Binky the Space Cat, star of this junior graphic novel series, has been
assigned an important mission: to train a new space cadet recruit. But
when the youngster named Gordon shows up at Binky's house, he's not the
kitten Binky expected. In fact, he's not a kitten at all. He's a dog!
Because of a new diversity program, dogs are now allowed into P.U.R.S.T.
--- Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel (formerly Felines of the
Universe Ready for Space Travel). Ever dutiful, Binky and his colleague
Gracie give it their best effort to train him, but Gordon just seems too
simpleminded to be up to the task. It's not until they've nearly given
up in exasperation that the two cats learn the surprising truth about
Gordon --- he's not the dimwitted dog they thought he was!
Author-illustrator Ashley Spires has created a hilarious premise for
this unique series. The artwork, with its limited palette of soft
neutral colors, keeps the focus on the animals' antics. The dialogue is
mainly in cat- or dog-speak ("roooph!"), but Spires also includes many
other sound effects (including "pssssssss" for peeing and "poot" for gas
passing). This book is clever and funny, with lots of action, melodrama
and laugh-out-loud physical comedy, making it enormously appealing to
emerging readers. In addition, the inclusion of the topic of diversity
here provides an opportunity for classroom discussions about differences
and our expectations about others. The book also speaks to the character
education concepts of initiative, responsibility and teamwork.