Happy Book Birthday!!! Almost. This one releases in just two more days, which is close enough for me. I picked this one up because it's science fiction and looks like silly fun. Science fiction always seems to be left on the side, and yet, it's such an important genre. So, I love to pick it up when I run across it...well, if it looks like it might be interesting. And this one does.
It's also a graphic novel, and my kids always enjoyed picking these up. I'll admit that the artwork is usually enjoyable. But I also know that graphic novels don't seem to hold up quite as well as usual ones (physically, I mean). I wonder why that is?
Anyway, let's see what space goodness lies in wait because I bet we're about to save the world!
MACK MOON AND THE P.E.T.S.
by Dan Jolley
Illustrated by Russ Cox
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Middle Grade Graphic Novel / Science Fiction
160 pages
ages 7 to 12
Mack Moon has always loved space, so it’s EPIC when he discovers that his three pets are actually secret agents from P.E.T.S. But it's NOT-so-epic when Mack finds out they're here because an evil space ferret, Barbara has arrived on planet Earth.
Mack Moon dreams of being the first kid in space. So imagine his surprise when he discovers that his three regular pets—a goofy Labrador named Pickles, a tough gray cat called Lady, and a goldfish dubbed The Fish—are actually undercover agents. They belong to a secret agency called the Planetary, Enforcement, Tactics, and Stealth, AKA the P.E.T.S.
When the True Form of Evil, aka a ferret named Barbara (and yes, she gave herself that nickname), crash lands into Mack’s hometown, the P.E.T.S. must spring, jump, and swish into action to stop her.
Barbara’s goal?
Take over plant Earth.
After that?
Eat pancakes. Extra fluffy, please.
Add in a battalion of poop-slinging space monkeys, a TV news station that’s gone to the dogs, and an epic pillow fight—and you’re holding in your hands the perfect recipe for an action-packed and hilarious graphic novel that’s perhaps even more delicious than Mack’s dad’s super-awesome ravioli.
(Just kidding! Nothing is that delicious.)
Except pancakes…
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Mack Moon and the P.E.T.S. is a hilarious and LOL-worthy, action-packed space adventure that's perfect for fans of Galactic Hot Dogs, The Last Kids on Earth, The Moosicians, and Zita the Spacegirl.
3, 2, 1 . . . Commander Moon, prepare for blast off!
This is a brand-new full-color graphic novel series that's The Boy Who Crashed to Earth meets The Secret Life of Pets.
Mack Moon dreams of being the first kid in space. So imagine his surprise when he discovers that his three regular pets—a goofy Labrador named Pickles, a tough gray cat called Lady, and a goldfish dubbed The Fish—are actually undercover agents. They belong to a secret agency called the Planetary, Enforcement, Tactics, and Stealth, AKA the P.E.T.S.
When the True Form of Evil, aka a ferret named Barbara (and yes, she gave herself that nickname), crash lands into Mack’s hometown, the P.E.T.S. must spring, jump, and swish into action to stop her.
Barbara’s goal?
Take over plant Earth.
After that?
Eat pancakes. Extra fluffy, please.
Add in a battalion of poop-slinging space monkeys, a TV news station that’s gone to the dogs, and an epic pillow fight—and you’re holding in your hands the perfect recipe for an action-packed and hilarious graphic novel that’s perhaps even more delicious than Mack’s dad’s super-awesome ravioli.
(Just kidding! Nothing is that delicious.)
Except pancakes…
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Mack Moon and the P.E.T.S. is a hilarious and LOL-worthy, action-packed space adventure that's perfect for fans of Galactic Hot Dogs, The Last Kids on Earth, The Moosicians, and Zita the Spacegirl.
3, 2, 1 . . . Commander Moon, prepare for blast off!
This is a brand-new full-color graphic novel series that's The Boy Who Crashed to Earth meets The Secret Life of Pets.
MY TIDBITS
Reminding a bit of The Secret Life of Pets but with alien flair, this is a quick-paced adventure with humor on every page.
Mack Moon loves everything surrounding space adventures and can't seem to get spaceship dreams out of his head...even when at school. The only other thing which wins his attention is his best friend (who also happens to be a scifi fan) and his pets. What he doesn't know is that his pets aren't nearly as ordinary as they seem. As secret agents stationed on Earth, it's their job to guard the planet against any malicious aliens because humans haven't figured out many things quite yet. But when a real threat appears, the pets mistake Mack as their commander (a pet agent in human disguise)...which he's not. With the world in danger, he's going to have to somehow pull the charade off because his pets seem convinced that humans aren't capable of anything.
All sorts of wonderful pet adventures flashed through my head as I started to read this one, and this tale manages to work the aspects together in a fun and grabbing way. The first pages introduce Mack Moon with his extreme love for space games and adventures. His enthusiasm is over-the-top, which gives him tons of personality, causes obvious problems in his school life, and makes him so easy to like. He's aware of the nay-sayers and wishes things were different, and yet, he stays true to himself. There's also a nice family dynamic, especially with his younger sister. The best friend is true, too, which leaves him free to launch into drama with the P.E.T.S. And these agents each pack personality and different attitudes.
It's non-stop adventure with the danger building on every page. There's a lot of silliness, too, to keep it light and fun. This especially comes across nicely in the graphics, which harmonize with the text while carrying just as much of the story as the written word. The text is fitting for the younger end of the middle grade audience or for chapter book readers, who are sure of their words.
This is only the beginning for Mack Moon and the P.E.T.S., and I'm looking forward to seeing what alien adventures are still to come.