Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun: Study Guide & Literary Devices

Introduction

Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too is a heartwarming tale penned by the multifaceted artist, author, and Twitter phenom, Jomny Sun. 🌟📚 Published in 2017, this unique book quickly captured the hearts of readers with its endearing illustrations and profound simplicity. Delving into genres of graphic novel, humor, and philosophical fiction, Sun’s work stands out for its ability to discuss complex themes like loneliness, friendship, and the search for belonging with charming simplicity and wit.

Contents

Jomny Sun, a Canadian author, illustrator, and screenwriter, brings his own experiences and insights into the narrative, making the book not just a story, but a reflection on the human condition. With a background in architecture, design, and engineering, Sun combines his diverse skill set to create a narrative that’s visually engaging and thought-provoking. The book’s genre is as unique as its content, blurring the lines between a children’s book and an adult philosophical treatise, all while maintaining a sense of accessibility and universality. 🌍💫

Through its alien protagonist’s journey, Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too offers a fresh perspective on our world, encouraging readers to find joy in connection and the beauty in our differences. Let’s embark on this interstellar journey of discovery and empathy together! 🚀💖

Plot Summary

Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too follows the story of Jomny, an alien (or “aliebn” as spelled in the book) sent to Earth to study humans. However, Jomny feels isolated and out of place, not just on Earth but among his own kind as well. This feeling of being an eternal outsider sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and connection.

Exposition — Jomny lands on Earth, feeling lonely and misunderstood. He is initially under the impression that he must find and study humans.

Rising Action — As Jomny explores Earth, he encounters various creatures, including a tree, a bear, an egg, and other beings. Each creature offers Jomny insights into life, love, creativity, and loneliness through their unique perspectives. These interactions are marked by moments of gentle humor, poignancy, and existential reflection.

Climax — The emotional peak occurs when Jomny realizes that understanding and connection do not come from observing or studying but from feeling and being with others. This revelation is deeply tied to his relationships with the characters he’s met, particularly a lonely tree that wants to create art.

Falling Action — Jomny begins to apply the lessons learned from his new friends, attempting to foster connections and understand his place in the world. This includes encouraging the tree to share its art and helping other creatures express their feelings and fears.

Resolution — Jomny no longer feels like an outsider. He understands that feeling like an “aliebn” is a universal experience, and it is through embracing our vulnerabilities and differences that we can find common ground and friendship. Jomny is ready to return to his planet, enriched by the knowledge that everyone feels alien at times, and it is our shared experiences that bring us together.

This plot beautifully encapsulates the essence of being and belonging, illustrating how our differences make life rich and worth exploring. Through a simple but profound narrative, Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too invites readers to see the world through the eyes of someone learning to find joy in connection and understanding in the unfamiliar.

Character Analysis

In “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too,” Jomny Sun introduces readers to a cast of characters that, while seemingly simplistic at first glance, offer profound insights into the human condition. Here’s a deeper look into the main characters:

Jomny — An alien sent to Earth to study humans, Jomny feels out of place both among his own kind and on Earth. His journey is one of self-discovery, where he learns about friendship, love, and the beauty in feeling different. His character development is central to the story, transitioning from an isolated observer to an empathetic friend who realizes that feeling like an outsider is a universal experience.
Tree — A lonely tree that wishes to create art, the Tree represents the fear of rejection and the desire for self-expression. Its friendship with Jomny helps it to overcome insecurities and share its creations, symbolizing the importance of encouragement and acceptance in fostering creativity.
Bear — The Bear introduces Jomny to the concept of love in its many forms. Its character embodies the idea that love is multifaceted and not limited to romantic relationships. The Bear’s wisdom helps Jomny (and readers) understand that love can be a powerful force for connection and understanding.
Egg — An egg waiting to hatch, it symbolizes potential and the uncertainty of the future. The Egg’s conversations with Jomny reflect the anxieties and hopes we all harbor about what lies ahead and the journey of becoming who we are meant to be.
Beaver — The Beaver, obsessed with productivity, represents the societal pressure to always be busy and the misconception that self-worth is tied to output. Through interactions with Jomny, the Beaver learns the value of slowing down and that it’s okay to not always have everything figured out.

Character Analysis Summary

Character	Personality	Motivations	Development
Jomny	Curious, isolated, empathetic	To study humans, find belonging	Learns the value of connection and acceptance
Tree	Lonely, creative	To express itself through art	Overcomes fear of rejection, shares art
Bear	Wise, loving	To teach Jomny about love	Helps Jomny understand love’s many forms
Egg	Anxious, hopeful	To hatch into its true self	Represents the journey of self-discovery
Beaver	Industrious, stressed	To be constantly productive	Learns the importance of taking breaks

These characters, each with their unique struggles and insights, contribute significantly to the book’s exploration of themes such as belonging, creativity, love, and the search for meaning. Through their interactions with Jomny, they not only help him grow but also offer readers reflections on their own lives and the universal journey of finding one’s place in the world.

Themes and Symbols

“Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” by Jomny Sun is rich with themes and symbols that resonate deeply with readers, exploring the intricacies of existence through its simplistic yet profound narrative.

Loneliness and Belonging — At its heart, the book delves into the universal feeling of loneliness and the innate desire for connection and belonging. Jomny, feeling isolated in a crowd and misunderstood by his own kind, embodies this search for a place and people to call home. This theme is a reminder that feeling “alien” is a shared human experience, bridging the gap between our individual existences.

Friendship and Love — Through Jomny’s interactions with the characters he meets, the book explores the various forms of love and friendship. Each character brings a unique perspective on connection, from the unconditional love of the Bear to the supportive companionship of the Tree. These relationships underscore the idea that love and friendship are not monolithic but multifaceted, capable of transforming our lives in myriad ways.

Creativity and Self-expression — The Tree’s desire to create art, despite fearing rejection, symbolizes the vulnerability and courage involved in self-expression. This theme highlights the importance of nurturing creativity and the transformative power of sharing one’s inner world with others. It’s a call to embrace our unique voices and the stories we have to tell.

Identity and Self-discovery — Jomny’s journey is also one of self-discovery, reflecting the broader human quest to understand oneself and one’s place in the universe. The characters he meets each contribute to his understanding of himself, mirroring the way our identities are shaped by our interactions and relationships with others.

The Nature of Life and Existence — Through its contemplative and often existential dialogue, the book touches upon philosophical questions about life, death, and the essence of existence. The Egg’s journey to hatching, the dying Tree, and Jomny’s reflections offer poignant insights into the cyclical nature of life and the beauty found in its transience.

Symbols:

The Alien (Jomny) — Represents the feeling of being an outsider, exploring themes of identity and the search for connection in a vast universe.
The Tree — Symbolizes growth, creativity, and the fear of judgment, highlighting the challenges and rewards of self-expression.
The Egg — Embodies potential, change, and the anxieties associated with the unknown future, illustrating the process of becoming and self-realization.

Together, these themes and symbols weave a rich tapestry that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of loneliness, love, creativity, and the ongoing journey of discovering who they are. Jomny Sun’s work serves as a gentle reminder of the commonalities that unite us in our human condition, encouraging empathy, understanding, and connection in a world that often feels alien.

Writing Style and Tone

Jomny Sun’s “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” is distinguished by its unique writing style and tone, which play a crucial role in conveying the book’s themes and enhancing its overall mood and atmosphere. Here’s a closer look at these aspects:

Writing Style:

Simplicity and Clarity — Sun’s writing style is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. The language is straightforward, yet it carries a profound depth that allows readers to easily engage with complex themes of love, loneliness, and existence.
Dialogues and Interactions — The narrative heavily relies on dialogues between Jomny and the creatures he meets. These interactions are presented in a way that feels both whimsical and insightful, making profound observations about life through seemingly simple conversations.
Illustrations — The text is complemented by Sun’s charming illustrations. These drawings are not just visual aids but integral to the storytelling, adding layers of meaning and emotion to the text. The interplay between words and images creates a unique narrative experience.

Tone:

Whimsical and Reflective — The tone of the book oscillates between whimsical humor and deep reflection. This balance creates an engaging reading experience that can evoke laughter one moment and contemplation the next.
Empathetic and Inclusive — There’s an overarching tone of empathy and inclusiveness throughout the book. Sun’s approachable writing invites readers of all ages and backgrounds to find a piece of themselves within the story.
Optimistic — Despite exploring themes of loneliness and existential dread, the book maintains an optimistic outlook on life. It suggests that connection, understanding, and love are attainable and worth striving for, offering a hopeful perspective on human existence.

These stylistic and tonal choices contribute significantly to the book’s ability to connect with readers. The simplicity of Sun’s writing belies the depth of its insights, making complex ideas accessible and relatable. The whimsical tone, combined with poignant reflections on life, creates a narrative that is both light-hearted and deeply meaningful. Through this unique combination, “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” invites readers to look at the world with wonder and empathy, encouraging a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Literary Devices used in Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too

Jomny Sun’s “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” employs a range of literary devices that enhance the narrative’s depth and enrich the reader’s experience. Here are the top 10 devices used throughout the book:

Metaphor — Sun uses metaphors extensively to draw parallels between the alien’s experiences and the human condition. The entire narrative acts as a metaphor for feeling out of place and the search for belonging in a vast, often indifferent universe.
Personification — The author gives human characteristics to animals, objects, and concepts, such as a tree that wants to create art and a beaver concerned about productivity. This device deepens the exploration of themes like creativity, identity, and societal pressures.
Irony — Irony is present in the contrast between the alien’s mission to learn about humans and his actual learning about life through non-human entities. This irony underscores the idea that understanding and connection can come from unexpected sources.
Simplicity — While not traditionally categorized as a literary device, the deliberate use of simple language and illustrations to convey complex ideas is a key stylistic choice. This simplicity makes profound ideas accessible and impactful.
Repetition — The repetition of certain ideas and phrases, such as feeling like an “aliebn,” reinforces the themes of loneliness and the universal search for connection.
Imagery — Sun’s text and illustrations work together to create vivid imagery that brings the narrative to life. This imagery engages the reader’s senses and emotions, making the alien’s journey and discoveries more relatable.
Juxtaposition — Juxtaposing the alien’s naivety with the wisdom of Earth’s creatures highlights the diversity of perspectives and experiences that enrich our understanding of life.
Symbolism — Various elements in the story serve as symbols, from the alien himself (symbolizing the outsider) to the tree (symbolizing growth, creativity, and vulnerability).
Allegory — The book can be read as an allegory for the human experience, with each character and their story representing different aspects of life, such as love, creativity, and the fear of the unknown.
Alliteration — Used sparingly, alliteration adds a lyrical quality to the text, enhancing its readability and engaging the reader’s auditory senses.

These literary devices are woven seamlessly into the narrative, each serving to deepen the reader’s engagement with the text and enrich the thematic exploration of connection, creativity, and the essence of being human. Through these techniques, Sun crafts a story that is both whimsically entertaining and profoundly moving, inviting readers to reflect on their own place in the world.

Literary Devices Examples

For each of the top 10 literary devices identified in “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” by Jomny Sun, here are three examples and explanations:

Metaphor

Jomny as an alien — Represents anyone who feels out of place or misunderstood, illustrating the universal experience of searching for belonging.
The Tree’s desire to make art — Symbolizes the human need for self-expression and the fear of not being accepted or understood.
Earth’s creatures teaching Jomny about life — Acts as a metaphor for the idea that wisdom and understanding often come from unexpected sources.

Personification

The Tree — Given the desire to create art, representing fears of rejection and the longing for self-expression.
The Egg’s anxiety about the future — Embodies the universal fear of the unknown and the journey toward self-discovery.
The Beaver’s obsession with productivity — Highlights societal pressures to always be busy and the misconception that worth is tied to output.

Irony

Jomny’s mission to study humans — Finds true wisdom in conversations with non-human entities, ironically underscoring the depth of non-human perspectives on life.
The Tree’s fear of showing its art — Ironically, it’s through its vulnerability that it connects most deeply with Jomny and the reader.
The Beaver’s productivity — Believes in constant work as a measure of value, but it’s his moments of rest and connection that are most fulfilling.

Simplicity

Use of simple language — Complex themes are presented in a straightforward manner, making profound ideas accessible.
Illustrations — Simple drawings enrich the narrative, providing depth and emotion to the story without complicated visuals.
Character dialogues — The straightforward and naive questions Jomny asks reveal deep insights, showcasing the power of simplicity in uncovering truth.

Repetition

“Everyone’s an aliebn” phrase — Repeated to emphasize the commonality of feeling out of place.
Jomny’s consistent misunderstanding — Highlights the theme of learning and the continuous quest for knowledge and connection.
The recurring theme of love — Its various forms are explored through repetitive encounters, reinforcing its complexity and ubiquity.

Imagery

The desolate landscape Jomny first encounters — Evokes a sense of isolation and the vastness of the universe.
The colorful depiction of the Tree’s art — Visualizes the beauty and vulnerability of sharing one’s inner world.
The Egg’s surroundings — Creates anticipation and symbolizes the potential for change and growth.

Juxtaposition

Jomny’s alien perspective vs. Earth creatures’ wisdom — Highlights the value of diverse experiences and viewpoints.
The hustle of the Beaver vs. the contemplative Tree — Contrasts different approaches to life and the importance of balance.
Loneliness vs. connection moments — Underlines the transformational power of finding companionship and understanding.

Symbolism

The Alien (Jomny) — A symbol for anyone feeling disconnected or in search of meaning.
The Tree — Represents growth, creativity, and the bravery required to share one’s true self.
The Egg — A symbol of potential, transformation, and the anxieties associated with coming into one’s own.

Allegory

Jomny’s journey — An allegory for the human experience, emphasizing growth, understanding, and the search for belonging.
The creatures Jomny meets — Each character allegorically represents different facets of life, from creativity to love to existential angst.
The landscape — The settings in which Jomny finds himself can be seen as allegorical backdrops representing various stages of life and emotional states.

Alliteration

“Big, bright bear” — Adds a playful tone when Jomny describes one of his encounters, enhancing the narrative’s whimsical quality.
“Silent, serene solitude” — Conveys the peaceful yet isolating feeling of Jomny’s initial experience on Earth.
“Fearfully, furtively forest” — Captures the apprehensive curiosity with which Jomny explores his new environment.

These examples illustrate how Jomny Sun skillfully employs literary devices to weave a narrative that is both engaging and profound, inviting readers to delve into a world where simplicity reveals complexity, and the journey of an alien becomes a mirror reflecting the universal human quest for connection, understanding, and belonging.

Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too – FAQs

What is the main theme of Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too?

The main theme revolves around loneliness, belonging, and the journey of self-discovery. Through its narrative and characters, the book explores how feeling out of place can lead to profound connections and understanding, highlighting the universal nature of these experiences.

Who is the target audience for Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too?

While the book’s simple language and illustrations may appeal to children, its themes of existentialism, creativity, and the essence of human experience resonate with adults as well. It’s a cross-generational read that offers insights and reflections for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

How does the author, Jomny Sun, use illustrations in the book?

Sun uses illustrations not just as visual accompaniments to the text but as integral parts of the storytelling. The drawings add depth to the characters and themes, convey emotions, and often include symbolic elements that enhance the reader’s understanding of the narrative.

What literary devices are prominent in Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too?

Metaphor, personification, irony, simplicity, repetition, imagery, juxtaposition, symbolism, allegory, and alliteration are all used effectively throughout the book. These devices enrich the narrative, adding layers of meaning and facilitating a deeper connection with the reader.

Can Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too be considered a children’s book?

While it can be read by children for its illustrations and surface-level story, the book’s underlying themes and philosophical inquiries about life, love, and belonging make it equally, if not more, suited for adult readers. Its universal appeal lies in the simplicity with which it addresses complex emotions and existential questions.

What is the significance of the book’s title?

The title reflects the core message of the book: that feeling like an “alien” or an outsider is a universal experience. It underscores the idea that everyone, at some point, struggles with feelings of not belonging and that this commonality can be a source of connection and understanding.

How does Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too address the concept of identity?

Through Jomny’s interactions with Earth’s inhabitants, the book delves into the fluidity of identity and the importance of empathy and connection in understanding oneself and others. It suggests that identity is shaped through relationships and experiences, emphasizing the journey of self-discovery as an ongoing process.

These FAQs provide a starting point for students and readers seeking to explore the layers of meaning in “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too,” offering insights into its themes, stylistic choices, and the universal appeal of Jomny Sun’s work.

Quiz

Question	A	B	C	D
What is Jomny, the main character, sent to Earth to do?	Study plants	Make friends	Study humans	Find a new home
Which character teaches Jomny about the concept of love?	The Tree	The Bear	The Egg	The Beaver
What does the Tree wish to do but is afraid of?	Move to another forest	Create art	Learn to dance	Speak to humans
How does Jomny initially feel upon arriving on Earth?	Excited	Confused	Lonely	Aggressive
What major theme does the book explore through its narrative and characters?	Time travel	Technological advancements	Loneliness and belonging	Space exploration
Which literary device is prominently used to give life to non-human characters?	Hyperbole	Metaphor	Simile	Personification
What does the Egg symbolize in the story?	The danger of curiosity	The fragility of life	The uncertainty of the future	The importance of nutrition
How does the book’s title reflect its central message?	It highlights the beauty of space.	It shows the importance of studying aliens.	It suggests that feeling out of place is universal.	It underscores the need for space exploration.
What lesson does the Beaver learn from Jomny?	The value of hard work	The importance of taking breaks and connecting with others	How to build a dam	The best way to collect wood
Which character represents societal pressures to always be busy and productive?	The Bear	The Tree	The Egg	The Beaver

This quiz is designed to test comprehension of “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” by Jomny Sun, focusing on the main events, characters, themes, and literary devices explored in the book. It encourages reflection on the story’s deeper messages and the ways in which it connects with the reader’s own experiences of loneliness, creativity, and the search for belonging.

Exercise

Identify the Literary Devices Used in the Following Paragraph:

“In the quiet of the forest, Jomny, an aliebn, sat contemplating the stars. The trees whispered secrets of the universe, their leaves rustling with the knowledge of ages. Jomny felt a kinship with these towering beings, their roots deeply embedded in the earth, yet reaching for the sky. It was a moment of profound connection, a realization that even as an outsider, he was not alone in his quest for understanding.”

Answers:

Personification: “The trees whispered secrets of the universe, their leaves rustling with the knowledge of ages.” – The trees are given human-like abilities to whisper secrets and possess knowledge.
Imagery: “In the quiet of the forest, Jomny, an aliebn, sat contemplating the stars.” – This sentence uses vivid descriptions to create a mental image of the setting and Jomny’s actions.
Metaphor: “Jomny felt a kinship with these towering beings, their roots deeply embedded in the earth, yet reaching for the sky.” – This metaphor compares the trees to beings with whom Jomny feels a connection, highlighting the depth of his realization about belonging and understanding.
Symbolism: “The trees… their roots deeply embedded in the earth, yet reaching for the sky.” – The trees symbolize stability and aspiration, embodying the balance between being grounded and exploring the unknown.

This exercise aims to enhance understanding of literary devices and their use in conveying themes, emotions, and deeper meanings within “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” by Jomny Sun. Recognizing these devices enriches the reading experience and deepens comprehension of the text’s layers.