Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Even if readers aren't familiar with the Canadian cartoon that spawned this series, these books will immediately draw them in with clever art and storytelling. The opening pages features a double page map of "The Universe According to Binky," breaking down each room in the home and adding character descriptions through the eyes of the obviously ridiculous house pet protagonist. The hilarious narrative makes for a good read-aloud, while still sneaking in educational content. Whether it's teaching the caterpillar life cycle as Binky panics over the changing "alien" in his backyard, or the importance of friendship as Binky's stuffed mouse is left outside, er, in "outer space," readers will walk away with new educational or emotional knowledge. VERDICT An incredibly fun series that hits the sweet spot for kids who are ready to progress past picture books to reading on their own, but still need something visually entertaining with simple words.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Agent Binky, a self-appointed Space Cat, undertakes another well-meaning but ludicrous mission. Don't be fooled by appearances--Binky isn't your average suburban feline. He's part of P.U.R.S.T. (Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), a group of animals sworn to protect earthlings from extraterrestrial interlopers. As the book opens, we find Binky cuddling his beloved stuffed mouse, Ted, and reveling in tummy tickles and butt scratches from his loving, tan-skinned human family. Bliss is brief: "Citrus likealotus. Code name: Fruit Fly" soon invades. Springing into action, Binky carefully places Ted against a screen door--just steps from a banana peel--and begins to chase the "alien" fly. Surprise! Binky slips, launching himself and the screen into "outer space" (the backyard). The cat is swiftly brought back inside by Big Human, so quickly that Binky leaves Ted behind. It falls to Loo the fish to alert Binky that Ted's still "trapped in outer space" beneath a "floating alien spaceship" (a hive of buzzing bees). Though Binky panics, the P.U.R.S.T. agents assemble, and the usual elaborate preparations and miscalculations ensue. A TV tie-in with the seriesAgent Binky: Pets of the Universe, this picture book features detailed color cartoons that underscore the characters' grandiose efforts and farcical failures. Their comical ineptitude not only will elicit giggles--it will also allow young audiences to feel amazingly competent by comparison. Astronomically goofy fun.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
