To Activate Space Portal Lift Here by Antoinette Portis

Publisher: Neal Porter Books

Publication Date: October 7, 2025

Reviewed from copy provided by publisher

ISBN: 9780823459858

Turning the pages of this book activates a space portal that lets readers be the first to interact with alien creatures! As the portal opens, the readers can see an orange and a yellow alien, who are just as surprised to see the reader and just as shocked that aliens are real. The aliens worry that the reader might eat them, but relax after the reader shares how small their teeth are. They have the reader make all kinds of faces which then scare some other aliens who respond much better to a big friendly smile. As the portal closes, there is an invitation to return.

This book begs to be shared aloud and with a group of children as long as you enjoy a bit of nonsense and noise resulting. I read this both in physical form and digitally and there is something about the physical page turns that make this book really engaging. The gloriously loud and simple illustrations of the aliens add to the chaotic fun of the book. 

A portal worth visiting. Appropriate for ages 4-6.