Zmod and Darius discover in “My Alien Penfriend”. Faiz Kermani brings us a fantasy tale of two young boys corresponding by spacemail.

Authorhouse (2005)
ISBN 1420858602
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/06)

Sometimes differences make for the strongest friendship as Zmod and Darius discover in “My Alien Penfriend”.  Faiz Kermani brings us a fantasy tale of two young boys corresponding by spacemail.  This book is well written, interesting and an easy read.

Darius lives on planet Earth in the year 2286, Zmod lives on planet Bartoch.  Both apply for space pen pals.  Soon they are discussing the differences of their planets and lives.   Darius has a pet dog, Ranger and Zmod has a pet glod, Darak.

Zmod tells Darius about rocks that can move on their own.  The population must live underground due to “telecterium that destroyed the ground and killed many living things.”  The planet Bartoch has two moons, and is control by Mind Complex. 

Darius tells Zmod about Earth and its government, the World War Council.  He tells him about the different countries, football and most importantly the hunt for the Loch Ness Monster.

Soon the two are looking forward to more spacemail.  They discuss school, vacations and parents.  Although they are from different worlds they find they have a great friendship.

After corresponding for more than a year, Darius becomes concerned when several months pass without a message from Zmod.  A volcano has erupted on Bartoch.  Many of the inhabitants were killed.  Zmod is rescued but separated from his family for a while.   Darak saved Zmod’s mother but Darak was lost.

Zmod turns to his space friend for comfort, “At least your spacemails might make me feel a bit better.”  Darius offers encouragement, “don’t give up hope even if things seem very gloomy at the moment!”  Eventually the two meet face to face.  This is a friendship that will last forever.

What a delightful book.  Zair has a wonderful light style of writing.  His message is easy to identify, in our differences we have strengths.  We can befriend those who are different from us.  This book would be a great read for a primary student.  I intend to share this one with my grandchildren.