July 15, 2024
Aiko, portrayed with pale skin and wide round eyes, is a brave, ambitious astronaut upon whom “the whole of humanity is counting.” On a mission to find extraterrestrial life, she lands on a planet run entirely by talking dogs, where she busts her equipment taking a selfie. Toutou, the dogs’ poodle leader, explains that the inhabitants, “descendants of the valiant astro-dogs sent into space by humans,” are determined to live far from humankind so they can never again be exploited. Mixed-media illustrations by Ellegaard capture the dogs’ existence in watercolor textures that offer up a trippy vibe. When Aiko informs the canines that she intends to use news of her discovery to become famous on Earth, “the warm welcome turns icy,” and she goes from honored guest to leashed prisoner. But the plot turns once again when Aiko saves Toutou, and a deal is struck: the dogs will repair Aiko’s ship, and she’ll keep quiet about their planet. Lengthy text by Cayuso melds the dreamy with the matter-of-fact, as someone recounting a dream, making for an offbeat title that’s doggone beguiling, too. Ages 4–8.