We Are Definitely Human

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.

Laugh-out-loud lovely.

DEFINITELY a good book. 

"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