Zoomer's Out-of-This-World Christmas

K-Gr 2—On the day before Christmas, Zoomer the pup and his brothers, Hooper and Cooper, are hanging out in their tree house, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. However, they forget all about him when a spaceship lands in the backyard, bearing a friendly family of antennaed aliens, a cool robot, and the family pet (sort of a cross between an elephant and a caterpillar). The pups and aliens spend a splendid afternoon together, sharing a picnic lunch, a rousing game of "zlammaroo," and a dip in the portable force-field pool. When the aliens' father discovers that the spaceship was damaged in the landing, Zoomer gives up his beloved tricycle so the space family can get home in time for Christmas. His kindness does not go unnoticed by Santa, and he is appropriately rewarded. This is a silly holiday tale with bright, cheerful illustrations and a good message about sharing and welcoming newcomers. Fans of Zoomer's first two books will not be disappointed.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library