summer book i reccommend this to start off your summer and for people 8-12 should read this book

    13 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted March 28, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Fun read!

    Aliens on Vacation is about a boy, Scrub, who has parents that basically ignore him. They both have to go on business trips during Scrubs summer vacation and decide to ship Scrub across the country to stay with his Grandmother who he's never met. His grandmother owns and operates the Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast. Scrub thinks it's a hangout for Trekkies and people that believe in aliens. He starts thinking things aren't really what they seem when he walks in first thing and reads, House Rules for a Successful Visit: 1. Leave nothing behind 2. Take nothing with you 3. Dress appropriately 4. Two arms, two legs, one head 5. No harming the natives He realizes maybe things aren't what they seem. Scrub stays very busy during the summer trying to help his grandmother with the "visitors" and keeping the town Sheriff from shutting the Bed and Breakfast down. Oh and too bad the Sheriff has a really cute daughter, just Scrubs age, who seems to be really nice. All in all Scrub has one heck of a summer, gets to know his grandmother and learns a lot about responsibility, all while having the best summer of his life. At least the most unusual one anyway. --- Great book for kids 10 to 13 or older. Very fun read.

    10 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted May 23, 2011

    Exceptional Story, enthralling for a YA!

    Clete Smith has proven to be a writer of extraordinary ability. His imaginative story keeps readers spellbound. And, even though this is for a young audience, adults will find it entertaining and fun. Here is an author who is able to weave a tale into a legend. We are all watching as his series unfolds into a many booked string. And, how lucky are we to have found him so early in his career!

    8 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted April 19, 2011

    A QUIET AND FUN READ FOR CHILDREN 10-12,AND ADULTS! ALIENS ON VACATION BY CLETE BARRETT SMITH!

    ALIENS ON VACATION by Clete Barrett Smith is an interesting young adult fiction.It has a plot that is both interesting and easy to follow.The characters are interesting and intriguing.Scrub is sent to a grandmother he has never meet,while his parents are on a business trip for the summer.His parents ignored him,but he had his friends in Florida,so when he was sent to Washinton to stay the summer at her B&B.He learns that not onlyis his grandmother the gate-keeper,but each room of the B&B is a portal for Aliens.What happens is mayhem,chaos,adventure,and cosmic chaos.This is a fun read great for children the ages of 10-12 and some of us adults enjoyed it also.This book was received from the publisher and details can be found at Disney,Hyperion Books and My Book Addiction and More Reviews.

    6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 27, 2012

    Aliens

    This book is hard to get into but once you get into it you feel like your right there int the book

    5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 6, 2011

    love it

    this book is a wonderful middleschool read.

    4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 31, 2012

    Aliens on Vacation

    At some parts it bored me to death but at other parts it had great details and Clete Smith sunk me in

    3 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 4, 2012

    GREAT!!!!!!!!!!.

    AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BIG HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HUGE HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    3 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 21, 2013

    Lanie Mulkana

    Super good book. Really imaginitive, but not too cheesey.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 26, 2013

    Awesome

    This book is awesome my teacher read it to me and my class in fourth grade!!!! It is a really good book i really loved it but i know we each have different oppions:(!! But if you are into mysteries and like sitting on the edge of your seat d gets in to trouble for reading instead of doing your chores or schoolwork this book is meant for you. Even if you dont like to read you should still get thid book;)

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 8, 2012

    Liv vfbtvgxgcygytcyrcrfrttvrffgggghfgvvfhdgdbdbgcghdjfbhgf

    Fffhfhfdbfhfjjdjcffffffffffredydyhfhdfedhfdhjfjfjejffjjrjfjfhfhjjekdjffkdfjjjjjfjfjvgffgyxmffkkfffjfjfffkdkfkffjfjfjffjefijgsjdhbdbdddkfnjdhhjdjjdjdjddjdjddjfjfjfhfgffggtddugfgfcxvvchffggjnddfhcbffhfbcnnfhfjffhfhfhfhfhfhfhhhjjfjjdjhiqphskaslkmzmxzxcvbnmklopiuytrewqaszhfhjddhffsdfghhjkkljdffffdjjdfjdkfjnjdabcdefghij.aqqwkdmdd.dd¿¿¿?¿¿€¿¿¿^¿•€¿¿^¿^¿:*'&'*:"%&&&$&::6%&&-:5-'&&'*-'%"'"':&&&'*&**'*:*%;*:%-%;%*%%%-%%%-%%%**%;*;%;%;.*'4%5¿¿¿¿¿¿¿$#*$&*'&!*$^¿^¿^^¿\€^¿¿¿¿^¿^¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿^¿^¿^¿¿¿€€¿€¿¿¿¿-*$*$*&'$&"&$*!%?¿?¿¿^¿^¿^¿€¿¿¿¿¿¿^¿¿^¿^¿^¿^_¿^¿^¿

    2 out of 12 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 17, 2012

    FUN

    This is good for the summer

    2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 22, 2012

    Ha

    Bluebonet book so funny of a book.

    2 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted May 1, 2011

    good book

    great good very nice wonderful magnificent

    2 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 19, 2013

    FUN TO READ

    this book is really cool i would love this to happen to me

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 13, 2013

    Cool book

    Who knew aliens could be so intristing even nonfiction

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 11, 2013

    Iiiiiiiii lllllllllooooooovvvvvveeeeeee bbbbboooooookkkkkk

    Best book ever girl/boy.P.Sif you dont read this book you are weard dood.bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll/bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyPS.IF YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUU HAVE AAAAAA CHANC read the book The Under Neath

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 5, 2013

    Aliens on Vacation

    I am only 9 but still this book is wonderful for all ages best sunshine state battle book (for 2012-2013 period) yet! Finished it today! Ready for Aliens on a Rampage!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 6, 2013

    Luv this book

    Most amazing book

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 43 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)