Waffles and Pancake: Planetary-Yum (Waffles and Pancake #1)

In this kitten-focused spin-off of Brockington’s CatStronauts series, siblings Pancake (a tan cat in a purple rainbow shirt) and Waffles (a cream kitty sporting a yellow fish top) are eager to visit the Big City Science Museum. Before heading to Mom-Cat’s house, the siblings and Dad-Cat make their way through the museum’s feline-inspired exhibits, which feature saber-toothed specimens in the hall of dino-cats, 4-D hairballs with an attendant gross-out video, and a planetarium: “The ancient cats saw pictures in groups of stars.” When the end of a CatStronauts-centered space tour finds the kittens separated from Dad-Cat, they show good judgment in asking for help—then contemplate what a “FUR-EVER” museum visit would involve. Filled with humorous catchphrases (“That’s one small step for cats, one giant pounce for feline-kind”) and regular, enthusiastic meal breaks (the family stuffs food into their faces with comedic tenacity), Brockington’s anthropomorphic world is rendered in blocky shapes and bright colors. If the plot seems a little lean, a focus on fostering interests and family fun—“My favorite part was all of it,” says Dad-Cat—proves winning. Ages 6–9. (Sept.)