Aliens Among Us: Invasive Animals and Plants in British Columbia

Written by Alex Van Tol

Illustrated by Mike Deas

For children aged 8 to 12

Alex Van Tol has harvested the knowledge of museum biologists to alert the next generation of responsible environmentalists. Her list of serious invaders includes the colourfully named Purple Loosestrife, Violet Tunicate, Eastern Grey Squirrel and Yellow Perch, species that tend to take over an area and crowd out or destroy native species. She names the creatures that can eat their way through an ecosystem, like Smallmouth Bass, Gypsy Moths and American Bullfrogs, as well as those that cause damage to property, like Norway Rats and European Starlings. And she points out the species that might do serious harm to humans and other animals, such Rockpool Mosquitoes, Giant Hogweed and Poison Hemlock. Some aliens, like European Wall Lizards and Giant Garden Slugs, haven’t yet posed problems in BC, at least not that we’re aware of – but they still need to be watched. And finally, Van Tol raises the alert species that haven’t yet arrived but may be coming soon, like Northern Snakeheads, Fence Lizards and Zebra Mussels.

This readable and alarmingly informative book will help young people prepare for the invasion, and arm them with the tools to stop the spread of unwanted aliens in British Columbia.

About the author

A former middle school teacher, Alex Van Tol has written numerous books for young people. She claims that Aliens Among Us has been the most fun to research and write, because she learned so much in the process. She lives with her two sons in Victoria, BC.

About the illustrator

Mike Deas has illustrated or written several books for young readers, including Dalen and Gole and the Graphic Guide Adventure series. He grew up with a love of illustrative storytelling and Capilano College’s Commercial Animation program helped him fine-tune his drawing skills and imagination. Mike lives with his family on sunny Saltspring Island.