The Space Cat

Gr 4-6–The latest collaboration between Okorafor and Ford features a clever cat named Periwinkle, whose two humans make sure all cat comforts are provided. But at night, this seemingly domestic cat leaves the condo and races through space in a ship he built himself. When his humans take him along on a trip to Nigeria, Periwinkle finds that many people there dislike cats. Despite this poor welcome, he uses his skills to protect the town of Kaleria against alien invaders. A space cat lair away from human eyes, a spaceship that can be summoned by remote control, and a personality that’s “always up for new adventure” serve this feline hero well. Ford’s illustrations capture the everyday life of a beloved pet as well as the intense action scenes. Periwinkle’s early days in the household are in sepia tones marked with the electric blue of his ricochet path from one spot to the next. Space scenes feature deep blues and purples offset by bright orange. Warm earthy tones in Kaleria contrast with the icy blue of the invaders. Periwinkle’s humans and most other characters are Black.