What do you think?
Rate this book
Binky #3
Binky Under Pressure
In Binky's third adventure, our intrepid, sometimes accident-prone hero is shaken out of his routine when he's forced to contend with Gracie, a dainty striped foster kitty who comes to live at Binky's space station (aka his home at 42 Sentinel Parkway). Binky instantly resents the new arrival, whose cute face and perfect manners are downright annoying. Indeed, Gracie seems too perfect. So Binky decides to do some undercover investigating and discovers a shocking truth about the family guest. Soon Binky is thrust full-throttle into a situation that puts all his Space Cat skills to the ultimate test!
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Ashley Spires
29 books210 followersAshley has written and illustrated many books, most notably the bestselling The Most Magnificent Thing, which is now a short animated film. She creates books that remind kids that making mistakes is integral to learning. She lives in British Columbia with her dog and a growing army of felines.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 8, 2017
New cat in the Space Ship
Family gets a foster cat and Binky is not happy it. But this is not an ordinary cat but a Captain Space Cat there to test Binky's space skills. Very clever.
Family gets a foster cat and Binky is not happy it. But this is not an ordinary cat but a Captain Space Cat there to test Binky's space skills. Very clever.
August 12, 2017
Cute and silly. A little awkward and off-putting in moments. And found the third person narration a little distracting sometimes (sometimes it was confusing what was character vs. narrator voice). But mostly cute and silly. Great concept and use of relational and character archetypes. Thinking of reading this with my cat-loving 6 year old neighbor.
Favorite quote: "He's suffering from space gas. And he has a hairball coming on."
Least favorite quote: "If this is what girls are like, he's glad he's fixed." Blech.
Favorite quote: "He's suffering from space gas. And he has a hairball coming on."
Least favorite quote: "If this is what girls are like, he's glad he's fixed." Blech.
August 29, 2011
Binky is still a space cat and still protecting his humans from the alien invaders. His life has become rather dull. Then one morning, Gracie arrives. She’s a new kitty his humans have adopted. Binky tries to explain that this is HIS space station and these are HIS humans. But Gracie doesn’t seem interested in giving up her new home or even Binky’s favorite toys. It’s not until Binky spots Gracie defeat an alien with incredible finesse that he starts to wonder if maybe she isn’t what she seems to be. This new Binky book will thrill fans of the series as Binky faces his biggest challenge yet.
Spires has created a series of books that have a strong sense of humor and great storylines. She writes with dexterity and ease that readers will enjoy. The illustrations in this graphic novel use many interesting perspectives and incorporate plenty of humor visually as well. The palette for the books is subdued, giving it a signature look.
Highly recommended for fans of the series. If you haven’t enjoyed the Binky series yet, start at the beginning. I envy those lucky enough to read all three of the books in quick succession. They are such fun! Appropriate for ages 8-12.
Spires has created a series of books that have a strong sense of humor and great storylines. She writes with dexterity and ease that readers will enjoy. The illustrations in this graphic novel use many interesting perspectives and incorporate plenty of humor visually as well. The palette for the books is subdued, giving it a signature look.
Highly recommended for fans of the series. If you haven’t enjoyed the Binky series yet, start at the beginning. I envy those lucky enough to read all three of the books in quick succession. They are such fun! Appropriate for ages 8-12.
February 2, 2012
If you haven't been keeping up, I work at the children's department of the local library. One of the perks that's stapled to the job is getting to see the new book arrivals. Some of these are reminiscent of my childhood - I recently green dotted a copy of Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion, which is actually packed somewhere in this house - and others just bring the child out of me. Enter Binky, space cat.
Binky and I only became acquainted recently. And if what Ashley Spires presents in Binky Under Pressure reflects anything in the other books, then I hope the department has the other books (I found out today that we have Binky the Space Cat, but not Binky to the Rescue - though that latter just might not be on the shelves as I didn't browse the card catalog).
Binky is a great space cat. He remembers his exploration into outer space fondly. And while space was fun, he couldn't imagine leaving his humans. Still, he protects his space station from the alien invaders that attempt break in.
Enter a new invader: Gracie. Another cat moving into Binky's territory, eating his food, stealing HIS best friend! Binky. Must. Bring. It. But Gracie isn't all that she appears - is she a friend or foe?
It's a fun read. I'm even sure your kids will love it.
Binky and I only became acquainted recently. And if what Ashley Spires presents in Binky Under Pressure reflects anything in the other books, then I hope the department has the other books (I found out today that we have Binky the Space Cat, but not Binky to the Rescue - though that latter just might not be on the shelves as I didn't browse the card catalog).
Binky is a great space cat. He remembers his exploration into outer space fondly. And while space was fun, he couldn't imagine leaving his humans. Still, he protects his space station from the alien invaders that attempt break in.
Enter a new invader: Gracie. Another cat moving into Binky's territory, eating his food, stealing HIS best friend! Binky. Must. Bring. It. But Gracie isn't all that she appears - is she a friend or foe?
It's a fun read. I'm even sure your kids will love it.
October 4, 2011
Seeing Binky interact with another cat was delightful, and then the story got even better once the other cat's real motives were revealed. In addition, we now have evidence that Binky wasn't just imagining the events of the first few books...
The only caveat is that you DO need to read the earlier books in the series before reading this one, or else the story won't be as good or as funny. However, I strongly recommend those earlier books for readers young and old who know cats and have a sense of humor about them.
The only caveat is that you DO need to read the earlier books in the series before reading this one, or else the story won't be as good or as funny. However, I strongly recommend those earlier books for readers young and old who know cats and have a sense of humor about them.
May 10, 2016
Binky #3 in which Binky's re-certification as official space cat and member of F.U.R.S.T is at stake when new kitty Gracie comes to test his skillz. Adorable as ever.
May 4, 2017
1) Awards: none
2) Age range: grades 2-5
3) Summary: Binky is a space cat that does not get along with the new foster cat, Gracie. It turns out
that Gracie is his boss who is sent to him on official F.U.R.S.T business to be evaluated. What turns into a test becomes a breach of security from a family of aliens (flies). The two must work together to defeat the aliens and protect the humans.
4) Review: I thought this book was interesting. It wasn't necessarily my style of book, but I can definitely see children laughing at this and enjoying the comic book set up of the text. I can picture a student in my FW1 classroom loving this book.
5) In class use
-Keep in the library to show different styles of writing
-independent reading
2) Age range: grades 2-5
3) Summary: Binky is a space cat that does not get along with the new foster cat, Gracie. It turns out
that Gracie is his boss who is sent to him on official F.U.R.S.T business to be evaluated. What turns into a test becomes a breach of security from a family of aliens (flies). The two must work together to defeat the aliens and protect the humans.
4) Review: I thought this book was interesting. It wasn't necessarily my style of book, but I can definitely see children laughing at this and enjoying the comic book set up of the text. I can picture a student in my FW1 classroom loving this book.
5) In class use
-Keep in the library to show different styles of writing
-independent reading
April 27, 2018
This story is humorous and even as a college student, I found this book amusing. Binky calls himself a space cat and when his new owner gets a new temporary foster cat, Gracie, he feels replace. He does silly things to try to find his weakness but realizes Gracie is not who she is. Children will love this graphic novel and will be intrigued to see Binky and Gracie's friendship evolve.
This book is appropriate for second and third grade and makes a great transitional chapter book series to add to a classroom library. An activity that can be done in class for second grade to help them further explore the genre of graphic novel is, with storyboard paper, students can draw their own cartoon or mini graphic story and create a small book out of it.
This book is appropriate for second and third grade and makes a great transitional chapter book series to add to a classroom library. An activity that can be done in class for second grade to help them further explore the genre of graphic novel is, with storyboard paper, students can draw their own cartoon or mini graphic story and create a small book out of it.
May 5, 2022
Part of the Binky adventures, in which Binky the cat is dismayed when a foster kitten named Gracie is brought into the house. Told in graphic novel format, the unique thing about this series is that Binky is a certified space cat. The adventures take place in the space station (house) which he must protect from the aliens (bugs). This is written in one line sentences with the emotion coming from the sepia toned illustrations. As in real life, Binky's feelings come through with the position of his ears. Gracie turns out to be a surprise for Binky when she reveals her true identity. Now Binky isn't sure he wants her to leave. The vocabulary is a bit challenging but the continual illustrations should encourage young readers in grades 2-4 who enjoy animal stories or graphic novels.
December 14, 2017
Binky has gotten pretty comfortable as a SPACE cat; he has a routine and the aliens haven't gotten out of hand. Then Gracie comes to visit. At first, Binky just thinks she's an intruding cat (and may be an elaborate decoy of the aliens), but what he finds out is even worse, she's here to evaluate his SPACE cat abilities!
Binky and his own special brand of crazy are back! However, in this one he comes upon a new challenge, making a friend... and defeating an alien incursion. Fun and a good ending, definitely a must-read for Binky lovers!
No content issues, Binky still has "space gas", but it isn't made as big a deal of.
December 3, 2020
Binky has to get along with a new cat while she is given a new home! He does everything in his power to get her out of his space station, because that is his home and he will not share. But wait a second, Gracie is not just there to annoy him, she is another space cat and her mission is to ensure Binky is a proper space cat or remove his license.
This was so adorable, it has Binky having to come to terms with another cat on his territory (which cats don't like at all), and it also follows the plot line of him being a space cat and follows up on where the previous book ended. I have so much fun with this adorable kitty.
This was so adorable, it has Binky having to come to terms with another cat on his territory (which cats don't like at all), and it also follows the plot line of him being a space cat and follows up on where the previous book ended. I have so much fun with this adorable kitty.
January 19, 2018
Binky is not a fan of the new foster cat, Gracie, that comes to visit his space station. He plots to get rid of her until he realizes she's there with a very important mission.
Oh Binky, letting yourself get slack in your training. Tsk. Tsk. The rivalry between the two cats is one I've seen in real life and that makes it all the funnier. I liked Binky's theories as to Gracie's true identity. And after all that, the surprise Gracie has in store for Binky is a stellar touché moment. Lots of fun.
Notes on content. Only aliens (aka insects) are harmed. A teensy bit of bathroom humor.
Oh Binky, letting yourself get slack in your training. Tsk. Tsk. The rivalry between the two cats is one I've seen in real life and that makes it all the funnier. I liked Binky's theories as to Gracie's true identity. And after all that, the surprise Gracie has in store for Binky is a stellar touché moment. Lots of fun.
Notes on content. Only aliens (aka insects) are harmed. A teensy bit of bathroom humor.
July 28, 2021
Sepertinya, dengan menyelesaikan buku ini aku berhasil menyelesaikan seri Binky.
Meski kadang merasa karakter atau cerita Binky adalah berlebihan, karena menurutku tidak masuk akal, membaca seri ini sangat menyenangkan dan menghibur. Karakter Binky cukup lucu dengan berbagai pemikiran dan ulah yang menggemaskan. Apalagi, karakternya yang gembul. Makin membuat gemas saja!
Buku ini cocok untuk dibaca di waktu luang atau bahkan saat kamu sedang merasa lelah dan butuh hiburan.
Aku membaca seri Binky di Libby dan Scribd.
Meski kadang merasa karakter atau cerita Binky adalah berlebihan, karena menurutku tidak masuk akal, membaca seri ini sangat menyenangkan dan menghibur. Karakter Binky cukup lucu dengan berbagai pemikiran dan ulah yang menggemaskan. Apalagi, karakternya yang gembul. Makin membuat gemas saja!
Buku ini cocok untuk dibaca di waktu luang atau bahkan saat kamu sedang merasa lelah dan butuh hiburan.
Aku membaca seri Binky di Libby dan Scribd.
April 23, 2018
Awards the book has received (if any): None
Appropriate grade level(s): First through Third
Original summary: Binky in a space cat who couldn't stand to leave his humans. He has his daily routine down when all of a sudden a new visitor comes and visits.
Original review: Binky the cat is a fun story of making a friend of the least likely person, or in this case feline.
1-2 possible in-class uses: This could be used to introduce graphic novels as a type of text to the class for study.
Appropriate grade level(s): First through Third
Original summary: Binky in a space cat who couldn't stand to leave his humans. He has his daily routine down when all of a sudden a new visitor comes and visits.
Original review: Binky the cat is a fun story of making a friend of the least likely person, or in this case feline.
1-2 possible in-class uses: This could be used to introduce graphic novels as a type of text to the class for study.
May 5, 2017
1. n/a
2. 2nd-5th
3. This book is about a space cat that works together with another cat to fight aliens, AKA flies. This book is interesting and very entertaining.
4. This book was easy to read and the picture were very well illustrated. This book would be perfect for child who is into the comic style.
5. Independent reading, transitions.
2. 2nd-5th
3. This book is about a space cat that works together with another cat to fight aliens, AKA flies. This book is interesting and very entertaining.
4. This book was easy to read and the picture were very well illustrated. This book would be perfect for child who is into the comic style.
5. Independent reading, transitions.
April 20, 2022
I am glad to have read about Binky and will check out the first book in the series. I believe that flying insects are "aliens" and would love to know the story behind the rocket wreckage in the back yard. My favorite line is, "IF THIS IS WHAT GIRLS ARE LIKE, HE'S GLAD HE'S FIXED." A cat with a big heart, and problems with flatulence, this book is sure to be a hit with the elementary crowd.
September 17, 2023
Binky meets a foster cat in Binky under pressure. Naturally there is some jealousy and fighting until Binky realizes that Gracie, the foster cat, is also a space cat. Gracie is there to inspect Binky. They need to work together to protect the humans. The cat personalities in these books are perfect.
June 15, 2018
I loved the initially similarities here between Binky & Gracie and my own cat (also Binky) after the introduction of Boots.
The heightened nostalgia of the cordless landline telephone was also welcome.
All set for 5 stars until the lack of text over the final 15-20 pages.
The heightened nostalgia of the cordless landline telephone was also welcome.
All set for 5 stars until the lack of text over the final 15-20 pages.
April 27, 2022
Binky the Space Cat is under pressure from an intruder - a new tabby cat named Gracie. Can Binky train Gracie to protect the space station (home), or does Binky need to get rid of this added pressure?
A cute graphic novel that kids will love to share with each other and their families.
A cute graphic novel that kids will love to share with each other and their families.
October 3, 2017
This is a cute graphic novel for kids. The story is simple and easy to get into. Recommend to elementary readers.
February 21, 2018
Basile doit partager sa station spatiale avec un nouveau chat...
November 14, 2019
Great Binky Adventure
Another great Binky adventure. These are such cute comic books about a cat battling aliens (bugs). So much fun to read.
Another great Binky adventure. These are such cute comic books about a cat battling aliens (bugs). So much fun to read.
August 24, 2020
🐈 🐱 💕 🚀 🌎
February 8, 2021
Rating 5
So adorable!
So adorable!
April 12, 2021
I love everything Ashley writes. So cute, funny and fun.
June 29, 2022
Çizgi roman seviyorum.
March 24, 2024
I do love Binky's facial expressions.
July 9, 2018
"F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel) in no way endorses the disclosure of F.U.R.S.T. procedure and protocol within this book. This is a book of fiction and any resemblance to actual F.U.R.S.T. policy is purely coincidental."
February 3, 2014
Booklist (September 15, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 2))
Grades 2-4. Binky has settled into a routine—and perhaps he has settled a bit too much. Everything changes when a new cat moves into the space station, er, house. Now Binky must show that his alien-fighting skills are still at full power or risk losing his Space Cat certification. Binky fans will be thrilled with Spires’ third outing. The adorable, if gassy, Binky is at maximum cuteness and silliness, while the dual plots—focusing on friendship and hard work—carry a sweet message without being overbearing. Binky is a must-read that both kids and parents will love.
Horn Book (Spring 2012)
Binky, the accident-prone "space cat," is shaken when Gracie, a perfect foster cat, is brought into his space station (a.k.a. home). Fearing replacement (or worse, an alien invasion), Binky goes undercover only to discover Gracie is--gulp--his Space Boss. This graphic novel series for very young readers continues to be entertaining.
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 15, 2011)
Binky the Space Cat returns for his third not-so-quite-out-of-this-world adventure. The doughty astronaut keeps his humans safe in their space station (suburban house), but his life has become boring...nap, snack, cuddle, nap, catch aliens (bugs), nap. Then his humans bring home foster cat Gracie. Andquelle horreur! He must share his food, litter and best friend, Ted! When explaining the situation to Gracie doesn't work, Binky stalks her, taking notes. She's too perfect; maybe the aliens created a robot cat in an attempt to infiltrate the space station. But no, when Binky tests Gracie to see if she hates aliens as much as he, she reveals her true identity: Captain Gracie of F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), clearance level 6, License to Scratch; she's Binky's superior and it's time for his annual review! Binky must prove himself or lose his commission. He's made some mistakes in the past, but his humans and his space station need him now! Then aliens actually do invade; will Gracie and Binky be able to beat back the attack? All the ingredients are present for Spires' chubby and sweetly delusional kitty's return: Binky's wild imaginings, deadpan humor, occasional space gas (poot). Fans will celebrate; aliens will quiver in fright.(Graphic fiction. 7-14)
School Library Journal (November 1, 2011)
K-Gr 4-Another winning entry in the series. In this installment, a new character enters Binky's well-regulated space station. While Gracie poses as a foster cat competing for his humans' affections, Binky soon realizes that she is in fact a captain in F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), and she has come to evaluate the performance of his space-cat duties. He struggles at first with the trials she sets before him, but when a real danger emerges, he and Gracie work together to protect their home from insect invaders. The story is cinematically told; Spires pulls into close-ups at key moments and shifts fluidly between the vantage points of her two main characters. Pages are well laid out; while the placement and shape of panels vary, they always guide readers' eyes easily through the action, and flashback and fantasy are easily distinguished from real-time events through the use of wavy panel boundaries. As always, the story is infused with laugh-out-loud moments aimed both at kids (Binky's recurring bouts of space gas) and at adults (annoyed at Gracie, Binky thinks, "If this is what girls are like, he's glad he's fixed"). The addition of Gracie gives the story a stronger conflict and greater dramatic heft than was found in the previous books, capped by a satisfying resolution that sets the stage for the space cat's next escapade. Sure to be a hit with graphic-novel fans and cat lovers.-Kate Hewitt, Far Brook School, Short Hills, NJ (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Grades 2-4. Binky has settled into a routine—and perhaps he has settled a bit too much. Everything changes when a new cat moves into the space station, er, house. Now Binky must show that his alien-fighting skills are still at full power or risk losing his Space Cat certification. Binky fans will be thrilled with Spires’ third outing. The adorable, if gassy, Binky is at maximum cuteness and silliness, while the dual plots—focusing on friendship and hard work—carry a sweet message without being overbearing. Binky is a must-read that both kids and parents will love.
Horn Book (Spring 2012)
Binky, the accident-prone "space cat," is shaken when Gracie, a perfect foster cat, is brought into his space station (a.k.a. home). Fearing replacement (or worse, an alien invasion), Binky goes undercover only to discover Gracie is--gulp--his Space Boss. This graphic novel series for very young readers continues to be entertaining.
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 15, 2011)
Binky the Space Cat returns for his third not-so-quite-out-of-this-world adventure. The doughty astronaut keeps his humans safe in their space station (suburban house), but his life has become boring...nap, snack, cuddle, nap, catch aliens (bugs), nap. Then his humans bring home foster cat Gracie. Andquelle horreur! He must share his food, litter and best friend, Ted! When explaining the situation to Gracie doesn't work, Binky stalks her, taking notes. She's too perfect; maybe the aliens created a robot cat in an attempt to infiltrate the space station. But no, when Binky tests Gracie to see if she hates aliens as much as he, she reveals her true identity: Captain Gracie of F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), clearance level 6, License to Scratch; she's Binky's superior and it's time for his annual review! Binky must prove himself or lose his commission. He's made some mistakes in the past, but his humans and his space station need him now! Then aliens actually do invade; will Gracie and Binky be able to beat back the attack? All the ingredients are present for Spires' chubby and sweetly delusional kitty's return: Binky's wild imaginings, deadpan humor, occasional space gas (poot). Fans will celebrate; aliens will quiver in fright.(Graphic fiction. 7-14)
School Library Journal (November 1, 2011)
K-Gr 4-Another winning entry in the series. In this installment, a new character enters Binky's well-regulated space station. While Gracie poses as a foster cat competing for his humans' affections, Binky soon realizes that she is in fact a captain in F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), and she has come to evaluate the performance of his space-cat duties. He struggles at first with the trials she sets before him, but when a real danger emerges, he and Gracie work together to protect their home from insect invaders. The story is cinematically told; Spires pulls into close-ups at key moments and shifts fluidly between the vantage points of her two main characters. Pages are well laid out; while the placement and shape of panels vary, they always guide readers' eyes easily through the action, and flashback and fantasy are easily distinguished from real-time events through the use of wavy panel boundaries. As always, the story is infused with laugh-out-loud moments aimed both at kids (Binky's recurring bouts of space gas) and at adults (annoyed at Gracie, Binky thinks, "If this is what girls are like, he's glad he's fixed"). The addition of Gracie gives the story a stronger conflict and greater dramatic heft than was found in the previous books, capped by a satisfying resolution that sets the stage for the space cat's next escapade. Sure to be a hit with graphic-novel fans and cat lovers.-Kate Hewitt, Far Brook School, Short Hills, NJ (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2019
It's alright but
if you have ever read binky
books the storys about
the same thing it
always is.
if you have ever read binky
books the storys about
the same thing it
always is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews