When I was in fourth grade, there was a kid named Gilbert (that might have been his last name) who would draw all manner of things. At nine, I thought he was an incredibly gifted artist, especially considering that I could barely draw a stick figure. Gilbert’s favorite drawing subject seemed to be bug-eyed monsters, usually coming out of spaceships on the hunt for teachers to devour.

After seeing my little alien posted on the woodcarving message board, another member carved one and posted a challenge to all others: carve an alien.

I sat down Saturday with a little scrap of basswood and was somehow reminded of Gilbert and his teacher devouring monsters. So I figured I’d carve one in his style.

The name Purple Teacher Eater was coined by yet another member of the woodcarving message board. Works for me.