Loaded with energy and humor, this early reader combines a controlled vocabulary and simple sentence structure with an entertaining story. When his rocket’s fuel tank develops a leak, Space Cat turns to alien King Zorp for help. Zorp is having a few technical problems of his own, and hasn’t a drop of fuel to spare. Fortunately, Space Cat’s personal robot/butler, Earl, turns up at the crucial moment, providing an unexpected source of aid to Zorp. King Zorp bestows a reward of fuel, and Space Cat and Earl head back into the stratosphere in Cushman’s far out tale. (Ages 5–7)