Binky to the Rescue (Binky #2)

Who doesn't love a cat comic? Although Binky thinks he's a space cat (as seen in his previous book) and his home a space station, his actions are very recognizable as classic feline. He chases bugs, jumps on the furniture, and generally makes a mess of things. He doesn't talk, though; much of this comic is narrated through captions, which express his motivations and feelings. In this case, he's stunned when he accidentally falls out a window into "outer space" and tangles with a hive of bees. Unfortunately, Binky's stuffed mouse toy, Ted, also falls into the garden, and the second half of the book follows Binky's attempts to rescue his friend. Although Binky's drawn movements are catlike, his creativity matches that of an imaginative child, providing more points of identification and amusement. Spires's skilled cartooning makes this easy to read and follow, with clear actions supporting a silly, outrageous story. Ages 710. (Sept.) Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 1-4--When Binky the space cat and Ted, his stuffed mouse, fall out of the window and find themselves adrift in outer space (the backyard), the cat has to rely on his training to combat the aliens (bees and spiders) and to get himself home again. Although the feline returns safely, his trusty cohort has been left behind and Binky must brave the unexpected again. The text is cleverly written, and the jokes are appealing to young readers. From Binky's inner monologue about the motives of his humans to his excessive habit of munching on cat crunchies and releasing a discreet "pooot," he is funny. As with Binky the Space Cat (Kids Can, 2009), the graphic-novel layout is simple and easy to follow. Spires changes the number of panels and frames per page and includes full-page layouts. The watercolor illustrations are a perfect medium to capture Binky's changing expressions, allowing readers to understand his emotions even without reading the text. A great choice for beginning chapter-book readers or an introduction to graphic novels, this one's a winner in both quality and appeal.--Catherine Brenner, Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A great choice for beginning chapter-book readers or an introduction to graphic novels, this one's a winner in both quality and appeal.—School Library Journal