Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is what happens when genuinely talented creators (Mac Barnett is a NYT bestselling author, Shawn Harris won a Caldecott Honor) decide to get wonderfully weird. A cat bioengineered to save the moon from rats, accompanied by a toenail-clipping robot having an existential crisis? It's ridiculous, and it knows it.

The graphic novel format is clutch for kids who find chapter books intimidating but are ready to move past early readers. Parents rave about the age-appropriate humor and illustrations, and Common Sense Media confirms it's genuinely harmless fun. There's a light theme about friendship and purpose, but mostly this is about entertainment—and it delivers.

The humor is very specific though. If your kid loves the random, absurdist energy of Dog Man or The Bad Guys, this is a slam dunk. If they prefer more grounded stories, they might find it too chaotic. But for the right kid, this is the kind of book they'll read under the covers with a flashlight and then force you to listen to every single plot detail at breakfast.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-10, especially kids who love Dog Man, Captain Underpants, or absurdist humor. The graphic novel format makes it accessible for early readers, while the wit keeps older elementary kids engaged.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Models friendship and finding your place in the world through an unlikely trio of heroes. Parent reviews emphasize age-appropriate humor and positive character development. The tone is silly and fun without being mean-spirited or chaotic. Lunar hijinks are playful rather than destructive.

Imaginative

92

Absolutely bonkers premise—a bioengineered cat, a toenail-clipping robot questioning its purpose, and a Moon Queen fighting rats eating the moon. The graphic novel format with 'cartoony style' illustrations invites visual engagement. Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris turned a live cartoon into this series, showing genuine creative playfulness. The absurdist humor and sci-fi setting spark curiosity.

Safe

95

Common Sense Media notes 'a couple of monsters on the moon, but they're not very scary.' No concerning content flags from any parent reviews. The graphic novel format makes content transparent—no surprise violence, gore, or mature themes. Books are inherently safe from privacy/monetization concerns. This is straightforward silly adventure.

Enriching

75

Primarily entertainment-focused with 'mild message of friendship and finding your place in the world.' The existential question of a toenail-clipping robot finding purpose is surprisingly thoughtful. Strong illustrations and storytelling craft on display from award-winning creators. Gets kids reading graphic novels, but this isn't heavy on skill-building or deep themes—it's fun first.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely hilarious premise that doesn't talk down to kids—absurdist humor done right
Graphic novel format is perfect for reluctant readers or kids transitioning from picture books
Strong illustrations from Caldecott Honor winner Shawn Harris with that 'kid who's really good at drawing' aesthetic
Sneaks in themes about friendship and finding purpose without being preachy
Kids Indie Next List pick and bestseller—this has serious kid appeal

⚠

What to Watch For

The humor is very silly and random—some kids will eat it up, others might find it too weird
A couple of non-scary moon monsters appear, but nothing nightmare-inducing
It's part of a series, so expect requests for the sequels if they love it

Conversation Starters

"If you could be blasted into space for an adventure, what would you want to bring with you?"
"The robot clips toenails but wants to find a bigger purpose—have you ever felt like you wanted to do something more important?"
"Why do you think the authors made rats the villains? What would you have chosen instead?"
"What's the weirdest pizza topping you can imagine for a space cat?"

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