THE COSMIC ADVENTURES OF ASTRID AND STELLA

In this version of space, everyone can hear you laugh.

Astrid the unicorn and Stella the flying squirrel blast off for adventure across three stories with the help of their trusty “bobot” friend, Bobo. Bobo provides access to unique technology, such as a fart detector and a Cat Cam that monitors the planet Caturn. Astrid and Stella encounter problems in need of their can-do attitudes, such as a busted rocket and a whale on a pool-party planet that splashes animals too hard and on purpose. The pair also dissuades the sole villain in the book, Kittywonkus, aka the Notorious C.A.T., from planetary domination by threatening him with mushy food, a dirty litter box, and other things sure to strike terror into the hearts of felines. The cartoon artwork is loud and cheerful, especially following any page that is relatively text-heavy, and images of food, parties, and a multitude of cats pop up often. Astrid and Stella make an adorable pair; scenes of them on the pool-party planet with their beach umbrella and floaties are especially sweet. Frequent enthusiastic outbursts and jokes cater to short attention spans.

Like being enveloped in a nonstop hug.