X Fang Books

I was delighted to receive We Are Definitely Human the night before World Book Day – what perfect timing!

Children love feeling that they know more than the hapless storyteller and We Are Definitely Not Human gives plenty of scope for that. Three aliens crash-land in Mr Li’s field and are keen to insist how very ‘human’ they are. The story itself is told through pared-back, simple language, giving just enough information for the children to then look at the pictures and infer what was really going on.

I tried this book out on all our EYFS/KS1 classes on World Book Day and they thoroughly enjoyed it – there was even an honorable mention in assembly from Reception for “best story heard today”. I think that says an enormous amount that a child of five would hear multiple stories throughout the day and still go back to the first one as being their favorite. Several teachers commented on the vibrant color scheme and use of neon pink and blue to pick out the aliens, especially during the night-time scenes.

Whilst the story is about three aliens who crash-land in Mr Li’s field – who does what any kind human would do and helps them to fix their “car” – I fell immediately in love with the dog, who is the best side-eyed, suspicious hound I’ve ever seen! A message about kindness to people who are not like you is clear and warmly given. Readers can also have lots of fun creating voices for the aliens’ not-quite-English speech.

We loved it and I’m sure you will too.