(2) 1-3 The First Cat in Space series. Illustrated by Shawn Harris. Following The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza (rev. 7/22) is an elaborate and emotionally sincere graphic novel that fortunately retains much of the oddball absurdity of its predecessor. This space-Western whodunit sees the return of the series' heroic trio: stoic First Cat, courageous Moon Queen, and reputable robot Loz 4000; however, the friend group finds itself fractured due to the pint-sized droid's self-assigned exile for an honest mistake. After the queen's soup is mysteriously poisoned, she has only twenty-four hours to obtain lifesaving "golden glumpfoozles" (a.k.a. yellow apples). Joined by First Cat, Her Majesty's episodic lunar adventure is rife with near-constant twists, danger, and subterfuge. Loz 4000 faces peril as well, including unjust imprisonment with a baby pirate, but it's through this relationship that Loz learns to overcome feelings of self-doubt to be the hero that the story needs. Thoughtful plotting, revealing flashbacks, and strong continuity result in a remarkably cogent caper that improves upon re-reading. Harris's lively pencil and charcoal cartooning perfectly pairs with the humorous storytelling and at times experiments with unconventional panel layouts, green monochrome monitor imagery, and expressive shifts in digital color to effectually convey mood, meaning, and setting. Extras include First Cat Fan Club info and a one-page comic announcement: "There's going to be a book 3!"

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Runners series. Having survived an initial alien attack in The Moon Platoon, Benny and his companions are stranded at the Lunar Taj with no Earth-bound communications. When a rogue scientist seizes control of the Taj to exterminate the aliens, Benny struggles to find a peaceful solution and preserve both species. Despite the familiar invasion scenario, thrilling action and a compassionate hero will please sci-fi fans.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Cloverleaf Books: Space Adventures series. Illustrated by Mike Moran. This series combines bright, cartoony illustrations with slight framing stories both imaginative and fact-filled. In each title, a child narrates his or her imagined outer space adventure, including astronomical facts about the destination. The illustrations depict diverse characters of both genders. While contrived, the series' balance of science with fantasy is successful enough. Each book includes a simple activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cloverleaf books: Space Adventures titles: To Mars!, To Planet Earth!, To the Stars!, To the Moon!, and To the Sun!.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) K-3 Cloverleaf Books: Space Adventures series. Illustrated by Paula Becker. This series combines bright, cartoony illustrations with slight framing stories both imaginative and fact-filled. In each title, a child narrates his or her imagined outer space adventure, including astronomical facts about the destination. The illustrations depict diverse characters of both genders. While contrived, the series' balance of science with fantasy is successful enough. Each book includes a simple activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cloverleaf books: Space Adventures titles: To Mars!, To Planet Earth!, To the Stars!, To the Moon!, and To the Sun!.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) K-3 Cloverleaf Books: Space Adventures series. Illustrated by Mike Moran. This series combines bright, cartoony illustrations with slight framing stories both imaginative and fact-filled. In each title, a child narrates his or her imagined outer space adventure, including astronomical facts about the destination. The illustrations depict diverse characters of both genders. While contrived, the series' balance of science with fantasy is successful enough. Each book includes a simple activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cloverleaf books: Space Adventures titles: To Mars!, To Planet Earth!, To the Stars!, To the Moon!, and To the Sun!.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Space Discovery Guides series. These are informative accounts of the people and technologies of space exploration and objects of their study. Numerous recent examples along with historical details explain topics such as space junk, spacecraft missions, and private companies pursuing space tourism. Helpful diagrams and good captioned photographs of scientific work on Earth and in space are included. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Space Discovery Guides titles: Astronauts, Garbage in Space, Private Space Travel, Pluto, and Mars Missions.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Space Discovery Guides series. These are informative accounts of the people and technologies of space exploration and objects of their study. Numerous recent examples along with historical details explain topics such as space junk, spacecraft missions, and private companies pursuing space tourism. Helpful diagrams and good captioned photographs of scientific work on Earth and in space are included. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Space Discovery Guides titles: Astronauts, Garbage in Space, Private Space Travel, Pluto, and Mars Missions.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Space Discovery Guides series. These are informative accounts of the people and technologies of space exploration and objects of their study. Numerous recent examples along with historical details explain topics such as space junk, spacecraft missions, and private companies pursuing space tourism. Helpful diagrams and good captioned photographs of scientific work on Earth and in space are included. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Space Discovery Guides titles: Astronauts, Garbage in Space, Private Space Travel, Pluto, and Mars Missions.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford