Invasion of the Relatives

In Alexander Stadler's humorous chapter book, "Invasion of the Relatives," young Julian Rodriguez copes with the chaos of an extended family holiday visit by transforming it into an epic space battle in his imagination. As First Officer Julian, he navigates the "genetically linked minibrains" (his relatives) and their "unhygienic festivities" with wit and resilience. This book is perfect for children aged 4-11 who might feel overwhelmed by family gatherings, offering a relatable and funny perspective on managing big emotions and finding an escape through creativity. It normalizes the feeling of frustration with relatives while celebrating the power of a child's inner world.

First Officer Julian Rodriguez, imaginary space warrior, must endure the odious and unhygienic festivities of genetically linked minibrains when members of his extended family visit over the holidays.