About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the bittersweet feelings of waiting for a long-distance friend or facing a playground bully. While it is set during the holiday season, the core of the story is about the steadfast loyalty between Buddy McGee and his small, yellow, extraterrestrial friend. It is a perfect choice for children who feel like 'outsiders' or those who need a lighthearted example of how true friendship transcends distance and even species. James Marshall's signature humor keeps the tone playful while addressing the very real anxiety of being teased for one's beliefs. It is a quirky, secular holiday tale that celebrates the joy of a promised reunion and the courage to stand tall when others doubt you.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with bullying in a direct, somewhat slapstick manner typical of 1980s children's literature. The approach is secular, focusing on the holiday as a time for friendship rather than religious observance. The resolution is triumphant and hopeful.
