Binky the Space Cat

Binky #1

by Ashley Spires

Binky is a space cat - at least in his own mind. He's really a house cat who has never left the family "space station." Unlike other house cats, Binky has a to blast off into outer space (outside), explore unknown places (the backyard) and battle aliens (bugs). Binky must undergo rigorous training so he can repel the alien attacks that threaten his humans. As he builds his spaceship, he must be extremely careful with his blueprints - the enemy is always watching. Soon Binky is ready to voyage into outer space. His humans go out there every day and he's sure they need a certified space cat to protect them. But just as he's about to blast off with his co-pilot, Ted (stuffed mousie), Binky realizes that he's left something very important behind ? and it's not the zero-gravity kitty litter. In the first book in the Binky Adventure series, graphic-novel readers will delight in watching where this lovable and quirky cat's imagination takes him.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Humor, Cats, Comics, Animals, Fiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Ashley has written and illustrated many books, most notably the bestselling The Most Magnificent Thing, which is now a short animated film. She creates books that remind kids that making mistakes is integral to learning. She lives in British Columbia with her dog and a growing army of felines.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read for kids and adults

Pinky the Space Cat is a cute cartoon story with clever images, story line and shows Binky the cat fighting off aliens and planning on space travel. It definitely brought a smile to my face and I am sure kids will like this little guy too.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet graphic novel for kids about a housecat named Binky, who aspires to become a fully-fledged space cat -- rocket and all -- so that he may better protect his helpless humans from the alien menace (aka bugs). I loved Binky's character arc and the pervasive cuteness of the story and artwork. Overall, a real fun, quick read.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spotted this on the new shelf and grabbed it. Adorable, in part because Binky looks so very different from other cats. Anyway, the youngest has it now, and the eldest wants to read it too. Great for young readers and/or graphic novel fans.

[Cori Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this at the thrift store and cannot in good mind give it under 5 stars. I would have been OBSESSED with Binky as a kid. The art is both cute and pretty, and Binky is truly the space cat we deserve.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The humorous adventure of a house cat named "Binky" who would be a SPACE CAT! This isn't just for fun, though he is looking forward to the adventuring, but mostly to save himself and his humans from the dreaded alien menace! But one can't just be a space cat, you need to train and have a rocket ship! Which means Binky has his work cut out for him, not to mention the fact the aliens are constantly attempting to infiltrate his "space station" and must be stopped.

Can totally see this being sooooo many cats I've known! For the most part it's non-stop chuckling fun (though the "obligatory" nods at bathroom humor bring it down a little, not as bad as most kids stuff however)! And loved Binky's alien hunting skills!

Content notes: No issues other than the aforementioned bathroom humor, but these are kept fairly highbrow (still knocked off a star).

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute.

But why are there so many friggin's flies in these people's house? Gross.

Protect yourself from alien invasion -- clean!

[Rachel's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! But lacked the Bad Kitty charm ;) 3.5 stars

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed many of Ashley Spires's picture books. I grabbed this one thinking it was another, but it's actually a short graphic novel about a cat who thinks bugs are aliens and that he must protect his humans from the alien threat at all costs.

The story is very simple, and many of the panels are just pictures of a rotund cat eating bugs and farting. But it's amusing and entertaining, and I'm sure kids (especially ones who like cats) will find a lot to like about Binky's quest to fight the aliens.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small story about a cute space cat that kids and grown ups will definitely enjoy to read about.

Welcome to the F.U.R.S.T. Agency!

[Elisabeth Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Binky the Space Cat" is a really fun book that adults would enjoy as much as kids. Binky is a house cat with an incredibly active imagination. He believes that outside the house is outer space which is the reason he only stays inside. Unfortunately, inside his house are space aliens disguised as flies and other bugs that threaten the welfare of his humans. Binky is an expert at combating the aliens by enthusiastically eating each one - crunch crunch! He spends his spare time secretly building a rocket ship in his litter box and doing research. He has a list of "Things I Know" and #3 was my favorite: "Miniskirts are not meant for everyone." Really clever writing and great illustrations!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spectacular read for readers ages 7+. It's the story of a domestic cat who earns his Space Cat Certification and trains to battle aliens in space. (And yes, it's hysterical and awesome.) The humor is so well tied in between illustrations and text that adult readers will enjoy this one too.

Perhaps a good suggestion for all of those kids who request tween "sci-fi" at my library.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hilarious little graphic novel that's appropriate for all ages. Kids will love the humorous drawings, and older kids, adults, and cat lovers will love the slyly deadpan writing.

[Edward Creter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Spires is a young author with a unique comic vision of the kitty cat psyche. Binky is a bundle of fluff living with a single mom and her son whom he simply calls Big Person and Little Person. He often dreams of being outside, his imagination fueled no doubt by all those Star Trek marathons his human friends like to watch. He wishes to explore strange new worlds (the nearby park), to seek out "mew" life and "mew" civilizations, (he might like Tampa Bay!), to boldly go where no cat has gone before!!! But Binky has never boldly ventured outside his own house before! And the closest thing to a battle with alien Klingons are the dreaded bug creatures from that world of friendly aliens we know as Mexico, a pesky being called the Mosquito! (Naturally!) In that kinda space, no one can hear you screech! But Binky will try the Impossible! He as already received a commendation from a Feline Space Fleet captain honoring him with a special badge which shows he, Binky, is a true space cat( probably the letter is from a toy company. Like the one which tricks kids into wearing a plastic cop badge showing their commitment to Justice and that they are devoted fans of Dick Tracy. Sad I know.) What's really touching about this story is that Binky has to struggle from within about a decision no cat should ever worry about: go out there and explore the Feral Frontier, or stay home and guard his human friends. It's incredibly sweet, humorous and a loving tribute to the feelings of felines, and our own feelings for them. A great start to a fun, funny and moving series which,like the aforementioned Star Trek, has many areas to explore in future installments. Houston, we have no problem!!!
Four stars
Binky RULES the cat fiction universe!!!

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sooooo the thing is, I probably would have totally enjoyed this if I'd read it when it first came out. But in the mean time, CatStronauts: Mission Moon happened, and the cats actually go to space and are adorable and so many puns, and this one just seems so pale in comparison. I'm sorry, Binky. Maybe build a time machine instead of rocket next time and take me back to 2011 and I'll be all over you!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think cats are the ones who are from another planet.

[Lana Kamennof-sine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has truly captured the way cats think ;-) A fun story written from Binky's perspective.
Great for kids to read AND for adults to read to younger kids.

[Ozsaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very charming. Enjoyed the humor, and the artwork. Made me smile.

[Melania 🍒 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5|5

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've rarely found a cat story that I won't read. Throw in a science fiction element and I'm intrigued. Add a graphic novel format and you've got me hooked. Binky the Space Cat (Binky) by Ashley Spires has all three and is entertaining and amusing to boot.

Binky is a housecat who believes he is destined to become a spacecat after receiving an acceptance letter to F.U.R.S.T. - Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel. I wonder if Binky may have seen some of the movie Starship Troopers, since he seems convinced that bugs are aliens. He's all ready to blast into space, but will he really leave home?

The illustrations are very humorous and, combined with the references to passing gas & cat box odor and graphic novel format, should appeal to kids. The wry humor and cat peculiarities shown will appeal to teens and adults. Normally I'm not a fan of fart (I'm looking at you - Walter!) or bathroom humor but this is tolerable for me in this feline story. Binky should attract second and third graders reluctant to jump into chapter books, as well as older readers who love cats or the graphic novel format. This is recommended for school and public library collections. 4.5 star reating.

For ages 6 to 9 and up, cats, adventure, cat-lovers, graphic-novel, humor, science fiction, fantasy, read-aloud, and fans of Ashley Spires.

[Ardea Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title / Author / Publication Date: Binky the Space Cat/Ashley Spires/2009

Genre: Fiction, Graphic Novel

Format: Hardcover

Plot summary: Binky is a space cat - at least in his own mind. He's really a house cat who has never left the family "space station." Unlike other house cats, Binky has a mission: to blast off into outer space (outside), explore unknown places (the backyard) and battle aliens (bugs). Binky must undergo rigorous training so he can repel the alien attacks that threaten his humans. As he builds his spaceship, he must be extremely careful with his blueprints - the enemy is always watching. Soon Binky is ready to voyage into outer space. His humans go out there every day and he's sure they need a certified space cat to protect them. But just as he's about to blast off with his co-pilot, Ted (stuffed mousie), Binky realizes that he's left something very important behind ? and it's not the zero-gravity kitty litter. In the first book in the Binky Adventure series, graphic-novel readers will delight in watching where this lovable and quirky cat's imagination takes him. (GoodReads)

Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Potty humor

Review citation: Willey, P. (2010). Binky the Space Cat (Book Review). School Library Journal, 55(11), 142.

Section source used to find the material: Children's Core Collection, Most Highly Recommended

Recommended age: 7 and up

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just delightful, and some of the illustrations were so funny that I had to stop myself from laughing out loud (I was reading in bed and didn't want to wake up my husband). Binky is a cat who lives in a space station (his house) and has yet to visit outer space (the yard), but he knows he has a mission to protect his humans from aliens (insects). Good thing he's received his membership packet from FURST (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), complete with instructions on "How to Build a Rocket Ship with Things You Can Steal from Humans." And where is his secret facility for building this ship? Inside his litterbox, of course....

Although I found Binky the Space Cat in the children's section of the library, I think it would be enjoyable for almost anyone--especially people who live with cats.

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from Tintin, this is L's first foray into the graphic novel. I usually find them irritating to read aloud because I have to point to where I'm reading so he can see which picture the text is for. But this was so funny, I didn't mind. We've re-read it several times and he even asked me to read it aloud when he had a friend over because he wanted to share it.. Binky has never been outside and thinks everything outside the house is outer space. He thinks bugs are aliens and that it's his job to protect his humans from them by eating them. "The really crunchy ones give him space gas." Yes, there is some mild humor about farting and a couple references to poo. But not too obnoxious. Binky (and his stuffed friend, Ted the Mousie) is quite charming and I enjoyed the illustrations. I look forward to the next Binky Adventure.

[John ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I once had a teacher who had a bunny named Binky, so that's probably why she had this book in our class. I saw the book on the shelf, and nobody else was being the predator towards my prey(the book). So I went over and snatched the book.
I read it in a few days, and I found it was a rather playful book. If you like books that are more of a roller coaster than of a boring opera, this book is for YOU!
Binky must be (next to my own cats) the best cat ever. He was the spitting image of a protagonist, and it kept me interested and hungry for reading more.

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the fate of humans everywhere depends upon one little black-and-white cat, you know the situation is desperate. Thank goodness for Binky, the brave little kitty who is determined to save his humans from the vicious aliens who have invaded (and are, in reality, houseflies).

Binky is a fun ride from beginning to end, and kids will love him. (I could have done without the "poot" jokes, but kids will love those just as much as they'll love Binky.)

[J. Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny and clever story of a house cat who aspires to explore outer space. The illustrations in this graphic novel are full of amusing sight gags, and it's an example of true cartooning as you get a story out of the pictures alone. But the narration really does add to the humour and overall charm of the book. A really good read.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 9yo got this at the school library today - he's read it at least 3 times already. My boys would probably rate this 5 stars - for some reason, they think it's hilarious. I think it's cute and amusing, and I won't mind when I'm surely called upon to read it again.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nicely done. I loved all the gadgets and things that Binky could send away for, and his definition of outer space seems perfectly sensible, as do the aliens. And you have to love his final decision on why he should stay home.

[Monica Edinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable gn for the younger set.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was only okay, but the illustrations totally made this a 4 out of 5 for me. (Me? A sucker for comic cat drawings? A surprise, I know.)

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, silly fun!