Binky the Space Cat written and illustrated by Ashley Spires. Kids Can Press, 2009. ISBN 978-1-55-453419-7
Summary: Binky is a space cat. Except that he is not. He is a house cat who has never gone outside, but is convinced that everything out there is Outer Space, and that he and his human family are living in a space station. His mission is to protect them from aliens, which we humans would recognize as bugs.
One day, while rooting around in the bottom of his cat food bag, he discovers an invitation to join F.U.R.S.T (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel) and become a Certified Space Cat.
Binky begins extensive training to better protect his family from the alien threat, while simultaneously preparing for his dream mission of blasting off into uncharted space territory by constructing a spaceship. The spaceship will hold Binky and his stuffed mouse friend, Ted.
As liftoff nears, Binky begins to worry that his human family will be left defenseless if he and Ted blast off into the stars. What will this Certified Space Cat decide to do?
This title is the first in a five volume series, with each detailing the further amazingly silly adventures of this imaginative kitty.
Critical Evaluation: With a manageable number of panels per page, as well as an easily read typeface and font size, Binky provides an introduction to the world of comics for children making the shift from beginning readers to chapter books.
Instead of balloons of text, the narrative is overwhelmingly depicted in rectangular boxes at the top or bottom of each panel. This, along with the uncluttered style, allows young readers to more easily follow the story line as it progresses from one illustration to the next.
The illustrations are mainly colored with black, white, gray and tan, with the occasional splash of red, pink, yellow, and orange. While this may sound dull, the subtle palette actually allows Binky and his fellow animal friends to stand out from their surroundings.
Spires' narrative style is full of dry humor and absurd situations that many children will appreciate. The author has also included a running stream of sound effects that, as they are vocalized by the reader, will add an additional dimension to Binky's world.
For reluctant readers, animal lovers, or children who enjoy general wackiness, Binky is a sure-fire hit.
Age or Interest Level: Ages 5 to 8
Lexile Level: 740L
Awards: Silver Birch Express, Ontario Library Association; 2010 Best Books for Kids & Teens, Starred Selection, Canadian Children's Book Centre; 2010 Hackmatack Award; 2010 Comics for Kids Award, Joe Shuster Awards, Short-listed
Why Included? This book is worth reading if only because of Binky's appearance. His black and white patterning, facial expressions, and ears that constantly reposition themselves to reflect his inner mood are a hoot!