You Are Not From Around Here
You Are Not from Around Here Are You?
Ever gazed at the twinkling night sky and wondered, “What might be up there?” Mack jets off from Texas to the stunning red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, ready for a camping adventure with his family. But when his furry sidekick bolts into the night, Mack sprints after him and stumbles upon a surprise guest.
Spoiler alert: this new buddy isn’t your run-of-the-mill earthling! Mack soon discovers the stellar delight of making a truly out-of-this-world friend.
In this galactic adventure, award-winning author Clarissa Willis introduces two characters who learn that no matter who you are or where you are from, friendship is all about having a blast together.
Coming June 11, 2026
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book Review
You Are Not from Around Here, Are You? is the kind of picture book that makes you want to grab a fla
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You Are Not From Around Here, Are You? is the kind of picture book that makes you want to grab a flashlight and go “camping” in the living room. Mack’s trip from Texas to the red rocks of Sedona sets the scene perfectly—cozy, adventurous, and full of that wide-eyed “what’s out there?” wonder kids naturally have.
When Mack chases after his furry sidekick and meets a surprise visitor in the night, the story takes a delightful, imaginative turn. The “out-of-this-world” friend is handled with so much warmth and humor that it never feels scary—just exciting and fun. The message lands in a simple, kid-friendly way: you don’t have to be the same to be friends; you just have to enjoy being together.
The illustrations (Kashif Qusim) pair beautifully with the story’s nighttime magic, and the pacing is great for a read-aloud—plenty of moments for kids to giggle, gasp, and ask questions about space. If you’re looking for a playful bedtime read with heart, adventure, and a gentle lesson about welcoming someone new, this one’s a winner.
