We Are Definitely Human
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
WINNER of the Ezra Jack Keats Best New Illustrator Award • An American Library Association Notable Children's Book
A hilarious alien invasion story with a feel-good message about what it means to be human. Perfect for earthlings of all ages.
When three mysterious visitors from "Europe" crash-land in Mr. Li's field, he does what any good host would: he invites them back to his farmhouse and offers to help fix up their "car". No, there's nothing strange about these guests at all. Just like other humans, they "make business", "play sportsball" and "wear hat". As the townsfolk also come to the aid of the visitors and the gathering turns into a little party, interplanetary relations reach an all-time high.
A sweetly funny extraterrestrial offering that explores surprising acts of kindness and acceptance, X. Fang's second picture book is truly out of this world.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When their flying saucer crash-lands near Mr. and Mrs. Li's rural home at midnight, a trio of aliens tries their darndest to convince the couple that "we are DEFINITELY human." The three clearly resemble blue chess pieces with ovoid heads and huge eyes, but instead of challenging their story or sending them elsewhere, Mr. Li "did what kind humans do. He offered to help." The two welcome the aliens as guests—referring to them as "y'all" and going along their stories of being "from Europe." (Asked what they do there, they reply, "I make business... I play sports ball... I wear hat.") After the group visits a local general store for repair equipment, neighbors prove curious but equally hospitable, and a barn-raising-style party ensues (one of the aliens applies a hot dog to its head). Digitally colored graphite tableaus lend a slyly funny vibe, and what starts out as a fish-out-of-water comedy becomes a close encounter of straightforward acceptance. "Wherever they went next," writes Fang (Dim Sum Palace) of the aliens as they fly away, "they would remember the kindness of humans, and do what kind humans do—offer help to anyone who needs it." Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8.
