Binky to the Rescue

September 6, 2010
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 7–10.

Starred review from August 1, 2010

Intrepid Space Cat Binky returns with another thrilling and dangerous adventure! While keeping his humans safe from invading aliens (i.e., insects), Binky falls from a window into OUTER SPACE! (aka the backyard). Thank goodness he has his Space Cat Exploration Kit, and he industriously takes notes on alien life until he discovers that his companion Ted (his purple mousie) fell into outer space with him. Just as he plans a rescue, wasps attack and Binky's humans pull him inside...now Binky must escape the house to save poor Ted from evil alien stingers, but his humans won't let him out! Good thing Space Cat Binky is now schooled in the ways of alien beasts. Spires's second tale of (melo-) dramatic derring-do featuring her pudgy hero-in-his-own-mind Space Cat Binky is as much of a hoot as the first. Binky flinging ear swabs like surikens at an invading fly, painting himself to blend in with the wallpaper...priceless. The muted palette and variety of panel shapes, sound effects, expressive characters and deadpan humor work in perfect rib-tickling harmony. (Graphic fiction. 7-10) 

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

November 1, 2010

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.

October 15, 2010
Grades 2-4 In his second adventure, official certified space cat Binky falls through a space station porthole (the bathroom window) and lands in outer space (outside). His humans save him, but his stuffed mouse, Ted, gets left behind. Kids will laugh at Binkys antics as he tries to use alien tactics (acting like a bug) to sneak back outside and rescue Ted. Spires offers just the right combination of cute cat drawings, a silly plot, and fart jokes to appeal to her audience. A slightly open ending will leave readers eagerly awaiting more Binky graphic novels.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)