Binky the Space Cat

Binky is a housecat with a purpose: to build a rocket ship, explore outer space, and protect his humans from alien domination. So what if outer space is the world outside his front door, or that the aliens Binky battles are actually bugs? He's a cat with a dream and only the thought of leaving his humans behind will keep Binky from his meeting with destiny. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations in this graphic novel perfectly capture idiosyncratic feline behaviors, and readers will instantly recognize the truth in Binky's perception of reality and appreciate the humor. The panels don't stick to a standard grid, keeping the pages from becoming too static, and are easy to follow so children new to the graphic format should have no trouble making sense of the story. With plenty of visual gags and a cute hero, this book is perfect for kids who are transitioning from easy readers to early chapter books, while the dry humor will also keep stronger readers engaged.--Volin, Eva Copyright 2009 Booklist

Gr 1-4-The humor in this graphic novel hits every note: there are pratfalls and funny expressions, but readers will also appreciate the author's dry wit as a sheltered housecat trains for his big adventure in outer space. Binky, who thinks insects are aliens because they have big eyes and can fly, builds a rocket ship in his litter box out of household items, but then decides that he cannot abandon his beloved humans. Loads of onomatopoeia but relatively little text on each page make this a satisfying choice for early-chapter-book readers. Page layouts are varied yet consistently easy to follow. A palette of rich grays with accents of brighter colors gives the book a sophisticated look. Sweet and clever, and for those kids who disdain sweet and clever, there is also farting.-Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Pudgy black-and-white kitty Binky lives on a space station, where, like any good member of F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), he protects his two humans from aliens. Binky's humans call the aliens "bugs," and the space station resembles a house in the suburbs, but Binky is dedicated nonetheless. He's so committed that while collecting parts to build his rocket ship, he trains hard. He trains on the flight simulator (ceiling fan). He trains in the zero-gravity chamber (clothes drier). When his rocket is complete, the countdown startsbut he's forgotten to make room for his humans! What's a space cat to do? Spires's mix of sly, dry and slapstick humor in her first graphic novel is perfect. Binky's imaginings are differentiated from his actual life by the borders of the panels, and the solemn narration leaves lots of room for ironic contrast with the images. Details in the muted watercolor illustrations, like mousie Ted covering his nose as Binky releases "space gas," will keep readers of all ages giggling, whether they're cat lovers or not. (Graphic fiction. 6-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Binky is a housecat with a purpose: to build a rocket ship, explore outer space, and protect his humans from alien domination. So what if outer space is the world outside his front door, or that the aliens Binky battles are actually bugs? He's a cat with a dream and only the thought of leaving his humans behind will keep Binky from his meeting with destiny. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations in this graphic novel perfectly capture idiosyncratic feline behaviors, and readers will instantly recognize the truth in Binky's perception of reality and appreciate the humor. The panels don't stick to a standard grid, keeping the pages from becoming too static, and are easy to follow so children new to the graphic format should have no trouble making sense of the story. With plenty of visual gags and a cute hero, this book is perfect for kids who are transitioning from easy readers to early chapter books, while the dry humor will also keep stronger readers engaged. Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.

Gr 1-4–The humor in this graphic novel hits every note: there are pratfalls and funny expressions, but readers will also appreciate the author's dry wit as a sheltered housecat trains for his big adventure in outer space. Binky, who thinks insects are aliens because they have big eyes and can fly, builds a rocket ship in his litter box out of household items, but then decides that he cannot abandon his beloved humans. Loads of onomatopoeia but relatively little text on each page make this a satisfying choice for early-chapter-book readers. Page layouts are varied yet consistently easy to follow. A palette of rich grays with accents of brighter colors gives the book a sophisticated look. Sweet and clever, and for those kids who disdain sweet and clever, there is also farting.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD