Sparks!

*Starred Review* An intelligent litter box is the narrator of this madcap pet adventure starring two hero cats in a dog costume, but don't brush it off as just more juvenile potty humor (though, to be honest, there's some of that, too). In between manic kitty antics rescuing a family from a burning building and supercharging a school bus engine to flee an approaching tornado! there's a generous helping of emotional depth. The two feline protagonists, Charlie and August, met while escaping the lab of Princess, an alien (disguised as an adorable baby) hell-bent on world domination, and they have some emotional baggage. Supergenius August is terrified of going outside, since that's where she was captured; Speedy dog-suit pilot Charlie just wants some recognition for their heroism. When their personalities clash, their demise seems inevitable or is it? Boothby's background as a comedy writer shows in the tight timing, clever banter, and over-the-top dialogue, while Matsumoto's archly funny cartoons buoyant, colorful artwork filled with speedy action, riotous sight gags, and animated character designs perfectly complement the script. Ideal for elementary-school readers, this is a natural choice for anyone who loved Dav Pilkey's Dog Man series or Drew Brockington's CatStronauts books.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2018 Booklist

Cats August and Charlie escape from a medical-testing laboratory and together embark on a superhero mission...from inside a robotic dog suit constructed by brains-of-the-operation August and piloted by Charlie. With a cry of "CANINE CONFIGURATION COMMENCE," the cat-heroes take on a despotic baby plotting to conquer Earth. With bright colors, dynamic panels, a wacky sci-fi plot, and lovable animal characters, this graphic novel should engage young readers. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.