I Come from Another Galaxy

A charming, sci-fi twist on the first day of school genre, featuring a young astronaut whose new classmates are literal aliens.

From author-illustrator James Kwan comes an affirming picture book to soothe first day of school jitters—and celebrate what makes us different.

Hello, friends.
I am writing this little book to document my discoveries from outer space.
Things are very different here . . .

James is far away from his home planet of Earth, and in this galaxy, he’s the alien. He has no idea how to fit in with his classmates, who all have googly eyes, slimy tentacles, or noodle arms.

No one here knows how to pronounce his name, the school bus is a UFO, and don’t even get him started on the bathroom! But when it comes time for show and tell, James realizes that he has something special to share.

Starred Reviews

"Deeply approachable in tone, the text’s epistolary style and first-person perspective offer emotional insights into the experience of relocation...A comforting dispatch about interplanetary acceptance."
—Kirkus Reviews

"An intrepid youth describes life among alien peers in this interstellar journal account turned school tale...Kwan’s cool-toned drawings combine polychromatic outlining and digitally colored shading that amplifies the story’s fantastical elements."
—Publishers Weekly

"Reassuring, accessible story speaks to both nervous newcomers and their future friends."
—Horn Book Magazine

Author Bio

James Kwan is an animator and illustrator with a BFA from Pratt Institute. He is the illustrator of A Case of the Zaps (a Good Housekeeping Best Kids’ Picture Book), and his picture books Dear Yeti and How It Feels to Be a Boat received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly and were featured in the New York Times. He was a character artist on BoJack Horseman and has also animated, illustrated, and directed work with many clients, including Microsoft and LEGO. He lives in Ridgewood, NY.