Crash!

Gr 1–3—This is the first in a new series of beginner chapter books about the Zander family from Planet Z. They crash-land on Earth and have to pose as humans while repairing their ship, except for commander Zeus, who blends in better as a cat. Meanwhile, Zeke Zander hides his antennae under a hat and starts school; high jinks ensue. This is light and amusing fare, with some mild commentary on the tension between fitting in and being oneself. The short chapters and gentle, humorous adventures will engage early readers and reward their efforts. Most spreads have at least a spot illustration to break up the text. The monochrome line drawings are casual and cartoony, complementing the text. Zeke is brown-skinned, though his racial and ethnic background is not mentioned in the text—only his status as an alien from Planet Z.