In this slyly humorous tale of visitors from outer space and a nicecouple from Bellmore, we learn that the key to intergalactic human-alienrelations is... spaghetti and meatballs. That and a few common courtesies. Whena spaceship quietly lands next to Moe and Shirley's tool shed and two aliens askto use the bathroom, Moe becomes slightly hysterical while Shirley tries to keepher cool. Later that evening, when Shirley's cousins arrive for a spaghettidinner, the aliens return, bearing a gift. Meanwhile, Moe has alerted the FBI,the Pentagon, the Army, the Air Force, and the Marines. The relatives and Moetake turns fainting while Shirley politely offers her new visitors appetizers.But what is in the gift box the aliens have brought? "It's a bomb! It's gas!It's a laser!" Cousin Etta yells, before swooning again. Ever the charminghostess, Shirley slowly unwraps the gift, which, as it turns out, is none of theabove.First published in 1988, Company's Coming received several prestigioushonors, including The New York Times Book Review's Notable Books and theRedbook Children's Picture Book Award. It's one of those rare books thatwill delight adults as well as children, passing on an easy-to-swallow messageof human kindness and grace under pressure. Al Yorinks is the author of theCaldecott-winning Hey,Al, and David Small is well known for his artwork in Caldecott HonorBook The Gardener. (Ages5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter