Gustavson, Adam. Aliens Do Not Want to Go Home, The. Adam Gustavson, Illus. Charlesbridge, 06/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-494-2. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.
Alien kids repeatedly say that they are not ready to end their day on Earth, via insistent, familiar refrains like “It’s not even dark out!” or “they haven’t had dessert yet.” The varied types of alien kids, depicted in many shapes and sizes, act just like human kids, with their creative ways of seeking more. More time can be had, up until a point, when parents have had enough and load every protesting kid up and head for home. Gustavson’s imaginative gouache and watercolor illustrations show readers the great lengths these aliens take to stay (and the destruction they cause) in the small farm town they are visiting. While no humans, or alien parents, are shown, a scattered assortment of farm animals have the joy of experiencing the chaotic alien visit, until the many tractor beams pull the kids back to their various spaceships and they leave. A different take on ending the day and getting ready for bed, which will work well for preschool storytimes.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library