Sanity & Tallulah Series, Book 1

Starred review from September 17, 2018
Two brilliant girls, a whole lot of a science, and a failing space station feature in a series opener with a good balance of wit and action. Sanity and Tallulah’s inquisitiveness may be the literal ruin of their families and their entire space station: Sanity uses unstable, obsolete technology to engineer and feed a white three-headed cat, Princess Sparkle, Destroyer of Worlds (a name dedicated to each of her heads), and Tallulah has aided and abetted. The feline escapes soon after, just as people report strange occurrences—a murdered animal, power outages, and chewed wires—throughout the station. Racing to find their cat while avoiding parents and crew members, they stumble upon a much bigger problem that could jeopardize everyone on the ship. But who will believe that it’s not their missing pet? Within a trichromatic color scheme in shades of purple and pink with white, line work renders characters and situations close up against the massive station, offering the adventure an intimate feel. Debut author Brooks’s inclusive vision of strong and diverse women engaged in science, variously abled bodies navigating the challenges of space, and positive family relationships is both enjoyable and commendable. Ages 8–12. Agent: Heather Alexander, Pippin Properties.

September 1, 2018

Gr 3-6-Tweens Sanity Jones and Tallulah Vega are best friends who live on the space station Wilnik and spend their time causing mischief. When Sanity, a gifted scientist, creates a three-headed kitten named Princess Sparkle, Destroyer of Worlds without permission and Tallulah helps cover it up, their parents are none too happy. Even worse, the kitten escapes and their space station begins to break down, possibly as a result of their furry friend wreaking havoc on the ship's already run-down interior. Sanity and Tallulah are relatable and well rounded, with an equally strong supporting cast filled with diverse characters. The plot moves quickly, and the high jinks will grab readers' attention. The muted palette of blues and reds works well for the outer space setting, and the artwork is clean, engaging, and easy to follow. Happily, the ending promises more shenanigans with the duo. VERDICT Fans of fast-paced sci-fi graphic novels such as Zita the Spacegirl, as well as readers interested in humor, will be drawn to the plucky pair.-Ellen Conlin, Naperville Public Library, IL

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