Member Reviews
Despite the rather odd appearance of the three visitors from "Europe," Mr. and Mrs. Li offer food and shelter, and the whole town turns out to help the strangers fix their "car." Fang serves up a sweet story of kindness that's made hilarious by the townsfolks' interactions with the "Europeans." The author's illustrations are a joy to behold, and provide most of the humor. And, I LOVE the way she draws dogs.
This one put a big old grin on my face.
I loved this alien invasion story where everyone was just nice! The dog's skeptical eyes in every picture cracked me up. The illustrations were a little unrefined, but that just added to the charm.
3.5 stars = Good+
A cute and quirky picture book. This wasn't at all what I was expecting. I could see someone using this for a classroom conversation about kindness - the community here is delightful.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinion are completely my own.
Cute story about human kindness. I loved reading it and my niece loved hearing it.
Most of this book was a homerun for me. Love the antics, the deadpan moments in both text and illustration. X Fang's DIM SUM PALACE was one of my favorite picture books of the last year, and I'll continue to follow her career.
A story of quiet humour with cute illustrations, author X. Fang tells an alien invasion story with a twist. The aliens are passing by Earth and their spaceship breaks down. They meet Mr. Li who offers to help them. He takes them back to his home, feeds them, then helps them get necessary parts.
I love the gentle tone throughout this sweet story of people being kind and helpful. And it's not just Mr. Li and his wife who open their hearts, it's eventually the whole town. This was such a nice change from the usual story of people encountering something or someone different and reacting with fear and violence. Instead, there's acceptance, and a community coming together to give aid. Lovely.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
This adorable easy fiction book playfully explores the theme of being a good neighbor. When a group of aliens find themselves stranded in small town America, they must rely on the hospitality of the locals. Will people be kind and courteous to these "definitely human" beings despite their obvious differences? You'll have to read the story to find out!
I would have liked a broader color palette for the illustrations, but I am still very excited to use this book in a story time with my littles.
Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley, for this ARC of We Are Definitely Human written by X.Fang!
When I saw the cover of this book, I instantly knew I wanted to read it! I have an alien and space category in my younger readers' section of the library, and this would be a perfect fit! My students are going to love this book!
I love the characters' emotions conveyed in the story and the connection formed between humans and three unknown strangers (aliens)! It brings me back to that common phrase: It costs nothing to be kind. I think this book sends a positive message to children that despite our differences, it's important to help others and be thoughtful about how we care for those around us. This book captures humans in such a kind light, and I think that it is really important in today's society.
My favorite theme throughout the book is the dog, who is not so sure of these strangers, but his human parents are certain to show kindness regardless of their differences. The dog keeps a sharp eye on them but is never unkind. So cute and funny! There are other funny elements in this story that adults and children would enjoy as well.
I'm looking forward to purchasing this book for my school's library in August 2024. Thank you again for this ARC!
This is one of my favorite picture books that I have read this year! We Are Definitely Human follows Mr. and Mrs. Li, who welcome 3 mysterious visitors into their home after they show up in the Li's fields. The illustrations are darling, and I loved the aliens dedication to be "human". What I loved even more, was how kind and helpful the humans in the book were portrayed to be.
Thanks to NetGalley, X. Fang, and Penguin Random House for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own!
We Are Definitely Human is DEFINITELY a fun book! When three creatures appear in Mr. Li’s field and proclaim to be DEFINITELY human and that their car broke down, Mr. Li doesn’t give it a second thought and invites them into his house to help repair their car. This book shows kindness and a lack of judgment toward others. No questions are asked; everyone is just happy to help three DEFINITELY humans in need.
It’s a funny picture book with amazing illustrations. I received this as an ARC, so it might not be fully finished, but I think the illustrations would stand out even more if the text were integrated into the illustrations instead of in a white space below them. I would DEFINITELY recommend this hilarious book!
The book shines at its silly, playful moments: aliens trying out a new dance move or sharing a barked conversation with a dog. The playful posture was sullied, though, by the didactic ending. Give me the absurd antics without the moral, please!
The layout (lots of white space with only a few words or sentences per page) will be a treat for emerging readers.
A sweet and simple tale of kindness and community, with some hilarious characters and dialogue. This will make a perfect read aloud for elementary students, and can be used to inspire discussion around embracing difference and helping others work towards a common goal. I loved Dim Sum Palace, I love this, and I can't wait to see what X. Fang does next!
We Are Definitely Human is a cute, silly story about three visitors who are definitely from Europe.
This was a really fun read and is something I would give anyone with children. It did make me wish my job also was wearing a hat.
This book is excellent! It’s funny, got a great plot and a message of treating others with kindness and generosity.
The illustrations are done in a way that makes the main characters stand out as the centre of attention. There are a variety of settings and the characters are easy to follow. This would be a great book for children aged 6-10.
The text is easy to read and is clear. I would purchase this for my young nieces and my classroom/school library.
We Are Definitely Human is an adorable, funny, and charming tale of three aliens who crash land on Earth. They are stranded on the planet until they can find a way to repair their spacecraft. During their time on Earth, they interact with humans in a variety of scenarios.
The storyline, featuring the humorous antics of the aliens, centres on a message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in an endearing and engaging way.
Filled with hilarious illustrations, this book will appeal to young audiences and beyond.
Kind thanks to Penguin Random House Canada - Tundra Books, NetGalley, and the author for an advanced reading copy of We Are Definitely Human.
This was hilarious! Not just little kid funny, but truly adult approved funny. The old timey illustrations and kooky storyline were a perfect match. I will be using the phrase “I make business” in my regular life.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for a copy of We Are Definitely Human!
"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."
Simple, silly, and sweet! A gorgeous story on kindness with lovely illustrations. I can just picture myself reading this out loud with my niece. :)
Hilarious read. Perfect for a great laugh & also a sweet lesson in kindness. Three aliens who are "definitely humans" crash land in Mr Li's yard. They need help repairing their "car" & the community comes together to show the "definitely humans" what it means to be kind. Illustrations are out of this world & the humor written & drawn is great for kids & adults!
The relentless side-eye of the dogs had me absolutely chortling.
What a great picture book that's about normalizing kindness and helping "people" simply for the sake of helping. The illustrations are great, some of the perspective changes are so cool too! I love how silly the whole thing is, there are a few lines that are gratuitously for the millennial parents (Gen Z will cringe). A super fun read overall.
It's pretty clear no human believes the "Europeans" but treats them kindly anyhow, an interesting way to teach kids to be observant, but not cold.
LOVED this. Very funny and cute story about some "humans" whose "car" has broken down... yes, they're definitely humans. Great art too! I also really liked that kindness and helpfulness were main points in this, without it feeling didactic.