Binky Takes Charge

By Ashley Spires

Binky the space cat has been promoted to lieutenant. He’s now in charge of training the next generation of space cadets. But then he meets the new space kitten — who isn’t a kitten at all! Is someone trying to pull the fur over his eyes? Binky and Captain Gracie need to figure out the new cadet before the next alien attack!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kids Can Press
• Release date: Feb 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781771382298

Ashley Spires

Author and illustrator Ashley Spires is the creator of the Binky The Space Cat series of junior graphic novels, which have earned her numerous awards, including the Silver Birch Express and the Hackmatack. Her picture books, including Larf, Small Saul, and The Most Magnificent Thing, are known for providing readers, young and old, with a good laugh. When not drawing, she is often jogging with her dog Gordon or wrangling her three cats, Penny, Fran and Gracie. She lives in British Columbia.

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Reviews for Binky Takes Charge

[pussreboots · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Binky Takes Charge by Ashley Spires is the fourth of the Binky graphic novels. It was nominated for a 2012 CYBILS.Binky has been promoted by F.U.R.S.T (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel). He's ready to take on a subordinate. He's expecting a kitten but surprise! — it's a DOG! Worse yet, it's a slobbering, un-housebroken puppy. ICK.Binky does his best to train this puppy but it takes every last piece of his concentration and dignity. Of course nothing is ever what it seems. That little puppy might be up to something.It's a cute continuation to the series. Fans of the previous books will enjoy seeing the continuing adventures of Binky the space cat and his fight against alien invaders (insects).

[sullywriter_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Newly promoted Binky is charged with training a canine space cadet.

[elizajane_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reason for Reading: Next in the series.This series is for children but I read it solely for my own pleasure. The "Binky" books will appeal to cat lovers of any age. Binky Takes Charge is just as enjoyable as any other book in the series. Typical cat behaviour is spoofed but in a respectful way that makes cat owners smile and nod their heads. Binky has the shock of his life when his new trainee turns out to be a puppy and he turns to neighbour cat Gracie for help in these unusual circumstances. Usual fun story and fantastic art style. I look forward to the continuation of this series. A great read for any age from the recommended 7+, younger as read alouds and much, much older as gifts for the consummate cat lover.

[brangwinn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

PSC Review: In the fourth book graphic novel series Binky the Space Cat, Binky has been placed in charge of training new space cats. Imagine his disgust when he discovers that it is not a cat that’s been brought home by his people, but a nasty little dog. Turns out that the dog is on the side of space cats (now space pets) and is a whiz at technology. Filled with bathroom humor, Binky fans will enjoy this book. It is difficult to find good graphic novels for elementary students and Binky is a perfect fit.

[krau0098 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the 4th book in the Binky the Space cat children’s graphic novel series. This was a cute installment in the series and my son and I really enjoyed reading it together.Binky has been authorized to train in other space cats. He is excited to welcome his new cadet and has worked very hard on a training program. When his cadet shows up though he is nothing like Binky thought he would be...in fact Binky thinks he might even be an alien spy!These books are super fun. The drawings are humorous, well-done, and adorable all at the same time. If you love cats you will love Binky the Space cat. The whole premise of these books is that Binky thinks his house is a space ship, insects are aliens, and outside the house is space. He is on a mission to protect his humans from the evil aliens.There’s a great little mystery here as Binky and his neighboring space cat try to figure out what’s up with this new cadet. Along the way the cats learn a lesson in tolerance. They learn that people can be good at different things and that you should accept people for who they are and allow them to contribute to a cause in their own way.These are well written graphic novels that are entertaining for both adults and kids. I highly recommend them; especially if you have a kid that’s a fan of cats.Overall a great installment in the Binky series. The illustration is well done and the story is full of twists and turns. Binky is funny but always well-meaning and his mission to save humans from all aliens is one to be admired. Recommended to cat fans of all ages.