Protector of Humans, Eater of Bugs

Binky the Space Cat
by Ashley Spires

Holy hairballs! This might be one of my most exciting discoveries in quite some time. There are three graphic novels in the Binky series, and a coworker handed me the third today when it came in with a batch of new books. She said I just had to see it. After reading the third book, I went in search of the first two, because really, how could I read the third and not go back to understand the origins of this little fuzz ball? So now I want to tell you about Binky the Space Cat.

Summary
As you might have guessed from the title, Binky is a space cat. However, this does not mean he lives in space or is from space or anything of that nature. No. Binky is a housecat who spends his days eating, napping, playing with his best friend, a mouse toy named Ted, and protecting his humans from aliens (aka, bugs -- he looked them up and saw they have a remarkable resemblance to aliens, so they must be the same). Binky has also never been outside, i.e. Outer Space. So when he finds a flier in his cat food bag advertising certification to become a space cat, he jumps on it! Once certified, Binky begins assembling a space ship that will allow him to travel safely in Outer Space (because without proper protection, he could choke, float away, or not get any oxygen). After much hard work, Binky's craft is complete, and he's ready to head for Outer Space. But he may have forgotten something important ...

Worth staying up past bedtime?
Rating: Up 'Till Dawn

I loved Binky so much that I may go home and look at cats available for adoption tonight! Seriously, if you or a youngster in your life enjoys cats, silliness, and graphic novels, go get this book! Binky is an adorable, pudgy little kit cat who has all the random quirks of our real life feline friends. He chases and eats bugs, err, aliens (the crunchy ones give him space gas), he likes to nap, cuddle, and knead, and he has the occasional hairball. The story is so silly, but Binky is very determined and thoughtful, which makes you cheer him on the whole way through. I loved the illustrations, which were simple yet expressive. Binky's movements are enhanced by simple descriptors that help the reader really feel the action (swooshes, padding feet, etc.), and his expressions and physical actions were hilarious. Binky is sure to please readers young and old!

Oh, and I'll be sure to tell you about the other Binky books soon!

Recommended for ages 8 and up.