We Are Definitely Human is a fabulously illustrated, rib-tickling, and affecting picture book--a Kids' Indie Next List pick--in which Mr. Li and his neighbors demonstrate the potential of kindness and cooperative spirit.
It's midnight when something crashes outside Mr. and Mrs. Li's house. Mr. Li investigates, and finds three strangers with "very big" eyes, "very blue" skin, and body shapes that are "very hard to describe." But Mr. Li doesn't worry because these strangers "are DEFINITELY human."
X. Fang (Dim Sum Palace) has made an out-of-this-world picture book that features hilariously deadpan aliens and charming, though (maybe?) clueless, human protagonists (plus one wisely skeptical dog). 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. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger, and children's book author