One of my earliest memories of a science fiction book is “The Wump World” by Bill Peet. I know for a fact that I read this book in the school library at La Veta Elementary in Orange California. It moved me then, and it moves me again now.

I just recently dug this title up again after only remembering the capybara-like “wumps” and the overall story. Looking at it through adult eyes — and through writer’s eyes — it inspires me all over again. (I love the alien ships with the “landing legs” that pop out of the sides.)

Here’s a video of the book being read. I hope you enjoy the story, and if you have little kids, i bet they would love you to read them “The Wump World” — it’s still available to purchase.