Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sci-fi silliness awaits robot, queen, and hero cat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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 :
- Illustrator : Shawn Harris
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Animals , Robots
- 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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