This charming sequel to Your Alien (2015) has many levels of appeal. As a friendship story, it promotes sharing and comfort; for readers, it's a guide to a successful playdate. Fujita's end pages show just how appealing an alien friend can be: the little guy skateboards, plays with pets, and enjoys snacks against a black background. The second-person narration allows for an immediate connection to be made with the reader, as do the large, expressive face and obvious emotions of the main character, who scurries off to play with his alien friend. While the shared activities are typical of many playdates, the other-world setting adds to the fun ("The ride of your life" happens in a spaceship; snacktime involves a food that stares back). The active aliens are brightly colored in candy tones, while the quietest moment, a hand squeezed in comfort, changes the pace at just the right time. Pair with Dan Santat's The Adventures of Beekle (2014) for another unusual, comforting friend.

PreS-Gr 2 A boy is given a taste of another way of life when the small green creature first introduced in Your Alien returns and invites him to outer space for a playdate. Far away from planet Earth, watermelon is blue, toys float, and the forest resembles a circus of rides. The boy tries to fit in with the alien's Minion-like friends, but things don't go as he'd like. Although homesickness exists in space, too, the boy learns it's only temporary when you have an understanding friend by your side. Fujita's digital illustrations resemble a desert landscape where everything is rounded, including the aliens. VERDICT Whether read as a stand-alone or as a sequel to Your Alien , this story exemplifies the feelings associated with being different and far from home. Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, Alta.