Megalopolis is an architecturally magnificent city, admired by all: "One day, there was even a visitor from another galaxy." So begins the story of Megalopolis, an extraordinary, eccentric book that must be read on the floor because the thick paper pages unfold into a fabulously, ridiculously long, 10-foot scroll--a stunning vertical cityscape.
A green alien visitor arrives in his bubble-domed flying saucer and lands on a rooftop. The mayor "straightaway declared a holiday so that the entire city could throw a grand party to welcome him." Parades, fireworks atop an "old, dormant volcano," and a "huge game of hide-and-seek in the Chinese Gardens" ensue. A big tea party honors the new "Ambassador of Outer Space," but he is "overpowered by a praline," perceived to be dead, and placed on "a raft heaped with flowers." A mermaid saves his life with "a good hard pat on the back," and they fall in love at first sight. Deliciously odd and truly not-to-be-missed. --Karin Snelson, children's & YA editor, Shelf Awareness