Thematic Reading List: Out of this World Characters

Stories are entertaining to read, especially when they feature characters who are out of this world! Whether they actually live on another planet or they are simply not typically part of the common landscape, these creatures inspire imagination and joy. While mythical, the characters in these stories have found a way into the hearts of readers around the world; their familiar plights and behaviors make these characters endearing and provide a novel backdrop against which recognizable stories can be told. Children aged 4-7 will enjoy reading these books to themselves or hearing them read aloud.
Contributed by: Mary Lanni

	Again! By: Emily Gravett At bedtime, Cedric the dragon wants his mother to read his favorite book again, and again, and again.
	Alien Alby By: Kaye Umansky Illustrated by: Sophie Rohrbach When Alby the alien and his pet Squee play in the swampy backyard against Alby’s parents’ wishes, Squee is forced to sleep outside without Alby.
	Astro the Alien Visits Desert Animals By: Emily Sohn Astro the Alien and his friends Ben and Eva visit and learn about desert animals, including lizards, birds, and spiders. Includes reading activities and a word list.
	Baby Dragon, Baby Dragon! By: Melissa Marr Illustrated by: Lena Podesta A dauntless lass and her feisty dragon friend have a fun-filled day exploring the kingdom together.
	Dear Yeti By: James Kwan Told through a series of notes, two boys go on a hike hoping to find Yeti but run into trouble along the way.
	Even Aliens Need Snacks By: Matthew McElligott Creating snacks that make most humans queasy, a young chef finds a new clientele–aliens.
	Fergal and the Bad Temper By: Robert Starling Fergal the dragon has trouble controlling his temper, but after one really fiery day, his mom shows him a trick on how to cool down.
	Have you Seen my Dragon? By: Steve Light In the heart of the city, among the taxis and towers, a small boy travels uptown and down, searching for his friend. Readers will certainly spot the glorious beast; plus an array of big-city icons they can count. Is the dragon taking the crosstown bus, or breathing his fiery breath below a busy street? Maybe he took a taxi to the zoo or is playing with the dogs in the park.
	I’m a Little Alien!: Poems for Little Stars By: James Carter Illustrated by: Mique Moriuchi Presents a collection of humorous poems about space, aliens, mermaids, and robots.
	I’m a Unicorn By: Mallory Loehr Illustrated by: Joey Chou A magical Little Golden Book for little unicorn lovers! I am moonlight white. I have a magical horn. I look a lot like a horse, of course. . . So begins this charming Little Golden Book that introduces the magical unicorn to the littlest readers! In this sweet story, gorgeously illustrated by Disney artist Joey Chou, a unicorn tells the readers all about herself (“My horn can make water clean or heal a hurt”) and her magical life (“I frolic in the forest, I prance in the fields”). Sure to delight little ones who love the magic of fairy tales and beautiful creatures!
	Mermaids Fast Asleep By: Robin Riding Illustrated by: Zoe Persico Silver mermaids with golden hair go to sleep in the sea, counting fish instead of sheep.
	Not Quite Narwhal By: Jessie Sima Born deep in the ocean, Kelp is not like the other narwhals, and one day, when he spies a creature on land that looks like him, he learns why.