ReadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2025

Aiko and the Planet of Dogs

Ainhoa Cayuso author Irene Vázquez translator Christoffer Ellegaard illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Levine Querido

Published:21st Nov '24

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Aiko and the Planet of Dogs cover

Talking space dogs + courageous girl astronaut + giant hungry catfish = one fun picture book

Aiko is a courageous astronaut, specially trained to brave the extremes of space. The whole of humanity is counting on her success. But on a planet that shows signs of life, something goes awry, and when she wakes up, she finds . . . a pack of dogs? And . . . they can talk?

Descended from the valiant astro-dogs who first traveled in space, these canines have cut off all contact with Earth. They’ve found a new planet where they can live, far from humanity and their former masters. (Yes, that doesn’t explain how they can talk, but that’s a little complicated, so let’s move on.)

Aiko is delighted. This discovery will make her the most famous astronaut on Earth! The dogs are . . . less delighted. “Finish your lunch,” they say. “We need to walk you before your bedtime.” They're going to keep her prisoner on their planet rather than let humanity find them again.

Can Aiko find her way home? Can the dogs protect THEIR home? Dear reader, we think you’ll enjoy finding out!

“Buoyed by whimsy and a distinct candy-color palette, Ellegaard’s cartoon illustrations mix full-page spreads and comic-like panels. Delightfully childlike in both appearance and action. An imaginative treat for dogs and humans alike.” – Kirkus 


"Charming, quirky... The multimedia illustrations have a Seussian whimsy, with off-kilter shapes and exaggerated forms washed over with bold, entertainingly garish colors to create a truly alien effect, and plenty of visual gags invite second readings. Scenes of the dog village are especially humorous." – Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

ISBN: 9781646144648

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 183g

32 pages