To Activate Space Portal, Lift Here by Antoinette Portis, Neal Porter Books, Oct. 7, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Meet and get to know aliens in To Activate Space Portal, Lift Here, an interactive picture book by Antoinette Portis.
This book is an interstellar portal, and the aliens inside want to get to know you!
Before you lift the cover, be sure you’re ready to meet Zrk and Blrg. They’re not so different from you—but to them, you’re the alien!
After their initial shock at seeing you through the portal, they’re eager to see what kind of teeth you have, compare home planets, and maybe team up for a prank. You met as aliens, but by the time the portal closes, maybe you’ll be friends. —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books
The inside of To Activate Space Portal, Lift Here is not what you’d expect from the cover. And that’s OK. In fact, the interactive surprise inside is worth the wait. Similar to B.J. Novak’s The Book with No Pictures, To Activate Space Portal, Lift Here invites readers to get in on the fun. Antoinette Portis uses simple text, bold lines and bright colors to create a humorous read kids will love.
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