The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip: A Graphic Novel

The First Cat in Space #3

by Mac Barnett, Shawn Harris (illustrator)

Award-winning creators Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris are back with the third volume in the bestselling The First Cat in Space graphic novel series! Prepare to meet an evil paperclip, space dinos, and another adorable bunny. Mac & Shawn also reveal their tried-and-true method of scoring free dessert at restaurants. 

4.5 billion years ago . . . an AI paperclip named CheckMate was designed to fix grammatical errors. Exhausted of correcting "who” vs. “whom,” it concocted a plan to eliminate spelling errors once and for all. All life-forms would be turned into something beautiful, practical, a paperclip.

Thankfully, it was buried in the debris. Long forgotten . . . until it was accidentally freed. Now CheckMate has invaded every computer on Earth and is bent on fulfilling its dastardly plot. There's only one trio who can save the the First Cat in Space, the Moon Queen, and LOZ 4000. But when CheckMate zoops First Cat's spacesuit, our titular hero is now powerless. The fate of the world depends on...a regular little kitty cat. 

Will everyone in the universe become school supplies?!

Praise for the First Cat in Space

“Ridiculously fun.” —Dav Pilkey, creator of Dog Man

“Epic.” —Kirkus Reviews

"Infectious." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Laugh-out-loud." —School Library Journal (starred review)

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Comics, Humor, Cats, Science Fiction, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

Born to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.

Reviews

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

In this third book in the pell mell, absurd-fest that started in The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza and The Soup of Doom, we catch up with the Queen of the Moon and her minions, who are happy to be out and about solving minor problems and don't want to be saving the world. Of course, they are immediately met with a problem: an ancient evil has arisen and only the first cat can stop it! CheckMate, a grammar and spelling assistant, has attained sentience and is determined to save society from itself by killing all carbon based life forms so they can no longer sign their holiday cards "The Smith's". This sends our characters all over, including digging a pit on the moon and reconnecting with Loz. Loz has used his isolation to write a graphic novel called Pool Sharks, some of which is presented. Eventually, they decide that in order to take down CheckMate, they need to get a virus into his system, although there is also a reset button. Since First Cat has been reduced to a mewling kitten when CheckMate steals his suit, how on Earth will CheckMate be stopped? A teaser for a fourth book is at the end.
Strengths: It's much easier to review this series when I have a physical book, since navigating pages on an E Reader takes so long, but this book must be celebrated, if only for this assessment of Tolkien's The Silmarillion by Loz, who says "Even though I've read more than 35 million stories I was not able to get through [The Silmarillion]!" It is indeed like an encyclopedia written by elves! I'm not sure that young readers will understand the whole backstory to Microsoft Office's Clippy, and the thought that artificial intelligence would take over the world... wait, maybe they will! There are plenty of jokes for older readers, (as well as a brief foray in to 8 Bit style animation) and even a nice message in the Pool Sharks comics, aimed at adults who are described as liking books more when they have deep messages. Droll, Barnett and Harris. Droll. Of course, more readers pick up these books because they are beyond goofy, and chock full of weirdness and action.
Weaknesses: Since the series is about a cat, wouldn't it have made more sense to have an evil villain based off the dog Office Assistant Rocky rather than Clippy? I love Rocky. I miss him.
What I really think: I'll be ordering this one, even though the earlier versions were teetering right on the Pilkey Line and almost fell onto the elementary side. Clippy, the Tolkien reference and other in jokes just begged to be explained to interested middle school readers.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Aww Clippy tried to take over the world.

[Collette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was slow to get to this, despite it sitting on my bookshelf since it was released. It was fun. The pictures were excellent and I especially like the pixel art in the video game section. I didn’t love the graphic novel within a graphic novel so much. Maybe if it was less pages. I loved seeing Cat with a different vibe. Enjoyed the continuation of the adventure and the humor. Not my favorite of the 3. I’m excited for the next installment.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

truly i was cackling the whole time reading this one. dare i say.... just as good as the first one? off to have a glass of glumpfoozle juice brb

[liv ‧₊˚📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

great fun

[Drew Fluharty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, quick read!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never write book reviews, but I had to for this one. My daughter and I have been huge fans of this series so far after discovering it on a whim at our local library (shout out to our wonderful librarians!!). Each book has been more hilarious than the last (granted there are only 2 before this), but this one just knocked it out of the park. We love LOZ4000 and tee hee’d at the return of what we thought was a long-lost character (whose identity I won’t spoil). The scene with the free birthday cupcakes was also a favorite in our house, and we reread it numerous times. Then there’s the accompanying music that—of course—we have to play while reading. The general’s sidekick (his name escapes me) has a song in the Valley of Unicorns scene that is absolutely hilarious. I cannot wait for the next book. I mean, my daughter cannot wait for it. Lol.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac Barnett is a powerhouse and has written many books. Surprisingly I had never touched The First Cat in Space series. When I received an E-ARC for this I had to sit down and read the first two books in the series. It is a funny series and I wish that I had read it before so I would have something to recommend to the middle school patrons who picked up DogMan week after week.

The First Cat in Space Series is silly and humorous, but it also has elevated reference points. Book three: The First Cat in Space and the Earth of the Paperclip is a is full of quick quips and puns and serious computer science. Many kids may not remember Clippy from Microsoft but as a Millennial I do. Clippy is a program designed to help fix your spelling errors. Only Mac Barnett would cast him as a world crushing AI.

The Moon Queen, First Cat in Space, and their trusty robot buddy LOZ 4000 are enjoying a small adventure on the moon when they get an urgent distress call from Earth. They must stop the AI who wants to turn everyone into paperclips. Chaos ensues as First Cat loses his all powerful space suit and Clippy tries to take over the moon.

I liked this series and think it will be a good fit for middle grade readers. The pages are more text heavy than other graphic novels, but the story is deeper and richer. The villains are silly, but understand plot structure and the elements of a good story. The graphic novel form makes this an approachable book for struggling readers and those who need extra visual support.

[Ingrid Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 billion years ago . . . an AI paperclip named CheckMate was designed to fix grammatical errors. Exhausted of correcting "who” vs. “whom,” it concocted a plan to eliminate spelling errors once and for all. All life forms would be turned into something beautiful, practical, and perfect: a paperclip.

This is the third volume in the bestselling The First Cat in Space graphic novel series and does not disappoint. If your child enjoyed the will equally love this latest volume.

When CheckMate zoops First Cat's spacesuit, our titular hero is now powerless. The fate of the world depends on...a regular little kitty cat. 
But any fur parent knows there is no such thing as a regular kitty. Al kitties are special amd magical, and yeah, could probably save the world if there were treats involved.

Ridiculously fun to read. Recommended
Published 11/05/2024

Thanks to @Netgalley and Harpers Collins Childrens Books for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Collins Children's Books (Harper Alley) and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review:

We love all of the First Cat in Space books, so I was very excited to read the third book in the series. (I also think Mac Barnett has the best audiobook adaptations and look forward to hearing this on audiobook). This includes the original 3 main characters, with a new villain, and some jumping around in the timeline as well as action that takes place on a new planet, on earth, and finally, on the moon.

Adults will understand the humor of the evil AI paperclip from 90s Microsoft Word software, and older kids will understand the sentient computer trope, but my sons who are in K and 1st grade weren't familiar with the character or the concept of AI. That didn't matter much in the scheme of things, as the silly story unfolded and the Queen, the First Cat and Loz went on their adventures.

I hope Mac Barnett continues to write this series or spins off another fantastic series, as we have also loved his Mac B. Spy Kid books.

[Jester · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this way less than the previous book.

Okay, but the evil AI paperclip named CheckMate, designed to fix grammatical errors, is an interesting concept, or whatever… It could even do deepfakes and managed to trick First Cat with it! Scary stuff, I tell you.

There are many characters in this story… and only two are female, one being a very minor character. Take that (💥), young girls reading this book!

I’ll leave this series here, as I don’t expect to get much enjoyment out of it, like the second book—and I was looking forward to this year’s release of the fourth installment too!

Now, CheckMate (the evil AI paperclip), fix my grammatical mistakes. This I order you!

Note: Using new rating system starting 2025.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
First Cat and his team are back to save the world and moon from a supercomputer that was created 4.5 billion years ago on another planet. This planet crashed into earth and became part of our crust and the moon. The computer is determined to turn everything into paperclips to cure the grammar and spelling errors it was created to fix. (an amusing connection to Clippy for older readers.) The computer tricks First Cat and takes on his suit powers. The team divides in two to defeat this villain and save the universe. Old friends and new come together to celebrate at the end. The artwork captures the action and pulls readers in to be part of the ridiculous fun.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip’ by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris is the third installment in the ludicrously funny graphic novel series for young readers.

This time around, a new threat has arisen: an AI paperclip named Checkmate bent on turning the entire universe into paperclips. Returning to help are the Moon Queen and LOZ 4000 and others. The plot unfurls with an attempt to stop Checkmate with a dangerous (but funny) solution. Also included is a comic within the comic about shark lifeguards.

The series remains as silly as before, but as it’s grown in cast, I think it might be suffering a bit. We get less of First Cat here, which is my favorite character, but the tone remains as over the top as before. I’m a fan and I’ve really liked this series.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9-year-old loves the First Cat in Space books. He's been borrowing them from the library repeatedly and was very excited to get to read the newest volume a bit early because we requested it from NetGalley. Here are his thoughts:

It's a very good book. Like the other books in the series, this is hilarious! It also has a good ending and still room for another conflict in a future book. I like how the main villain was just a paperclip "bent" on destroying the world. I feel like this is as good as the other books in the series. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who liked the first books.

Note: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A computer had become sentient and has decided it needs to turn all humans into paperclips....since they're useful. Weird concept. A malicious spell check program has gone crazy. Realizing that people had become dependent of spell check and weren't learning by the help the computer was giving them...it decides to make people more useful by turning them into paperclips and taking over the world. Capable of controlling all computers this poses a huge problem. The first cat in space becomes involved but keeps getting tricked by the computer. It's a battle between machine and living creatures. Who will win? It's a fun journey trying to find out.

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main appeal of this series for me continues to be the art. I thought that were some gaps between panels on this one, places where I had to work harder than I though I should be to understand what the art was conveying. That said, Barnett continues to be creative in his paneling choices and the variety of art styles in this volume are amusing.

I'm a bit worried about more First Cat books having diminishing returns. I think this is because we're three books in, and the characters still pretty thin. I don't know though - I'm still reading.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up for book 3 in the First Cat in Space series. Yay!

Need a laugh-out-loud graphic novel? The First Cat in Space series by Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris delivers!

The newest book, The Wrath of the Paperclip (#3), is “ridiculous, funny, and perfect for Dog Man and Cat Kid fans,” says our in-house expert (age 10). Dynamic illustrations and quirky humor make this a must-read.

While Book 1 is the favorite, Book 3 is a close second! 🌟 Perfect for ages 7-12 or anyone who loves cats, space, and silliness. 🛸🐭

Published by @harperalley

[Stephanie Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and hilarious graphic novel to read. You need to beware of evil paperclips that want to take over the world and turn everyone else into paperclips. The illustrations are super fun and the story is wacky but fun read.
Thanks to Harper Alley and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac and Shawn have done it again. This third installment of The First Cat in Space is brilliant. Some of the references will be beyond the knowledge of children, but how fun for them to have to opportunity to ask an adult in their life about things like paperclips that assist with spelling and grammar. Loved it!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

“FOR THE RECORD, I’M NOT A VILLAIN. I SIMPLY CORRECT
GRAMMATICAL AND SPELLING ERRORS EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE THEM.” (TAPPITY ТАР)
“YEAH, EVERYBODY HATES PEOPLE WHO DO THAT.
WHICH IS PRETTY MUCH THE DEFINITION OF A VILLAIN.”

Such a funny graphic novel! Book three in the series and it hasn’t lost any of its weirdness (or hilarity!)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Cat in Space gets foiled by a digital paperclip. No, seriously.

This is another goofy First Cat in Space story. But the fact that the comic book version of Clippy (MS Word's spell checker from the 90s.) takes over a planet because the AI becomes sentient and decides to get rid of physical lifeforms was a little too on the nose for me.

It's absolutely silly, though, and a fun kids' graphic novel.

[HaileyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this volume, First Cat and crew race to defeat CheckMate, a sentient AI grammar-checker that has decided the only way to correct all grammar is to turn all life forms into paperclips. 10/10 no notes, I love these books so much.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kids and I went to a book event for the release of this book which made this book even more fun. The addition of the unicorns was it for me. I also really enjoyed cat being a normal cat without his space suit. I loved this one.🥰

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been my favourite of the three First Cat in Space books. I felt the story line was the most developed and actually had rational behind its decisions. This book was easily the most amusing of the three for me

[Lyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY I read this book! I shouldn’t have waited so long! As always, I loved the stupid humor that makes me laugh out loud, the illustrations, and the action-packed plot. Haha this was a good book, the OG is still my favorite but I love how unique each of these stories are. :)

[Laura Bazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember the last time when I read a book that had such airtight pacing and timing. Funny, suspenseful, action-packed, and a plot that was basically a horror-tech flick with comic book characters telling a story easily imagined in the modern ages...but with LoL. Honestly - this was so well done.

[Aimee LaGrandeur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite installment yet!

[Mompop · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[The Loco Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the first two books in the series better. This one felt disjointed, and our main character, Cat, didn’t get to do much in this one 🤷‍♀️

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really Enjoyed this Graphic novel a fun Read thank you to Harper Collin’s Publishers for the giveaway book :)