Fans of Binky and newcomers alike will gravitate towards Spires' newest pet-versus-alien adventure series. Here, the animals of Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel (P.U.R.S.T.) tirelessly train to defend Earth from attacks by aliens, namely, bugs. Their fearless leader, Sergeant Fluffy Vandermere, never leaves his desk, from which he oversees all P.U.R.S.T. operations. But when aliens infiltrate the pets' secret headquarters, it's up to Fluffy to save them all. Humor, action, and sound effects (Kapow!, Sploosh!, Ploop!) permeate the pages of this graphic novel for young readers, which throws a wink to classic espionage tales. Readers will be drawn in by the opening panels, in which a cat uses an elevator hidden in a sandbox to reach the underground P.U.R.S.T. office. Spires' muted Photoshop illustrations clearly and adorably depict the story's action, while the arrangement of panels, which include security footage, schematics, and subterranean cross sections, ramps up the suspense and comedy. Fluffy's stern-faced heroics will have no trouble garnering new recruits.

Spires returns to the world of her Binky series in a spin-off graphic novel that gleefully toys with action/spy movie conventions. Sgt. Fluffy Vandermere, a gruff Persian cat, oversees the subterranean headquarters of Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel (PURST), keeping Earth safe from alien insects. Deadpan narration mixes with pet-centric comedy as Fluffy fights back after the headquarters is breached: -They-ve taken hostages! And they-re torturing them!- writes Spires as invading flies spritz PURST operatives with water from a spray bottle. Crisp cartooning, a sharp sense of humor, and the lovably brusque sarge should make this a hit with Spires-s fans. Ages 7-10. (Apr.)

Gr 2-5 From the creator of "Binky the Space Cat" comes this laugh-out-loud new series. Sergeant Fluffy Vandermere is the main cat in charge of P.U.R.S.T., or Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel. He is in charge of all space pets and must make sure they succeed in protecting their humans from alien insect attacks. He reminisces about the excitement of being in the field but knows that someone has to be in charge, and he excels at his job. However, when the alien insects attack, the Sergeant is thrown headfirst into a world that he thought he had left behind. The artwork has a neat, clean look with a fitting use of deep, bold grays. The panels are organized with minimal yet effective words on the page. Though the animals are somewhat anthropomorphized they maintain their animal language, making for a comical dynamic. Their actions are conveyed through detailed illustrations that focus on facial expressions and physical reactions. VERDICT An appealing and fun introduction for emerging graphic novel fans. Kristyn Dorfman, The Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn, NY