The Spectacular Space Loop

“Everything changes when you change your perspective,” writes Spanish creator de Castro in this charming graphic novel debut, which offers two interstellar adventures linked by a formatting twist. Opening pages introduce human astronaut Cosmo, who is preparing to test-pilot a jet pack made by him and his team of sentient robots. A disastrous launch sends Cosmo careening into open space, where he floats headfirst into adventure upon boarding the spaceship of a suspiciously helpful intergalactic explorer bot; crash-landing on an alien planet that’s home to insect-like creatures; and encountering unruly, levitating magicians. Straightforward paneling populated by friendly-faced characters is rendered via thick line art enlivened by a boldly saturated color palette that recalls rounded Playmobil aesthetics. Opening instructions prompt readers to, at journey’s end, return to the story’s beginning and flip the book upside down; the perspective shift impels the audience on a brand-new adventure, which uses color-coded dialogue balloons to change the context of familiar but inverted scenes. Though the upended scenarios don’t always fully translate, Cosmo’s free-wheeling, low-conflict quest to reunite with his friends culminates in a cheerful jaunt through space and back again. Cosmo is portrayed with pale skin. Ages 5–7. (Dec.)