Cosmo is a small alien zooming through outer space. He has no friends on his home planet, so he is searching the galaxies to find someone to help him feel less lonely. On Earth, there is a girl named Ava. Although she is surrounded by other children her age, she also feels as if she doesn’t have any friends. When Cosmo lands on Earth, the children are afraid and hide from him. Ava is the only one who is not afraid. She greets him with a friendly hello and tells Cosmo her name. In return, Cosmo shares some space pizza with Ava. However, the other children think the pizza looks gross, and they tease Cosmo until he begins to tear up. Cosmo gets in his ship and flies away. Shortly after, both Cosmo and the Earthlings notice a giant meteor streaking toward Earth. Cosmo bravely stops the meteor and returns to Earth. This time, the children celebrate him, and they have a pizza party.

Otto’s picture book offers children a lesson about how to treat others. The story is presented in short paragraphs with multiple rhymes. The work is illustrated with brightly colored pictures, which should help hold the interest of children. There are a couple of awkward phrases, which may be the result of trying to make rhymes correspond correctly. However, the author has created a solid story, and children interested in outer space could discover this one to be particularly suited to their tastes. This book is well-suited for caregivers and educators to use for discussions about loneliness, forgiveness, and the care of others.

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