The X-Files: Earth Children are Weird by Kim Smith

The X-Files: Earth Children are Weird by Kim Smith
Buy The X-Files: Earth Children are Weird by Kim Smith at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: For Sharing
Reviewer: Sam Tyler
Summary: Part children's book, part cult TV show homage; join a young Mulder and Scully in their very first adventure together as kids in this fun book that balances fan fiction with kid lit.
Buy? Maybe	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 40	Date: August 2017
Publisher: Quirk Books
External links: Author's website
ISBN: 9781594749797
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It's the early 90s and the lights are dimmed, my sister and I are gathered around a TV that today would seem archaic. It provided chills and thrills that were far too scary for children our age, but also memories that would last us forever. The show was called The X Files and in my humble opinion it remains the best TV show ever. It was so great that it has spawned a cult following of fans that have craved new films, new episodes to this day. But have they ever craved a children's book based on the characters?

A young Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are having a sleepover in the back garden when they hear some creepy noises and see some strange lights. Surely this is the proof that Fox requires to show that aliens exist, but each discovery shows that the supernatural is all too plain natural, or is it …

To anyone who knows the truth is out there, The X-Files: Earth Children are Weird by Kim Smith is not cannon. We know that Mulder and Scully met for the first time in Pilot, the episode that started the phenomenon that was the show, but something like Earth Children is pure fan service. What would have happened if Mulder and Scully were friends as children? Who really cares; the book is meant to be fun.

As a standalone children's book Smith has created something that a child who does not know their X Files from their Buffy the Vampire Slayer can still enjoy. The premise stands on its own – a couple of kids looking for aliens, but finding nothing. The illustrations are bold and full of a spooky wonder. The book sets the right tone and is a little scary, without making anyone fearful. In fact, when Mulder and Scully venture into the woods there are loads of strange and wonderful things to spot in the background.

Despite the book holding up on its own, that is not really the point. There are other books that cover similar themes without the baggage that this book has, but it is the baggage that is this book's USP. There are enough parents out there of an X Files age who will get a thrill from reading this book and being able to see the many Easter Eggs hidden all around. The very idea of a children's book about these characters is absurd, but also exhilarating for a fan. In fact, I can imagine that as many copies of this book will be sold in a comic book store frequented by adults as the children's section of a bookstore.

On balance, the appeal of this book does depend if you are a fan of the show. The story is adequate and the characters cute, but without the imbued knowledge of why the setting is so fun, the book does fall a little flatter. However, even as a standalone book for someone who does not know Mulder or Scully, they still get a decent, fun book.

There have been other books written that explores the early days of The X Files, including some teen outings The X-Files Origins: Agent of Chaos by Kami Garcia.

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You can read more book reviews or buy The X-Files: Earth Children are Weird by Kim Smith at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy The X-Files: Earth Children are Weird by Kim Smith at Amazon.com.

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