Gordon: Bark to the Future!

Gr 1–4—This latest spin-off from the "Binky" series, which centers on an imaginative cat who thinks he's an astronaut as he explores space (the backyard) and battles aliens (insects), focuses on Gordon the dog, Binky's companion and a fellow member of Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel (P.U.R.S.T.). In this installment, aliens have invaded, P.U.R.S.T. is incommunicado, and Binky and friends are incapacitated. Now it's up to Gordon to save the day. He decides to use his new invention to travel back in time to a few days ago and prevent the invasion. However, he ends up five years in the past, and his troubles only get more complicated. The tale has the same visual humor and funny narration that endeared readers to the "Binky" books, but Gordon is a strong hero in his own right. Initially he tries to solve his problems the way his friends would, but he learns that their strengths are not his. Spires once more offers strong writing, and her adorable and quirky cartoon illustrations are well composed.