The Globe and Mail January 17,  2004 One day young Ben tells his friends that there is an alien living in his house. Who knows where he's from - "Mars, stars, space" - the point is tat "His face is covered with bike tracks. His body comes apart like Lego. He pulls out his teeth and says 'my pearlies.' He pulls off his hair and says 'my rug.' He walks on three legs, rat-a-tap-tap." That very same day the "alien" tells his friends that he has moved into a monster's house. Who knows where he's from - "Park, jungle, zoo" - the point is, "His face is as smooth as butter.

His body is stretchy like rubber. He twists into every letter of the alphabet. He even walks on his hands." Each regales his audience with the foibles of the other, but slowly, inexorably the two become inhabitants of the same planet, as well as the same house, even kindred spirits - which is just as well since they are grandfather and grandson. What the texts can't tell us, McLeod's illustrations do - warts and all.