Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly!
Menu
Alien Books for Kids

15 Alien Books for Kids

Posted on August 3, 2016May 9, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Check out these funny alien books for kids, perfect for a good laugh or an amusing story. Your child will think they’re out of this world!

Is it just us or are aliens funny?

I like the stories where the aliens are hanging out, living next door, and blending in with humanity. No one seems to notice that they are a little different. Alien invasions despite their superior technology and plan to dominate the world can also be humorous.

We like alien adventures in any book genre as long as they don’t take themselves too seriously.

My conclusion after making this list: there are not enough funny alien books for kids out there. Authors: please write more! They get kids reading.

Funny alien books for kids: Picture books

Mr. Wuffles by David Weisner

It’s an alien invasion of very small aliens, and Mr. Wuffles, the family cat, is intrigued. This is far more interesting than the cat toys his family has been tempting him with! The aliens want to get away but they need to repair their ship after Mr. Wuffles used it as a toy.

The native insects are recruited for a double team against Mr. Wuffles and an escape plan is hatched. Who knew that aliens and insects speak the same language? [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Baloney (Henry P.) by Jon Scieszka

Henry is late to school, but he has a very good, but elaborate, excuse. He needs to convince Miss Bugscuffle, his teacher to avoid permanent lifelong detention. He was delayed because of his zimulus, but it also involved a deski, torakku, razzo launch pad, pordo, the wrong buttuna and more aliens.

In the end, his zimulus saves him … and his lack of knowledge of physics. Good thing it’s tall tale writing today! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Dear Flyary by Dianne Young

Frazzle Pattzer from Merfatil writes in his flyary. He gets a spaceship for his dropday on 75 Red Moon 4851. At first, his spaceship sounds perfect but then it starts making strange noises. Wurpitz Hoolo’s Spaceship Repair, Wash, and Fillerup Station takes care of his ship.

When he finally gets a new one, he finds that he misses those old noises. Wurpitz knows what to do for that too. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Julian Rodriguez series by Alexander Stadler

This is a personal favorite early chapter book series of mine. Julian Rodriguez is planted into an ordinary family as their son, but he’s really an alien in disguise collecting intelligence. He finds human habits odd, demeaning, and disgusting, from doing chores to eating carrot sticks.

Readers will find his perspective hilarious and parents will like the use of SAT vocabulary words. It’s a win-win for everyone, except Julian himself. [early chapter book series, ages 6 and up]

Funny alien graphic novels for kids

The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs by Mike Lowery

This is a novel idea … a graphic novel where the reader draws in the book to decide what happens in the story. Though these doodle adventures won’t work for a library, they make for fun summer reading (and drawing). [doodle graphic novel, ages 6 and up]

Ben 10 series

My son loved the Ben 10 TV cartoon so much that he also read the early chapter book series. Ben’s adventures on the small screen translate perfectly to books for young boys. [early chapter books, ages 7 and up]

Funny alien middle grade books

Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“Leonard is not really a cat– he is just really a noncorporeal, 300-year-old space alien who is given a chance to experience life on Earth. After much research and reflection, he has decided to use his month in human form to be a park ranger in Yellowstone, but things go badly awry. Instead, he materializes in South Carolina during a flood and is saved by Olive. Olive is spending the summer with her grandmother, Norma, because her mother has taken up with a new boyfriend who isn’t that nice to Olive, and chances are good that Olive will have to move to California at the end of the summer. Olive takes good care of Leonard, but there is a big problem. Since Leonard only has a month on Earth, and he’s quite a distance from where he is supposed to be picked up by the other members of his race, he’s not sure how is going to get there in time. Of course, while he’s on Earth, there are things he wants to do, and once Olive realizes who he truly is, the two start working through Leonard’s bucket list. They manage to get into a movie theater and play board games, and the two spend plenty of time at a local aquarium in the company of Q, Norma’s friend who works there. Being a cat, and being Olive’s cat, has its advantages, but as time approaches to leave, Leonard knows that they are going to need a lot more help to get to Yellowstone. Q realizes that something is different about Leonard’s cat self, and is willing to help. An epic road trip is planned, Norma is brought in unaware, and the group sets off. It’s a tight schedule, but will they make it to Yellowstone in time to make contact?” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Guys Read: Other Worlds edited by Jon Scieszka

My son loves the Guys Read series which is a compilation of short stories of prominent children’s book authors meant to get boys reading. His favorite funny stories in this book are: Bouncing the Grinning Goat by Shannon Hale and The Warlords of Recess by Eric Nylund.

They are not to be missed! [short story anthology, ages 8 and up]

The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex

My son and I enjoyed this funny take on an alien invasion of the world. Eleven-year-old Gratuity “Tip” Tucci and her cat in search of her mother after aliens invade Earth and move the people to Florida. Her travel partner in crime is one of the aliens on the lam, J.Lo.

If things weren’t complicated enough, another alien species arrives who is even worse than the first one. Alien invasion, though with high stakes, has never been funnier.

Of all the middle grade books on this list, this is our favorite. If you want to see the movie, be sure and read the book first. The movie isn’t true to the book. [chapter book, ages 9 and up

There are references to Native Americans, however, that are problematic. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Here’s an update from Adam Rex with regard to an analysis by Debbie Reese on the Native American references.

 

Adam Rex‏ @MrAdamRex

Yesterday I posted a thread about my industry. In response, @debreese suggested I talk about my book The True Meaning of Smekday. It’s a funny alien invasion book, but it’s also intended as a satire and critique of colonialism. And I have regrets about it.

Adam Rex‏ @MrAdamRex Feb 14

In my effort to write a satire and critique of colonialism, I made mistakes that undermined my message. Reese enumerated these mistakes better than I can here. I encourage you to read her reviews of my book and its sequel.

Unidentified Suburban Object by Mike Jung

I like a chapter book with a surprise twist. This starts off as a Korean American story of Chloe Cho, your average Tiger Cub who plays violin well, gets good grades, and is an exemplary student. But then things change.

Why? I can’t tell you. But this is a twist on the Model Minority Asian American stereotype, and it’s funny to boot. [middle grade, ages 9 and up]

The Drake Equation by Bart King

If aliens from other planets were to visit us, would they study us like Jane Goodall studied the chimpanzees? What if the study of primitive humans on earth were a science project for a young (but advanced) being from another world? Would they be protective of us, the way Jane Goodall is of her chimpanzees?

These are not questions that Noah Grow has. He’s trying to get a glimpse of a few elusive birds, including the wood duck. And avoid Coby, the annoying school bully. But what starts as a quest for a bird sighting becomes something much, much more.

This of this adventure of Hoot + Aliens and be prepared to laugh. [middle grade, ages 9 and up]


Weird Kid by GregVan Eekhout

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“There are plenty of laugh-out-loud lines in this book, menacing but comical aliens, and plenty of adventure. These things, as well as the fast-paced plot, will make it appeal to young readers who always suspect that their best friend or sibling might, in fact, be a space alien. Teachers and librarians will like the book for its more philosophical themes of belonging, personal identity, and friendship. This is a great choice for fans of Rodkey’s We’re Not From Here, O’Donnell’s Space Rocks, or the old but utterly fabulous Space Race (2000) by Sylvia Waugh.”

 To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

My Son's Top 10: Funny Alien Books (ages 4 -12)

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

8 thoughts on “15 Alien Books for Kids”

  1. Alex Baugh says:
    August 3, 2016 at 8:53 am

    I’m not a big alien book person (thought I did love Mr. Wuffles) but these look really interesting and the kids like to read them so I always look for other people’s recommendations I can pass on. Thanks to your son for sharing his favs.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      August 6, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      Thanks so much Alex! Aliens and humor will always get him reading!

      Reply
  2. Patricia Tilton says:
    August 4, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    I love alien books! Great suggestions!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      August 6, 2016 at 8:08 pm

      Hi Patricia,
      I never read so many alien books before with my girls, but now I appreciate them because my son loves them so much! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Erik - TKRB says:
    August 5, 2016 at 9:55 am

    I am proud to say that I have read about half of these! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      August 6, 2016 at 8:09 pm

      Hi Erik,
      Yay! Another fan of alien books!

      Reply
  4. Renee Alam says:
    August 6, 2016 at 1:00 am

    I’m not into aliens but some of those books look too cute not to read! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      August 6, 2016 at 8:13 pm

      Thanks so much Renee! I bet that if you read the alien books that appealed to you, they’d win you over!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • My Daughter’s Start Up SWARM wins $100k from VentureCat! June 20, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025! June 18, 2025
  • Cover Reveal for Fight for the Right to Read June 16, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025! June 13, 2025
  • Sumo Joe turns 6 Years Old and 6 book GIVEAWAY! June 11, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT