BLOOP

An extraterrestrial who looks like a dog tries to prove his mettle by conquering Earth.

Bloop, a green ET that resembles a pug with antennae, is next in line to rule Planet XYZ. He tries but fails to follow the emperor’s “rules, regulations, and robots,” but the illustrations show the chaos that follows in Bloop’s chaotic, albeit joyful, wake. “Bloop! Too many bloopers” the emperor proclaims and banishes Bloop to the “crazy planet” Earth. Readers can assume the emperor is Bloop’s father, given the resemblance. If Bloop can conquer Earth, the emperor reasons, his worthiness to rule XYZ will be proved. Bright colors and characterizations in a cartoon-esque style take center stage. On Earth, Bloop has trouble reigning supreme. Bloop interprets the way humans care for dogs as an indicator that dogs rule the planet, so he focuses on learning their secrets. Sadly, the dogs pay no attention to him, and Bloop is still making “too many bloopers” according to the emperor. He commands Bloop to pretend he’s an Earth dog. In the end, Bloop must choose between his cushy new home where he rules the roost—and receives plenty of love and affection—and his old world. It’s no contest. Bloop’s human family appears to be interracial, with a Black father, White mother, and mixed-race child.

Easy laughs.