Hello? Is Anybody There?

Jostein Gaarder (author)

Sally Gardener (illustrator)

Orion Children's Books, UK: 1997; 144pp

ISBN: 1858813581

Genres: philosophy, religion, science fiction

Issues: environment, family

Advanced concepts

Joe's mother has gone to hospital to have his new sibling and Joe is left on his own for a few hours before his aunt arrives. During this time a strange visitor lands in the tree outside and proceeds to investigate Joe's world.

Written in the form of a letter to a beloved niece, this unique short novel is definitely for the gifted young thinker.

Although a trifle contrived at times, possibly due to translation, the questioning nature of the alien character enables some fairly philosophical concepts to be presented in a way stimulating to younger children. It is a story that should be shared, either through reading aloud or follow-up conversations, as most of the questions are those so often raised by the observant child. The wonder and awe at the nature of Earth and its occupants serves as a arm introduction to the new life Joe's mother is bringing into the world. The reader is left wondering just how closely connected the departure of the alien being and the arrival of Joe's little brother are, but thankfully there are plenty of loose ends left to take the reader's curiosity beyond the pages of the book.

Same Author: The Christmas Mystery, Sophie's World, The Solitaire Mystery; Through A Glass Darkly