When I was around 10 in the early 1960s I read at least 2 childrens books about a little boy Martian who becomes stranded on Earth and befriends a brother and his sister.    The Martian was named Zip-Zip by his Earthling friends because he made this sound when he sipped in air.  Ok, am I crazy or has anyone else out there read these books?  I have yet to see or talk to anyone who has seen these books anywhere.  I would appreciate any info. Pat J

I have no idea where you can buy them, but you must mean the Zip-Zip books by John Schealer:  Zip-Zip and His Flying Saucer, Z-Z Goes to Venus, and Z-Z and the Red Planet.  See:  http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Schealer__John_M.html

Deirdre, 

I so appreciate your help with my question about the Zip-Zip books.  I know quite a few readers my age and no one had even heard of these books!  I never owned one-I was an Air Force brat who moved so often that my parents insisted that I read only books I could check out from the  school or  base libraries. 

How did you find this author?  I have tried several searches but didn't get very far since I didn't know the titles.  Ironically my father's family is from PA and my cousin went to Penn State.

Pat J from MT

I'm curious where you went to school. The author was born in Boyertown, PA.  That is where I am from and we read it in 3rd grade.  It was the first book I ever purchased on my own.  Unfortunately, my mom sold it many, many years ago at a yard sale.  I have been wanting another copy, but the prices range from $129 to $178!  I keep hoping that I will stumble on it at a yard sale or flea market and the person won't realize what it is worth.   Sorry, but if I find one, I'm KEEPING it!

I remember these stories. I thought they were great even edgy. However, I thought the zip zip sound was a result of the english language being so much simpler than martian that the poor little guy had to release excess mental energy in the form of the zipping sound. He also had feathery stalks at the top of his bald head which were his hearing organs. It's a shame that they (the books) are no longer in circulation. I should think they would hold up rather well.