Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sci-fi graphic novel about curious, adventurous cat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE SPACE CAT, Pumpernickel Pickle Periwinkle Chukwu Okorafor, aka Periwinkle, is seemingly an average house cat who is enjoying his life as the author's residential pet. When his owner is not around, he is, in fact, a space cat from the planet Neptune who is capable of many feats, such as building a spaceship to beat a rival cat in a race across the stars. He gets a whole new perspective on the world when his owner and real-life writer, Nnedi, and her daughter, Anya, move to Nigeria to write her next book. He learns that Nigerians have a prejudicial superstition towards cats and owls, but it doesn't squelch his curious nature. However, an alien threat endangers humans and animals alike. It's up to Periwinkle and his newfound friends to protect his family and save the world.
Is It Any Good?
This sci-fi graphic novel adventure is a wonderful, imaginative read. Nnedi Okorafor features her real-life cat as the main character with herself and her daughter as co-stars as well. Much of the The Space Cat's themes revolve around having the courage to protect others and working together for the common good. Periwinkle the cat is the driving force of the story with his human sensibilities in a cat's body. His curiosity fuels his desire to upgrade his spaceship, his care for others leads him to protect another animal from the spiritual prejudice they encounter, and he skillfully recruits other animal friends to save the world from aliens. He understands who he is and how he fits in this world, which kids will admire. This joyful, space-based read may even inspire young readers to explore careers in engineering or astronomy. It will also be a fun book for cat-lovers and pet-owners of all ages who've ever imagined their animals living hidden lives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Periwinkle utilizes his curiosity in Space Cat to learn more about the world he lives in and develop new ideas like building his spaceship. Was there a moment when something inspired you to design a new idea?
Periwinkle exhibits a display of courage and compassion when he protects an owl from harm. What were moments in your life where you showed courage and compassion for others?
Periwinkle demonstrates teamwork as he gathers all of the animals of Kaleria to battle the aliens at the marketplace. What was one example in your life where you worked as a team to achieve a goal, and how did it impact you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Tana Ford
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Adventures , Animals , STEM
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Gratitude , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : First Second
- Publication date : August 12, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 176
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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