These Picture Books Come in Peace: Your Alien and 5 More Books Featuring Friendly Extraterrestrials

When a boy discovers a stranded young alien outside his window, he doesn’t hesitate to take him in. They strike up a fast friendship and, as the day unfurls, the unlikely pair has an unforgettable adventure. At school, the boy introduces his extra-terrestrial pal to the water fountain, oil paint, and Mr. Binky. And, in turn, the alien helps the boy “see ordinary things in a brand-new way.” But when bedtime comes into orbit, it quickly becomes apparent—from the muted meeps, oogs and sniffles under the covers—that the little alien is missing something. Luminous illustrations and a witty narrative combine to celebrate the thrill of new experiences, and the joy of finding your way home in Your Alien. And when you finish reading, don’t forget that there’s a whole galaxy of friendly aliens you’ll want to meet next!

Mr. Wuffles, by David Wiesner
Aloof, self-absorbed, and clever, Mr. Wuffles is your typical cat. He categorically dismisses all his designated toys, and focuses his batting and mewing on a peculiar metal object in the corner, which happens to be an occupied spaceship. Frightened by the giant furry interloper pawing at their vessel, the trapped aliens undertake a perilous journey to solicit help—which involves befriending and subsequently scheming with the household insects. You’ll be rooting for these spunky intergalactic refugees from the very start.

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot, by Margaret McNamara and Mark Fearing
Mork, Gork, and Nklxwcyz are the stars of this twist on a classic fable. These 3 wide-eyed alien siblings have outgrown their cozy childhood crater, so they wave good-bye to Mom, and set off into the endless sunrise to set up new households. Mork finds an unmanned rover, while one-eyed Gork selects a rapidly rotating satellite. Thoughtful Nklxwcyz is no squatter, however, so he builds his own brick house on a planet with many moons—which proves to be the safest refuge from the looming Big Bad Robot. Will the 3 be able to hunker down and evade this fearsome tyrant of the solar system?

Aliens in Underpants Save the World, by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort
There are few sights more disarming than aliens in underpants, and, luckily, these undergarment-loving extra-terrestrials will go to great lengths to keep their pants on—like saving the universe! Wacky, lovable, and perfect to read-aloud, Aliens in Underpants Save the World is an out-of-this-world addition to Freedman and Cort’s beloved Underpants series.

Boy + Bot, by Ame Dyckman and Dan Yaccarino
While playing in the woods one afternoon, a lively boy meets his match—an otherworldly machine called Bot. They have a wonderful afternoon, indulging their shared penchant for hijinks, and discovering the intriguing world around them. But when a rock accidentally turns Bot off, Boy gets worried! Can Bot be saved with applesauce and story time? And later, when Boy falls asleep, can Bot revive him with oil and an instruction manual? While this warm tale is targeted at your littlest reader, Boy + Bot highlights a relationship that refuses to be undermined by simple misunderstandings, and that’s an important lesson at any age.

Baloney (Henry P.), by John Scieszka and Lane Smith
Henry P. Baloney flirts with danger, but he’s a garrulous, well-meaning alien kid whose talent for yarns is usually enough to keep him out of real trouble. This time, however, there’s a lot on the line—like Permanent Lifelong Detention. Will Henry P. be able to use his Baloney to get out of it? Or will he learn an important lesson that’s as pertinent to humans as it is to precocious alien adolescents?