Astronautical!

by Brooklin Stormie

A fun and twisty middle-grade graphic novel debut about an intergalactic rescue mission, for fans of Steven Universe and Zita the Space Girl.

A century ago, planet Zephyr exploded under mysterious circumstances. Ever since, generations have been living out their lives on the remaining floating planet chunks.

Brothers Max and Lari and their father Captain Cherryhair deliver goods around the galaxy on their spaceship—until their father is suddenly kidnapped by the fox minions of Cynosure, the Planet Breaker.

Luckily, a couple of stars with a ferryboat business offer to help the brothers on their rescue mission. But when Max sustains a life-threatening black hole injury, little brother Lari finally has to step up and take care of his chronically in-charge big brother.

Will Lari be able to figure out the secret of the broken planet and face the powerful Cynosure? Can he save not only his brother, but the people of Zephyr too?

Astronautical! is packed with quirky characters and exciting adventures, where wooden mast ships sail through space (totally not real science), whales are spaghettified by black holes (kind of real science), and comets travel through time (absolutely real science).

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy, Canada, Space

248 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong Adventure Time vibes with this one. A pair of brothers are stranded on a planetoid when their father is taken prisoner by the big bad guy who blew up the planet in the first place. The two brothers are constantly feuding, one yearning for discipline, the other for whimsy. They journey across the stars to save their father, only to learn they had a bigger part to play in the planetary mythos.

There's so much going on here. Space whales, witches who are black holes, climate change. Stars who are actual beings, kind of. Brooklin Stormie includes a good deal of dry humor, which I appreciated as adult reader of what is, in theory, a kid's book. Honestly, if you're reading this as an adult, maybe consider a gummy? Kids will probably appreciate the no-look passes that the plot takes.

[Simone Hagemann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeg har ventet så længe på denne og havde enormt høje forventninger til, at jeg ville elske den. Desværre faldt den ret meget til jorden for mig. Den havde sine moments, hvor den var ret sjov, men den var mest af alt for rodet og uden nok forklaringer på, hvordan tingene hænger sammen.

[Kay S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I... don't know what to make of this. It's bright, obnoxious, imaginative... but I didn't really get it. It's a bit too all-over-the-place for me. Like the foxes, the star people, the humans, but also the rabbits...

It's one heck of a quest narrative though!

[AK · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a mix of fact and fiction, Astronautical was such a fun story about two kids travelling around space to find their dad. I loved the little space facts that were shared, and the glossary delving deeper into some of the science and fiction.

Kids don't always know best, and even when you have the burden of responsibility on your shoulder it doesn't mean you can't ask people for help. I like how that was shown through Lari and Max's sibling relationship and that it's always good to listen and learn from others.

I liked the weird quirky world and characters, but I didn't feel fully in the story. I don't know what was missing, but there felt like something was missing along the way.

All in all though, a fun story with a bit of learning and a bit of chaos.

TW: kidnapping

ARC gifted by Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Erica ☆彡 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable story! Fell in love with the art and found myself laughing a lot. Super quick read and so glad I did

[Princess Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical, weird, and wonderful. Great for kids and for adults with taste

[Ted Kulczycky · Rating 5 out of 5]

My niblings LOVED this graphic novel, and I did too. It has the epic spaceyness of a Star Wars and the rich lore of a Harry Potter. But what really distinguishes Astronautical is the character-driven humour and the emotional truths of the characters that don’t hit you over the head, but feel very present. The kids also really appreciated the fact check at the end which made this whole adventure seem more real.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the planet Zephyr mysteriously broke apart over one hundred years ago, its disparate pieces began floating out into space, becoming farther from one another with each passing year. Now, intergalactic travel is frequent, and different creatures dominate each planet piece. The mighty and powerful Cynosure is on a mission to find an important item that has been tracked to the ship operated by Captain Cherryhair, and he will stop at nothing to retrieve it. When Captain Cherryhair is inevitably captured, his two boys Max and Lari must travel across the galaxy in search of him. Along the way, Max and Lari meet unusual and unexpected companions, and they discover important truths about themselves, as well. This middle grade graphic novel embraces the concept of science fiction in a humorous and heartfelt way. Subdivided into sections based on where the characters find themselves, the narrative flows easily while providing important orientation markers for readers throughout the story. Cartoon-like illustrations feature the human protagonists alongside anthropomorphic animals who make their homes across the universe, uniting everyone under shared circumstances. Maps are frequently utilized, as well, which helps readers to better visualize where the characters are located at each step of their journey. While the plot is the most central element of the story, the emotional arcs of both Max and Lari’s journeys of self discovery are also important to the overall narrative. At the end, a message from the author describes the real science behind the science fiction in this book, encouraging readers to recognize and appreciate the multifaceted nature of the story. Incorporating humor, conflict, and adventure, this graphic novel is a clever addition to library collections for middle grade readers with an interest in science fiction and space adventures.

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

After their father is kidnapped, Max and Lari set off in a wooden starship on a rescue mission. Along the way, they encounter a black hole, an asteroid engineer, an elderly woman, and sentient humanoid stars. As the two squabble, they find themselves into more and more peril. Can the two learn to get along? Will they find a way to save their father?

The illustrations are fluid line art. Their dynamic paneling is high energy, draws the reader into the story, and help bring to life the story. The plot is well-written, engaging, and full of adventure. The characters are memorable, engaging, and authentic. The character dynamics is believable. Readers who like science fiction, adventure, and sibling rivalries will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astronautical! is a sci-fi graphic novel for middle schoolers. Stormie included humor that will appeal to this age-group. I really appreciate that she closed the book with a note on the “real science” and “not-so-real science” in the book. It may spur some to do further research.
I did have a problem at times following the plot line, but for the most part older elementary and middle school readers should be able to understand what is going on. Because it is a graphic novel, I found it to be a fast read which may appeal to the more reluctant reader.
The illustrations are cartoon-like and lend themselves well to the graphic novel presentation.
There was nothing in Astronautical! to prevent it from being added to a K-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary copy of Astronautical!. This is my honest review.

[Ampersand Inc. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A positively delightful MG graphic novel! Follows two kids as they search the high seas of the galaxy for their lost/kidnapped-by-a-supernova father, and come across a wealth of highly entertaining characters along the way. Equal parts informative (tons of cool space facts) and hilarious (there’s a particularly miffed bird who operates a struggling space convenience store that has really stuck with me).

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a smart, creative, and whimsically surreal junior graphic novel that will appeal to fans of "Adventure Time." The pages are saturated with color, and the illustrations have a vibrant, childlike quality. Bonus points for impressive vocabulary use and the characters trying to make things right when they mess up.

[brianna ☁️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

for me as i am right now, i think this story needed just a little more meat on its bones to really flesh out the plot. but the environment was so cool, and i especially loved the blue supergiant and her protostar.

for 8-year-old astronomy-obsessed me, this was a charming blend of adventure and space facts. if i knew another young aspiring astronomer, i would definitely give them this book!

[Jordana Globerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooklin Stormie's world is magical. I loved all the different imaginative characters and their distinctive voices. A very funny read with a lot of brilliant references to natural phenomena and space.

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Annick Press and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a quirky and somewhat weird middle grade drama of intergalactic proportions. It might not be for everyone, but I would suggest to give it a try and see for oneself.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun space adventure for everyone. What a fantastic debut.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not decide if I liked or disliked it. It reminded me of Adventure Time and Over the Garden Wall, but without the charm.

ARC from Netgalley.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully weird, had Over the Garden Wall vibes. And I learned about spaghettification, an actual space thing.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quirky and fun, and I loved the art and the color scheme

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

awe! this was quite fun! it wasn't my personal favorite all ages title I've read this year, but I did enjoy it. I think the kiddos will eat this up!

[Erin Kae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me of a mix of Steven Universe & Over the Garden Wall in space!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the art style in this book.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful illustration, imaginative story based in real astronomy.

[Yolotzin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like a 2.5. I struggled to get into it.

[Kip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the art. Very strange story.

[Angie]

the art gave big pendleton ward energy

[Mo Holub · Rating 4 out of 5]

If "Over the Garden Wall" was set in space, it would be astronautical. It would also be this book. A quick, fun story about a pair of brothers, an adventure, and a universe-altering secret.