Gordon: Bark to the future! by Ashley Spires

It feels like forever since we've had a book about the brave space pets of P.U.R.S.T. After the saga of Binky and his struggles to protect his family from the space aliens (bugs) who live in space (outside), the story expanded to include the wider universe of space pets. We heard the story of Sergeant Fluffy and his brave defense of P.U.R.S.T. headquarters. Now, for the first time ever, we'll hear the story of a non-feline pet - Gordon the dog!

The story begins dramatically; the aliens have invaded, Binky is captured, and only Gordon can save the day. Luckily, he's good with technology and has built a time machine to go back in time and fix things.... or will he make things worse?

To Gordon's shock, he messes up time and now he's in a time period when he doesn't exist - and when the organization only allowed felines! Then things get worse and Binky never gets to become a space cat! Luckily, friends are friends no matter where you are - or when you are. With some past and future help, Gordon manages to save the day!

Spires' distinctive art style may make it hard to tell the different between Binky, with his triangular markings and ears, and Gordon's pale tan triangles. However, readers who have met the characters previously will be delighted to see their old friends again and even new readers can pick up enough of the story along the way to follow along.

Verdict: If you don't have the Binky series, you absolutely must go back and purchase them, and then of course you'll need the P.U.R.S.T. titles. Delightfully fun, these are solid additions to any beginning chapter book section.

ISBN: 9781771384094; Published May 2018 by Kids Can Press; Purchased for the library