First published 2002
Sam's world collapses when his parents disappear during a space mission. He lands in the miserable custody of Hilda Hardbottom, who makes his grief even harder to bear. Everything changes when Sam stumbles upon a miniature spacecraft hidden among the cabbages in the garden. Inside lives Splodge, a small alien with extraordinary powers. Splodge grants Sam the ability to become invisible, opening up possibilities Sam never imagined. When Sam faces his greatest challenge, he must decide how to use this remarkable gift. The story follows Sam as he navigates loss, discovers friendship in the most unexpected place, and learns that sometimes the most powerful thing about being invisible is choosing when to be seen. Gardner creates a tale where humor and heartbreak walk hand in hand, showing how a boy's darkest moments can lead to his brightest discoveries.
Genres: science-fiction, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, heartwarming, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, grief, loss
112 pages · Paperback · Orion Children's Books