We Are Definitely Human

by X Fang (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

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.

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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

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. Agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary. (Aug.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review

Laugh-out-loud lovely.

Kirkus

Starred Review

DEFINITELY a good book. 

Review quotes

"The importance of kindness shines through this farcical tale, and the creatures know it too." —STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

"[A] slyly funny vibe . . . what starts out as a fish-out-of-water comedy becomes a close encounter of straightforward acceptance." STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly

"Jon Klassen fans, rejoice: a new laugh-out-loud book can be added to the read-aloud rotation. X. Fang's We Are Definitely Human is a delightful, humorous romp about human kindness towards strangers." —STARRED REVIEW, BookPage

"The story proves more than just a gag, though, through its smoothly executed lesson on being kind to those in need. The textured, richly colored graphite-pencil landscapes and rounded characters are quite beautiful, making the blue and-pink-shaded alien trio all the more awkward. Laugh-out-loud lovely." —STARRED REVIEW, Booklist

"A fabulously illustrated, rib-tickling, and affecting picture book in which Mr. Li and his neighbors demonstrate the potential of kindness and cooperative spirit. . . . Outrageously giggle-inducing dialogue from the aliens is characterized by non sequiturs and garbled syntax, and Fang revels in the disconnect between human expectations and alien quirks. Mixed media illustrations in strong purples, yellows, blues, and greens are a delight. This book's wonderful message of offering help where help is needed is wisely and gracefully delivered." —STARRED REVIEW, Shelf Awareness

"X. Fang presents a rather caring, incredibly funny, and dare I say touching tribute to culture clashes in the best way. This is a book that tips its hat to kindness in the face of uncertainty." School Library Journal

"Possibly one of the most delightful picture books I've read this year. Adorable and unpredictable, this is perfect for teaching kids in a fun way that we should always try to give people the benefit of the doubt, even if they're different from us in more ways than one." —The Southern Bookseller Review

"★ The alien's visit reminds us to be our best human selves KIND. A must-own, must-read and must-discuss with children. (And many adults.)​" —Imagination Soup

X Fang
X. FANG, who also goes by Susan, is a visual artist and maker of books for young readers. She exhibits her art throughout the U.S. and internationally and has worked professionally as a graphic designer and art director for film and television studios. Born in Taichung, Taiwan, raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she now lives in rural Maine with her husband and their dog, Pamela. Dim Sum Palace is X. Fang's first picture book.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781774882023
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Tundra Books (NY)
Publication date
August 06, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV011020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Asian American
JUV053010 - Juvenile Fiction | Science Fiction | Alien Contact
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Human-alien encounters
Helpfulness
Kindness
Helping behavior
Space ships
Livres d'images

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