Little green men. City-destroying monsters. Ominous humanoids with ill intent.

That's the dark side of space visitation often portrayed in books and film, but extraterrestrial contact needn't always be violent and scary. Sometimes alien encounters can bring us earthlings a positive message that really needs to be heard.

Devi Fournier, of Coeur d'Alene, has penned a children's book that features one of those enlightening space visitors.

Fournier will launch the sales of the book, "Peace Polly from Pluto," on Wednesday, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Human Rights Education Institute.

She will be on hand to sign books and discuss her inspiration and writing process.

Proceeds from sales of the book will benefit an anti-bullying program at the Human Rights Education Institute, in collaboration with the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. The book will be available for sale at the institute, as well as online and at area bookstores, such as Hastings.

Intended for elementary-age readers, the book tells the story of Penelope, a young girl from Earth who befriends a child from another world. Penelope soon learns that there are many unique things about her new friend, Polly, but it is within her highly unusual teeth - which are actually mirrored - where Penelope finds the most meaningful lessons of all.

The book was illustrated by Ryan Hamm, a student just finishing the eighth grade at Lakes Magnet Middle School in Coeur d'Alene.

Tony Stewart, retired political science professor from North Idaho College, recommended the book, calling it "a powerful story to promote understanding, kindness and peace in a world in great need of civility."

A former journalist, Fournier was also the founder and co-publisher of Exceed Magazine for teens in Salt Lake City. She is the author of the novel "The Gift Exchange;" the creator and designer of the Love & Peace Notes accessory line; and a member of the Coeur d'Alene School District's Anti-Bullying Task Force.

Hamm has received numerous art awards, including Best of Show for three consecutive years in the Idaho State Duck Stamp Competition, first place in the middle-school category Hayden Library Teen Film Festival and first place in the Panhandle Autism Society Walk-a-thon T-shirt design. Hamm will attend Lake City High School as a freshman in the fall.

The Human Rights Education Institute is located at 414 W. Mullan Road in Coeur d'Alene, at the eastern edge of City Park.