Strange Exchange
Mike's foreign exchange student seems a bit strange and no wonder, he's not from France at all but another planet and he's on a mission to learn about humans. This sets the scene for some very funny situation comedy. The barn dancing episode for example - 'who won?' asks Pascal the alien - had me laughing out loud. It also allows for some very witty explorations of human behaviour whether it's the statements you make by choosing to use a mug or a teacup, the psychology of bullying or the importance of jokes. First published in 1991 this is a very worthwhile reissue. Congratulations to Thomson too for inventing Encyclo Whoopee World 'Where Education is Fun for all the Family'. This whole chapter could now be read as a sharp piece of satire on the Millennium Dome. Lots of fun and lots to think about too.