Kell, the Alien

After Kell and his alien parents become stranded on Earth, Kell is forced to enroll as a third-grade student and adjust to life on this planet. (Conveniently, they look just like humans and speak English perfectly well, though they do shed their skin at awkward times.) When Kell’s classmate and neighbor Bree tells him that she wants an alien-themed party for her ninth birthday, Kell volunteers his family’s services. Understanding humans (especially “Earthling girls”) is tricky for Kell, and he’s also trying to avoid the school principal, Mrs. Lynx, who is obsessed with finding aliens. Despite setbacks, the party is a success, launching an event-planning business for Kell’s family’s and setting the stage for later books in Aliens, Inc. series from author/publisher Pattison (Wisdom, the Midway Albatross). Kell’s observations of Earth and details about life on planet Bix are amusing, and Davis’s wiry b&w line art further enlivens an engaging, accessible story. Kell’s struggles to fit in will resonate just fine with Earth’s readers. Simultaneously available: Kell and the Horse Apple Parade and Kell and the Giants. Ages 7–10. (Aug.)