Aliens Among Us : Invasive Animals and Plants in British Columbia

What would you do if you came face to face with a Large Yellow Waxwing, Wild Turkey or Weather Loach? Who would you call if Common Wall Lizards or Giant Hogweed crept into your back yard? Alex Van Tol can help. In Aliens Among Us, she identifies more than 50 species of alien animals and plants that have established themselves in British Columbia. With the help of colour photographs and Mike Deas’ illuminating illustrations, Van Tol exposes the invaders, then explains how they got here and what they’re doing to the local environment. A former middle school teacher, Alex Van Tol has written eight books for young readers.

For Aliens Among Us, she has harvested the knowledge of museum biologists to alert the next generation of responsible environmentalists. Her list of invaders includes Purple Loosestrife and Yellow Perch, Norway Rats and American Bullfrogs, Northern Snakeheads and Zebra Mussels, to name just a few. 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.

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.