The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza is a silly, sci-fi graphic novel written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris. It has lots of lunar hijinks and plenty of laughs. There are a couple of monsters on the moon, but they're not very scary.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
As THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE ATE PIZZA opens, scientists discover that rats have eaten half of the moon. A bossy queen and a toenail-clipping robot join a hero cat to stop the rodents before the rest of the moon disappears.
Is It Any Good?
Some readers want realistic science fiction, but this anything-for-a-laugh graphic novel is a winner. Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris are a strong creative team, and they make The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza something special, with plenty of jokes and action scenes that appeal to reluctant readers. Further adventures are promised, which is good news for those who appreciate absurdist sci-fi.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza uses humor to tell its story. Why are cartoons good for satire or parody?
Why are stories about trips to the moon popular? What has science revealed about the satellite?
How do you think the graphic novel format added to the storytelling here?
Book Details
- Author: Mac Barnett
- Illustrator: Shawn Harris
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Robots, Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date: May 10, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 10
- Number of pages: 320
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love graphic novels and science fiction
Character Strengths
Find more books that help kids build character.
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate