Rex Rocket: Cosmic Wiener Dog:

by John Gallagher

224 pages, Library Binding

Published August 4, 2026

About the author

Born in London, John Gallagher grew up in Ireland, and is currently resident in Japan as a writer and translator. He holds a BA in History and English Literature from the National University of Ireland, and an MA in Translation Studies from Dublin City University.

Reviews

[Linda (The Arizona Bookstagrammer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Random House Kids @randomhousekids @rhkidsgraphic #RandomHouseKidsPartner and John Gallagher @johngallagher_cartoonist for this free book! PUBLISHES AUGUST 4, 2026.
“Rex Rocket: Cosmic Wiener Dog” (Book 1) by John Gallagher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Genre: Early Middle Grade Graphic Novel.

THE SERIES: HOT DOG! Rex Rocket is a super-stretchy, baby-blue dachshund ( wiener dog). He may not be very strong, or organized, or smart, but he’s ready to save the universe! He goes on space adventures with a misfit crew (Spud the robot, banana-like navigator Lt. Peele, and shark-headed ensign Trog) They travel in a hot dog-shaped spaceship, facing monsters and cosmic threats, while dealing with sabotage from his boss, the crotchety Commander Dill.

THIS BOOK: Rex and his team are sent on a mission to planet Gratuvius 4 by Commander Dill, who secretly hopes they fail. They must protect the planet's king from a giant monster, but discover the "bad guys" might not be so bad, and the mission is more complicated than it seems. (And why is everyone on the planet so happy to be working all the time?)

Author/Illustrator Gallagher’s graphic novel is the beginning of a new series. His plot involves solving mysteries, dealing with chaos, and overcoming personal fears-while traveling in a giant hot dog spaceship.  Gallagher’s characters are humorous, their adventures are full of action, and illustrations compliment the storyline. Have you ever read the Ranger Rick magazine? Well, John Gallagher is Ranger Rick’s art director, and has been drawing comics since he was five. It’s 5⭐️s from me 📚👩🏼‍🦳 #rexrocket #johngallagher

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In John Gallagher’s graphic novel REX ROCKET: COSMIC WEINER DOG, General Dill tasks canine space captain Rex and his crew with traveling to planet Gravitus 4. General Dill doesn’t trust Rex and is hopeful that he’ll fail. Rex and the crew head off in their hot dog shaped ship, landing on the planet to assist its ruler King Krog with successfully continuing to mine Element X, a vital component for powering rocket ships. Rex’s team soon discovers that mining the element is coming at a significant environmental cost. Faced with this discovery, they’re forced to make a choice about how to proceed.

The story unfolds in twenty action and humor-filled chapters, often playing on Rex’s flexy, stretchy dachshund body for laughs. Rex’s charming crew of misfits and the over-the-top humor that ensues as they band together for the greater good will entertain readers. While the story touches on some serious issues, they’re delivered with humor and don’t overshadow the fun. A quick random space fact closes each chapter, adding a little reality to the otherwise out of this world adventure. This is going to be a hit with Dog Man, Hilo, and Max Meow fans at our school. I’m looking forward to sharing it with readers and seeing more of Rex’s adventures in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure fun. Not only is the story filled with action, adventure, missions, humor, and unexpected surprises, but it also features puns and hilarious moments. The characters are fully developed with amazing personalities. Check out that crew (banana, dog, shark, bunny, robot) just the best cast of heroes. At the end of the book, there are two easy, step-by-step drawing guides for Spud the robot and Rex Rocket in two poses. My favorite mission was the hairy monster, with a great plot twist. There are no quiet moments; it's fun and energetic from page one to the last, already hinting at the next adventure, including menacing burgers.