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The Space Cat
Invaders from outer space have descended on Nigeria. They have no idea whose home they're messing with.
Ah, yes, the luxurious life of a well-loved cat. It’s the best. And Periwinkle has it the cushiest. But there’s more to this pampered pet than meets the eye. He’s not just a house cat. He’s a space cat. By day, he’s showered with scritches, cuddles, and delicious chicken fillets. By night, he races through the cosmos in his custom-built spaceship.
Between epic battles with squeaky toys and working on ways to improve his ship, Periwinkle is never bored. And when his humans decide to leave the United States and move to the small but bustling town of Kaleria, Nigeria, he’s excited to explore his new home—even after he learns that many Nigerians hate cats. After all, a born adventurer like Periwinkle doesn’t shy away from new experiences. But not everything in Kaleria is as it seems. Soon enough, Periwinkle finds himself on his most out-of-this-world adventure yet, right here on Earth.
Ah, yes, the luxurious life of a well-loved cat. It’s the best. And Periwinkle has it the cushiest. But there’s more to this pampered pet than meets the eye. He’s not just a house cat. He’s a space cat. By day, he’s showered with scritches, cuddles, and delicious chicken fillets. By night, he races through the cosmos in his custom-built spaceship.
Between epic battles with squeaky toys and working on ways to improve his ship, Periwinkle is never bored. And when his humans decide to leave the United States and move to the small but bustling town of Kaleria, Nigeria, he’s excited to explore his new home—even after he learns that many Nigerians hate cats. After all, a born adventurer like Periwinkle doesn’t shy away from new experiences. But not everything in Kaleria is as it seems. Soon enough, Periwinkle finds himself on his most out-of-this-world adventure yet, right here on Earth.
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2025
5 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Nnedi Okorafor
154 books17.6k followersNnedi Okorafor is a New York Times Bestselling writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. The more specific terms for her works are africanfuturism and africanjujuism, both terms she coined and defined. Born in the United States to two Nigerian (Igbo) immigrant parents and visiting family in Nigeria since she was a child, the foundation and inspiration of Nnedi’s work is rooted in this part of Africa. Her many works include Who Fears Death (winner of the World Fantasy Award and in development at HBO as a TV series), the Nebula and Hugo award winning novella trilogy Binti (in development as a TV series), the Lodestar and Locus Award winning Nsibidi Scripts Series, LaGuardia (winner of a Hugo and Eisner awards for Best Graphic Novel) and her most recent novella Remote Control. Her debut novel Zahrah the Windseeker won the prestigious Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature. She lives with her daughter Anyaugo in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more about Nnedi at Nnedi.com and follow Nnedi on twitter (as @Nnedi), Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 31, 2025
E ARC provided by Netgalley
This was an interesting graphic novel about the secret life of Periwinkle, who in addition to being the author's cat, also has space adventures. These are presented in what I consider "comic book" format; episodic stories that don't necessarily tie together. The cat getting into a bottle of "alien" hot sauce was fairly amusing.
The art was phenomenal, and I loved the use of color. For the flashback of Periwinkle being adopted, there is a nice sepia toned background, but pops of color for people and the cat. The space adventures are largely blue and purple.
I enjoyed this author's Ikenga, but haven't read any of her other books. This would be a good choice for readers who enjoyed Cody and Mercado's Cat Ninja Venable and Yu's Katie the Catsitter, Boothby and Matsumoto's Sparks! or Marciano et al.'s Klawde.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
This was an interesting graphic novel about the secret life of Periwinkle, who in addition to being the author's cat, also has space adventures. These are presented in what I consider "comic book" format; episodic stories that don't necessarily tie together. The cat getting into a bottle of "alien" hot sauce was fairly amusing.
The art was phenomenal, and I loved the use of color. For the flashback of Periwinkle being adopted, there is a nice sepia toned background, but pops of color for people and the cat. The space adventures are largely blue and purple.
I enjoyed this author's Ikenga, but haven't read any of her other books. This would be a good choice for readers who enjoyed Cody and Mercado's Cat Ninja Venable and Yu's Katie the Catsitter, Boothby and Matsumoto's Sparks! or Marciano et al.'s Klawde.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
July 22, 2025
What a delightful read! The Space Cat is a cute, sweet, and genuinely funny graphic novel packed with fast-paced action and laugh-out-loud moments.
The art is great, and Nnedi Okorafor's depiction of feline behavior is perfect—anyone who has lived with a cat will find it hilariously accurate. The story also seamlessly weaves in fascinating learning moments about Nigerian culture, offering a wonderful window into traditions that may be new to many Western readers.
This is a fun, action-packed adventure that's full of heart, humor, and feline antics.
The art is great, and Nnedi Okorafor's depiction of feline behavior is perfect—anyone who has lived with a cat will find it hilariously accurate. The story also seamlessly weaves in fascinating learning moments about Nigerian culture, offering a wonderful window into traditions that may be new to many Western readers.
This is a fun, action-packed adventure that's full of heart, humor, and feline antics.
April 17, 2025
Read an ARC
I love cats. I love space. I thought this would be a winner. I was disappointed.
I love cats. I love space. I thought this would be a winner. I was disappointed.
July 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for an arc of this title. Pumpernickel Pickle Periwinkle Chukwu Okorafor is not just any cat--he's a SPACE CAT. His father is from Neptune, after all. He has it pretty good at home, but when his humans travel to Nigeria for a year it looks like things might be a bit dicey. Nigerians, it seems, do not like cats. And it seems as though some sort of alien presence has invaded the area and is controlling the humans. But Periwinkle is not a cat to be trifled with. He is more than up to the challenge of making friends in a hostile environment--and those aliens will not know what hit them. This one is lots of fun.
July 28, 2025
I thought this was a really sweet cat adventure story. It's hard not to imagine your pets having a secret life when you're away, full of drama and intrigue, and this is just that. I've been a fan of Okorafor's work for years, and she frequently shares Periwinkle on her social media, so it was incredibly charming. I'm not sure how it would play for an audience not familiar with "The Nnedi" or Periwinkle, but I thought it was quite funny and sweet. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read!
July 14, 2025
Now we know the TRUTH about the Great Hotsauce Incident.
TL:DR
4 stars
Appropriate for K+
Primary appeal to 2-5
Fans of Cats, Science Fiction, animals with purpose, possibly Scurry by Mac Smith and Warrior Cats GN's
---
Those who follow Dr. Nnedi Okorafor online will undoubtedly recognize the main character of this story. Her very real cat, Periwinkle Chukwu, blesses us all with his genius through this fun and interesting sci-fi romp. We race in space, travel in an airplane cargo hold, experiance the Nigerian market, and witness The Great Hotsauce Incident.
While the average person may think that this Great Hotsauce Incident was just a cat being mischievous with condiments, WE now know that in fact, Periwinkle Chukwu successfully battled a tiny alien terror.
Yes, this story (beautifully illustrated by Tana Ford) is about a cat from space and how he saves the Earth (and his humans). But it is also about love and patience. We watch as a mistrustful and defensive cat becomes a loving and protective member of a family. And that evolution makes the rest of the story that much more enjoyable.
Although the mild violence may be too scary for some sensitive younglings, I wouldn't hesitate to read this with/to a few Kindergarteners in my life. I wouldn't put it on a library shelf dedicated to only those younger than 7, though.
I will definitely be adding this to my elementary school library, and highly recommend it for libraries where animal-centric adventures circulate a lot.
---
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance digital copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
KC
School Librarian for 3rd - 5th Grade
Storyteller
Lover of cheese & tiny boxes
TL:DR
4 stars
Appropriate for K+
Primary appeal to 2-5
Fans of Cats, Science Fiction, animals with purpose, possibly Scurry by Mac Smith and Warrior Cats GN's
---
Those who follow Dr. Nnedi Okorafor online will undoubtedly recognize the main character of this story. Her very real cat, Periwinkle Chukwu, blesses us all with his genius through this fun and interesting sci-fi romp. We race in space, travel in an airplane cargo hold, experiance the Nigerian market, and witness The Great Hotsauce Incident.
While the average person may think that this Great Hotsauce Incident was just a cat being mischievous with condiments, WE now know that in fact, Periwinkle Chukwu successfully battled a tiny alien terror.
Yes, this story (beautifully illustrated by Tana Ford) is about a cat from space and how he saves the Earth (and his humans). But it is also about love and patience. We watch as a mistrustful and defensive cat becomes a loving and protective member of a family. And that evolution makes the rest of the story that much more enjoyable.
Although the mild violence may be too scary for some sensitive younglings, I wouldn't hesitate to read this with/to a few Kindergarteners in my life. I wouldn't put it on a library shelf dedicated to only those younger than 7, though.
I will definitely be adding this to my elementary school library, and highly recommend it for libraries where animal-centric adventures circulate a lot.
---
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance digital copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
KC
School Librarian for 3rd - 5th Grade
Storyteller
Lover of cheese & tiny boxes
Read
August 30, 2025The Space Cat is a fun book. First Second publishes the cream of the crop among books suited for younger audiences, and The Space Cat is no exception. Granted, this book holds appeal to animal-lovers of any age group. Although I'm animal-obsessive, I grew up with a dog, so the relationship between cats and their owners has always kind of baffled me. How strange that Periwinkle terrorized Nnedi and her daughter until he suddenly decided to trust them. I like the idea that the cat's damage to the house reflects his battles with alien foes.
Light on plot, this graphic novel runs mostly on good vibes. Okorafor's portrayal of Periwinkle is loving, and she clearly had a ball writing the cat's goofy monologue. Tana Ford’s art and the script are so tightly in sync that the comic feels like the work of a single writer-artist. Ford's portrayal of Periwinkle is highly emotive in both his expressions and body language. Either she is a cat owner or she did impressive research on cat mannerisms. The coloring is also eye-catching, as Ford employs various interesting techniques throughout. These pages are richly detailed and compelling.
The Space Cat is an easy recommendation for any fans of cats and comics out there.
Light on plot, this graphic novel runs mostly on good vibes. Okorafor's portrayal of Periwinkle is loving, and she clearly had a ball writing the cat's goofy monologue. Tana Ford’s art and the script are so tightly in sync that the comic feels like the work of a single writer-artist. Ford's portrayal of Periwinkle is highly emotive in both his expressions and body language. Either she is a cat owner or she did impressive research on cat mannerisms. The coloring is also eye-catching, as Ford employs various interesting techniques throughout. These pages are richly detailed and compelling.
The Space Cat is an easy recommendation for any fans of cats and comics out there.
July 14, 2025
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A review by you!
The Space Cat by Nnedi Okorafor
4.25
Periwinkle is more than a beloved house cat--he is a space cat! Spaceship racing, cats from Neptune, and alien invaders are all part of the life of a space cat. So when the family moves to Nigeria for a year, Periwinkle is ready for any adventure. Many people in his new hometown, however, hate cats (and owls). But when dangerous mind-controlling aliens start taking over, only Periwinkle and his animal friends can stop them. If Periwinkle can convince them that humans are worth saving.
Space Cat is sure to delight graphic novel readers and animal lovers with its gorgeous art, humorous antics, and battle scenes as Periwinkle explores and defends the planet. And enjoys chicken filets. Readers may even gain insight into what any feline friends may be up to when no humans are looking.
Open main menu
A review by you!
The Space Cat by Nnedi Okorafor
4.25
Periwinkle is more than a beloved house cat--he is a space cat! Spaceship racing, cats from Neptune, and alien invaders are all part of the life of a space cat. So when the family moves to Nigeria for a year, Periwinkle is ready for any adventure. Many people in his new hometown, however, hate cats (and owls). But when dangerous mind-controlling aliens start taking over, only Periwinkle and his animal friends can stop them. If Periwinkle can convince them that humans are worth saving.
Space Cat is sure to delight graphic novel readers and animal lovers with its gorgeous art, humorous antics, and battle scenes as Periwinkle explores and defends the planet. And enjoys chicken filets. Readers may even gain insight into what any feline friends may be up to when no humans are looking.
August 13, 2025
Periwinkle is no ordinary cat! In THE SPACE CAT he lives a fabulous life, pampered by his humans all day, but at night, Periwinkle becomes a space cat, racing through the universe in his spaceship and battling aliens. When his family relocates to Nigeria, Periwinkle encounters a culture where cats aren’t universally beloved. This doesn’t deter Periwinkle, who rallies a group of cats to avert disaster, protecting the city from an alien invasion.
The graphic novel features fabulous artwork paired with imaginative episodic storytelling that meshes fantasy with the real world. Periwinkle is an engaging narrator with a distinctive speech pattern that takes a little getting used to, but that I think middle grade readers will enjoy. Filled with adventure and humor, fans of fantasy and animal stories will love following Periwinkle’s story.
The graphic novel features fabulous artwork paired with imaginative episodic storytelling that meshes fantasy with the real world. Periwinkle is an engaging narrator with a distinctive speech pattern that takes a little getting used to, but that I think middle grade readers will enjoy. Filled with adventure and humor, fans of fantasy and animal stories will love following Periwinkle’s story.
August 14, 2025
So this is apparently is being marketed as a children's book, which it isn't. It's kid friendly, but if you like Okorafor's work , sci-fi, or cats, you don't have to be a kid to enjoy this.
Basically Okorafor and artist Tana Ford have produced a graphic novel about the cat Perwinkle and his adventures because his cat dad was from Neptune. Perwinkle's story is about protecting his humans, and by extension earth, from aliens, and to do this, he gets some help from dogs and birds.
I like how Perwinkle talks like a cat as opposed to a person. The artwork works. There are some funny bits, especially if you have ever been a caretaker for a cat.
It was a fun read that even touches on how some cultures view cats and owls.
Basically Okorafor and artist Tana Ford have produced a graphic novel about the cat Perwinkle and his adventures because his cat dad was from Neptune. Perwinkle's story is about protecting his humans, and by extension earth, from aliens, and to do this, he gets some help from dogs and birds.
I like how Perwinkle talks like a cat as opposed to a person. The artwork works. There are some funny bits, especially if you have ever been a caretaker for a cat.
It was a fun read that even touches on how some cultures view cats and owls.
July 27, 2025
This MG graphic novel is a quick, fun read, featuring a wonderfully engaging cat named Periwinkle, based on Okorafor's own real-life cat. Periwinkle has a great life - beloved, spoiled pet by day, space explorer by night. When his family moves to Kaleria, Nigeria, Periwinkle is excited to explore his new home, despite being told that Nigerians hate cats. There's a mysterious enemy to fight, and that part of the story felt a little rushed to me compared to the pace of the rest of the book, but overall I loved this story of a special cat, and Tana Ford's illustrations were fantastic. Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for a digital review copy.
August 8, 2025
This was a cute story about Periwinkle, the author’s cat. He’s a pampered pet by day, and an intrepid space explorer at night. I enjoyed seeing Periwinkle’s interactions with other animals when his family moves to Nigeria, and of course, his battles with aliens. I loved the beautiful illustrations by Tana Ford, which emphasized the humor and heart of the story.
This graphic novel would be appropriate for school-age children, but it’s also fun for the young at heart who enjoy cat stories.
Thanks to First Second Books for providing me with an electronic ARC through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
This graphic novel would be appropriate for school-age children, but it’s also fun for the young at heart who enjoy cat stories.
Thanks to First Second Books for providing me with an electronic ARC through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
August 26, 2025
Pumpernickel Pickle Periwinkle Chukwu Okorafor, or Periwinkle for short, is a cat who loves his humans and loves his home. But he originally comes from space, and still likes to race his spaceship around the solar system. He loves Earth though, and wants to protect it. While his human takes him to Nigeria on a work trip, he finds an alien invasion in the local market. It’s up to Periwinkle to convince all the local cats and dogs, and even owls, to help drive the invaders away.
A cute mid-grade graphic novel about a cat from space. It’s super cute, and the art is wonderful. Fun, short read.
A cute mid-grade graphic novel about a cat from space. It’s super cute, and the art is wonderful. Fun, short read.
May 27, 2025
I received an ARC from First Second Books via NetGalley. Periwinkle is a house cat with everything he needs, who also can travel to space. His owners take him from the US to Nigeria so his owner can write a book. While in Nigeria he meets some of the local cats and helps solve a big problem.
The artwork and story are for a younger audience, but I love the spoiled musings of this cute cat. I also really enjoyed his adventures in Nigeria. It was fun seeing Nnedi Okorafor use herself, her daughter and their cat as an inspiration for this story.
The artwork and story are for a younger audience, but I love the spoiled musings of this cute cat. I also really enjoyed his adventures in Nigeria. It was fun seeing Nnedi Okorafor use herself, her daughter and their cat as an inspiration for this story.
August 28, 2025
Honestly, the art was phenomenal. I loved the movement of the cats, the gorgeous use of color and patterns and textures, and the strong sense of place.
Unfortunately it was let down by an unfocused narrative. I know this is episodic storytelling, but to go from a cat spreading hot sauce around the house to flying in a spaceship to the power of community when faced with people who don't like cats in Nigeria — it all just felt like she wanted to write a book about her cat but didn't know what story to tell.
Unfortunately it was let down by an unfocused narrative. I know this is episodic storytelling, but to go from a cat spreading hot sauce around the house to flying in a spaceship to the power of community when faced with people who don't like cats in Nigeria — it all just felt like she wanted to write a book about her cat but didn't know what story to tell.
April 15, 2025
This was fantastic!! I will read anything by Nnedi Okorafor so I was really excited to see that she had a graphic novel coming out. This was so good. The writing was good, and the artwork was amazing! I loved how all the cats and animals looked. As soon as this comes out I'm getting a physical copy. I can't wait to see what all the artwork looks like in person. Everything was so colorful! If I could give this ten stars I would.
September 8, 2025
In all honesty, I probably would have liked this better if the cat didn't speak in a kind of youtube-ish broken English, which unduly infantilizes anthropomorphic animals.
This ruined for me what otherwise could have been a nice nonhuman animal-centred graphic novel. The artwork is cool, the story is simple - not much of a plot - but entertaining enough with some okay cultural commentary. But well.
This ruined for me what otherwise could have been a nice nonhuman animal-centred graphic novel. The artwork is cool, the story is simple - not much of a plot - but entertaining enough with some okay cultural commentary. But well.
June 25, 2025
When I first started this book, I was pretty sure it was not going to be for me. Initially the way Periwinkle spoke grated on my nerves. About the time we encounter the hot sauce alien, I knew I had been wrong. This book is delightful and original. I've never read anything quite like it. I have no words for the art. It's gorgeous, with definite African vibes.
March 15, 2025
I'm not a cat lover, but I did love Periwinkle, the Space Cat. I also appreciated the Nigerian setting.
While aimed at a middle grade audience, I think this will appeal to older graphic novel readers as well. Fun!
Review based on a digital ARC received through NetGalley.
While aimed at a middle grade audience, I think this will appeal to older graphic novel readers as well. Fun!
Review based on a digital ARC received through NetGalley.
August 11, 2025
It’s a fun little read.
The cat himself is just fun because he’s mischievous. And you can see how the aliens are mundane things to humans but wild to cats.
I thought it was fun that while the cat obviously understood English, he didn’t understand the finer points of grammar and tensing.
The cat himself is just fun because he’s mischievous. And you can see how the aliens are mundane things to humans but wild to cats.
I thought it was fun that while the cat obviously understood English, he didn’t understand the finer points of grammar and tensing.
August 12, 2025
I Love Pumpernickel Pickle Periwinkle Chukwu Okorafor!!!
I Love Pumpernickel Pickle Periwinkle Chukwu Okorafor!!!
Such an adventurerous cat! Fun story! Gorgeous illustrations!!! I love Petiwinkle's spacesuit!! I hope Periwinkle will have more adventures soon!
I Love Pumpernickel Pickle Periwinkle Chukwu Okorafor!!!
Such an adventurerous cat! Fun story! Gorgeous illustrations!!! I love Petiwinkle's spacesuit!! I hope Periwinkle will have more adventures soon!
September 5, 2025
"I protect house and humans." Page 49
The Space Cat is a delightful, adventurous story that excites and engages the reader from first page to last. Friends, enemies, family, world travel and beyond, it's all covered here.
More please!!
The Space Cat is a delightful, adventurous story that excites and engages the reader from first page to last. Friends, enemies, family, world travel and beyond, it's all covered here.
More please!!
September 7, 2025
Super cute sorry about family and community and adventures and space and cats.
Beautifully illustrated and appropriate for all - I read this and am passing it along to my cat and space obsessed tween to read next.
Beautifully illustrated and appropriate for all - I read this and am passing it along to my cat and space obsessed tween to read next.
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September 9, 2025Hey buddy! Your story was awesome—I truly enjoyed it. If you’d like to talk about ideas or work together, you can contact me here:
Telegram: @jadonmary | Instagram: Jadonmary_179 | TikTok: jadonmary
Telegram: @jadonmary | Instagram: Jadonmary_179 | TikTok: jadonmary
May 13, 2025
Visually appealing, but rather short on substance. The "space cat" parts didn't mesh convincingly with the "real life" parts. I expected more from this author.
August 18, 2025
Cats, space, and African futurism all in a graphic novel. Couldn’t ask for more!
August 19, 2025
My human child approves of any book that has owls AND dogs and space. Oh yeah there are cats too.
August 23, 2025
For anyone who knows the fantastic Periwinkle Chukwu from Nnedi Okorafor's socials, this graphic novel delightfully reimagines his alluring weirdness into an exciting adventure. For those who don't know him yet, it will be a joy to meet him.
Whether hurtling through space, pacing himself into trusting his new family, discovering a new world and a new home in Nigeria, Periwinkle is a utter delight.
Beautiful illustrated and a super sweet ode to an incredible companion!
Whether hurtling through space, pacing himself into trusting his new family, discovering a new world and a new home in Nigeria, Periwinkle is a utter delight.
Beautiful illustrated and a super sweet ode to an incredible companion!
August 30, 2025
gorgeous
September 2, 2025
Super cute read about a cat that’s an alien. Son laughed a lot in this book, it was really a good story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews