E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Illustrated Storybook
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Illustrated Storybook is a condensed picture-book version of the entire Steven Spielberg movie, E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial. In simple language and appealing cartoon-like computer illustrations, it follows young Elliott's discovery of a space alien in his backyard, their growing friendship, and how Elliott and his brother, Michael, help E.T. (as Elliott names him) get back home. This adaptation hits all the main plot points but leaves out the tension and suspense and most of the magical, spiritual connection found in the movie. Fine for very young kids, but a spoiler for those who might one day see the movie.
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What's the Story?
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL: THE CLASSIC ILLUSTRATED STORYBOOK is a picture-book adaptation of the story that unfolds in the beloved Stephen Spielberg movie. It begins with Elliott finding an extra-terrestrial (E.T.) space alien in a shed in his backyard, luring him inside with candy and hiding him from his mom. E.T. plays dress-up with Elliott's sister, Gertie, and then figures out how to contact his folks back home so he can be rescued. Elliott, Gertie, and brother Michael take E.T. out on Halloween disguised as a ghost; E.T. is captured by scientists, but the kids help him escape and eventually "phone home" and get picked up by his spaceship.
Is It Any Good?
This condensed telling of the story that's laid out in the movie is a mild adventure that should please little kids, but it's no match for the film version. Plot points that are super tense in the movie unfold kind of flatly in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Illustrated Storybook. The scientists' nail-biting pursuit of E.T., for example, comes off rather plainly: "Michael's friends brought their bikes, and they all raced to the woods. The scientists chased them!" There's mention that E.T. is starting to feel sick, but this version skips the part after he's captured when he's so sick that his life is in danger, and Elliott gets sick, too, because of their mysterious connection. And the surprising, magical film moment when E.T. and the boys on bikes are lifted up in the sky loses its magic on the page.
But Kim Smith's illustrations are fun and friendly, and space-loving young kids should enjoy the ride. Warning: The book is a spoiler for those who haven't seen the movie yet.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the alien from outer space in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Illustrated Storybook. What would you do if you found an alien in your backyard? Would you keep it a secret or tell your parents?
Have you seen the movie E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial? How does the book compare?
Would you like to be carried away on a spaceship? What would it be like to visit another planet? What do you think you'd find there? Try drawing a picture of the planet you'd visit.
Book Details
- Author: Kim Smith
- Illustrator: Kim Smith
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Science and Nature, Space and Aliens
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Quirk Books
- Publication date: October 31, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: November 30, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.
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The X-Files: Earth Children Are Weird
Cute but thin picture book inspired by sci-fi TV series.
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Interstellar Cinderella
Cinderella is spunky, resourceful in fresh space tale.
For kids who love science fiction
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