Book Review: Zita the Spacegirl Book One by Ben Hatke

Zita the Spacegirl Book One: Far from Home written and illustrated by Ben Hatke

Zita and Joseph are playing in a field when they discover a meteorite. Inside the space rock is a small device with a button. Being a spunky girl, Zita pushes the button which opens a portal. Some tentacles come out and grab Joseph. The portal closes. Zita is distressed that Joseph is lost. After some hand-wringing, she pushes the button again and follows after Joseph. She winds up on a planet full of bizarre alien life forms. They are all in a panic because a massive meteoroid is hurtling through space and will destroy the planet in three days. Joseph has been kidnapped by some locals who live in a faraway castle. Zita goes on a fantastic adventure to rescue him, meeting and befriending various aliens and robots along the way.

The story is very charming and very familiar. The overall story arc is nothing new but the story has enough fun twists and charming characters to make it enjoyable. Zita is a fine hero and I look forward to reading her future adventures.