Space Dog by Mini Grey

Egg Drop will always be my favorite Mini Grey, but that doesn't stop me from checking out every new creation she comes up with. Her latest is a wacky space adventure that will make kids giggle - and maybe pause to think a little as well.

Space Dogs, Astro Cats, and Moustronauts are sworn enemies on Home Plant. Always have been, always will be. But when Space Dog rescues Astro Cat and then they both come upon Moustronaut, they make some surprising realizations - and have a tough decision to make.

Grey's artistic genius lies in the details and this book is no exception. A sharp eye will catch all sorts of details from the newspaper headlines "First dog on Mars" to the titles on the houses of the people of Niblet 12 (hint - they're all munchies!). Her bug-eyed characters don't have a lot of expression, but they still have strong personalities all the same.

One of the things I love about Mini Grey is her unexpected ending. The expected ending of this book, of course, is for the three new friends to go home and change everything on their planet, with everyone getting along now that they know each other....but Grey (and her characters) have other ideas and in a twist ending they come up with their own happily-ever-after.

Verdict: Aside from the mild message that maybe those who are "different" might have something to offer after all, this is just a fun romp in space. Whether or not kids take away the message of tolerance and friendship, they'll certainly have fun and might even want to write a few adventures for Space Dog, Astro Cat, and the Moustronaut themselves.

ISBN: 9780553510584; Published 2015 by Alfred A. Knopf; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library