This Is War (Cats vs. Robots #1)

Gr 3-6--The Robot Federation of Planet Binar and the Great Feline Empire of Planet Felinus have been longtime enemies. Both are ruled by somewhat preoccupied leaders, with more competent second-in-command counterparts handling business. The discovery of something called a "singularity chip" on a primitive, unimportant planet called Earth, however, grabs the attention of the cats and robots alike. The singularity chip is said to be capable of either extending a cat's life indefinitely, or serving as an infinite power supply to a robot. The respective leaders both need the chip, so the race to acquire it begins. On Earth, the chip is the work of two married scientists, parents to two polar-opposite children. Max loves designing video games, struggles in school, and has great affection for cats; high-achieving Min's passion is robotics and she dislikes cats. Chaos ensues! This story fits squarely in the subgenre of goofy, outer space-based comedy. The characters are a bit two-dimensional and the singularity chip's highly specific uses are a little implausible, but fans of the genre won't mind. Text messages from the children's parents (absent for most of the story) make the parents sound like highly excitable teenagers and adds to the silliness. Promotion of STEM skills, the drama of a robotics competition, and a gender-nonbinary role model also enhance the text. VERDICT Recommend for cat lovers and "Captain Underpants" fans. Purchase for medium-size collections.--Sara White, Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry, FL'

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This madcap caper featuring an amusing crew of human, feline, and robotic characters launches the Cats vs. Robots series by the craftily matched Stohl (Beautiful Creatures) and Peterson (a game developer and robot builder). The premise is grounded in the feud between two intergalactic rivals: the disorganized Great Feline Empire, where naps are frequent and rules are followed "only if you felt like it," and the goal-oriented Robot Federation, whose residents are "constantly trying (and failing) to invade and bring order to feline society." When a microchip is created on Earth that can extend the lives of cats beyond nine and keep robots perpetually charged, the race is on to procure the device. Wryly named enemies Pounce de Leon and Sir Beeps-a-Lot are sent on missions to Earth, where allies of both empires are at work, including an elderly cat, Obi ("OB_1_Cat_noB" in robot-speak), and a bumbling assemblage of outdated computer prototypes residing in the home of the microchip's inventors and their precocious kids. The authors sustain sharp comedic irony throughout, interjecting unanticipated plot twists and doses of emotion likely to engage readers. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"While comically contrasting the vast gulf between the mentalities of machines and cats, and (plainly) having great fun with names, the authors also work in significant gulf-bridging elements and developments. A STEM-friendly, high-interest adventure."—Booklist