Loaded with energy and humor, this early reader combines a controlled vocabulary and simple sentence structure with an entertaining story. When his rocket’s fuel tank develops a leak, Space Cat turns to alien King Zorp for help. Zorp is having a few technical problems of his own, and hasn’t a drop of fuel to spare. Fortunately, Space Cat’s personal robot/butler, Earl, turns up at the crucial moment, providing an unexpected source of aid to Zorp. King Zorp bestows a reward of fuel, and Space Cat and Earl head back into the stratosphere in Cushman’s far out tale. (Ages 5–7)

Space Cat and his trusty robot, Earl, are forced to land their rocket on a strange planet. Space Cat has to find more fuel to get home. Will he ever blast off again?