The second Tuesday of February is officially known as Extraterrestrial Culture Day in New Mexico.  In 2003, the state legislature passed a memorial to acknowledge the Roswell UFO Incident of 1947, which has drawn the world's eye to New Mexico and unexplained mysteries.  It is a day "to celebrate and honor all past, present and future extraterrestrial visitors in ways to enhance relationships among all citizens of the cosmos, known and unknown."  This year, Extraterrestrial Culture Day falls on Tuesday, February 12, 2013.  Do you think it's a coincidence that the newest animated alien movie, Escape from Planet Earth, is coming to the big screen on the same week?  Uh-oh.  I smell a conspiracy theory.

The best way to celebrate this holiday is to soak up some alien culture.  I challenge you to read at least one of these books and watch one of these movies.  If you do, we will be eternally grateful.  (Did you catch that Toy Story reference?  How could you miss it?  Didn't you see the picture above this blog?)
PICTURE BOOKS
Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
The Boy Who Cried Alien by Marilyn Singer
Company's Coming by Arthur Yorinks
Even Aliens Need Snacks by Matthew McElligott
Goldilocks and the Three Martians by Stu Smith
Krong! by Garry Parsons
Smile if You're Human by Neal Layton
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara

FICTION
Alien Feast by Michael Simmons
Aliens on Vacation by Clete Barrett Smith (#1)
Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies by Andrea Beaty
Can of Worms by Kathy Mackel
Galaxy Games: The Challengers by Greg R. Fishbone
Invasion of the Dog Nappers by Patrick Jennings
My Cousin, the Alien by Pamela F. Service (#1)
My Teacher Is an Alien by Bruce Coville (#1)
The Resisters by Eric Nylund (#1)
Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka (#1)
You Can't Have My Planet, But Take My Brother, Please by James Mihaley
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex

NONFICTION
Alien Abductions by Michael Martin
Aliens and UFOs by John Hawkins
Area 51 by Gail B. Stewart
Invaders from Outer Space: Real-Life Stories of UFOs by Philip Brooks
The Kids' Guide to Aliens by Barbara J. Davis
UFOs by John Duncan
UFOs: What Scientists Say May Shock You! by N. B. Grace
What Really Happened in Roswell?: Just the Facts (Plus the Rumors) about UFOs and Aliens by Kathleen Krull

MOVIES
Alf, Season One
Chicken Little
E.T., the Extraterrestrial
Flight of the Navigator
Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius
Lilo & Stitch
MAC and Me
Mars Needs Moms
Monsters Vs Aliens
Planet 51
Race to Witch Mountain
The Sarah Jane Adventures, Season One
Space Jam
Spaced Invaders