Once upon a Space-Time! (Space-Time #1)

In 2216, 10 years after aliens first made contact, international students study as cadets at the Earth School for Space Missing Preparation (ESSMP). When humankind is ready to “[become] part of the galactic civilization,” Tobey—the face of a goblin-like extraterrestrial group, each of whom is named Tobey—organizes an expedition staffed by ESSMP cadets (after all, “adult humans can be pretty whiny!”). To be chosen, the students undergo tests—holding ice cream in a cold pool with the AC on high (“Coldness of Space Simulator!”), sitting inside a coffin-like life-support pod (“What’s in the Box? You are!”). Cadets Petra Novak and Jide Eshetu are the unlikely kid candidates who join Tobey, human Commander Gusevich, and a variety of nonhuman explorers, including a starfish in a robot tank and a disappointed-looking reptile. Together, the group performs “critical” missions on Mars—like optimal route planning (from the cafeteria to the rec room). Brown’s (the Lucy & Andy Neanderthal series) signature cartoon style amplifies the humor, using facial expressions to convey exaggerated emotion. Gags and humorous dialogue make the book’s subtle lessons palatable as Brown touts the importance of environmentalism, humility, and equality. Taking enjoyable liberty with science’s machinations, this science fiction graphic novel captures a cavalcade of fun through a low-stakes plot. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. [em](June) [/em]