Review: Binky Takes Charge

The Fourth Binky Adventure
By Ashley Spires
Available now from Kids Can Press
Review copy

Binky the Space Cat is a Space Certified Lieutenant and ready to teach other members of F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel) how to survive space and alien attacks.  But F.U.R.S.T. has integrated and Binky's first pupil is a puppy.  How disatrous!

BINKY TAKES CHARGE is a cute and funny children's graphic novel.  I haven't read any of the earlier adventures, but I had no trouble following the action.  It also meant that I got to be surprised when the central conceit was revealed at the end.

Ashley Spires' illustrations are quite charming and add to the humor of the story.  But there's a nice lesson too, about accepting people who are different from you and who might have different strengths.  And it's definitely not too preachy when delivered through the antics of a couple of Space Cats and a Space Cadet puppy.

BINKY TAKES CHARGE is a good choice for young readers (or young listeners) who like animals - which is almost every kid I know.  Fans of this series might also enjoy CHI'S SWEET HOME and FLUFFY FLUFFY CINNAMONROLL.