Earthling!

written and illustrated by Mark Fearing
created by Mark Fearing & Tim Rummel

Chronicle Books | June 20, 2012

This fantastic graphic novel for the younger set involves Earthling-boy Bud accidentally catching the bus to the intergalactic Cosmos Academy and an elaborate plan to get back home. Suspense builds handily through plot twists and turns, and appeal abounds through funny names (new friend Gort McGortGort), clever resemblances (school sport ZeroBall), and generational humor (handhelds with “universal door-opening apps”). 

I intially saw only the black and white advanced reader copy, but now I've also seen the full color version and it's just as awesome as I thought it would be. I am usually a reluctant fan of graphic novels, let alone stories about aliens, but this book is fun, silly, and entirely engaging. It is aimed at those aged 8-12 and written perfectly for them. 

Fearing's drawing style is detailed without being overwhelming and clever without being coy. The entire premise of the book - a fear of Earthlings which requires Bud to hide out as another species - grabs the funny bone right from the start and the heart-warming ending brings everything full-circle. A win all around (except in ZeroBall)!