Aiko and the Planet of Dogs
by Ainhoa Cayuso
illustrated by Christoffer Ellegaard
translated by Irene Vázquez
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!
Type: Picture Book
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Publication: October 8, 2024
ISBN: 9781646144648
PRAISE
“Buoyed by whimsy and a distinct candy-color palette, Ellegaard’s cartoon illustrations mix full-page spreads and comic-like panels. Aiko is delightfully childlike in both appearance and action. An imaginative treat for dogs and humans alike.”
–Kirkus
About AINHOA CAYUSO
Ainhoa Cayuso was born in Geneva and studied at the Geneva University of Art and Design and at the Hochschule Luzern – Design & Kunst in Lucerne. She has displayed in various personal and group exhibitions; her work revolves around illustration for children and intimate narration tinged with imagination.
About Christoffer Ellegaard
Christoffer Ellegaard is an independent illustrator and graphic designer who was born in Denmark and arrived in Geneva at the age of 5. Since graduating from the Haute École d'Art et de Design de Genève, he has divided his time between personal projects and commissions. Drawing is for him an inexhaustible language through which characters and stories tell his philosophy and his relationship with the world.
About Irene Vázquez
Irene Vázquez is a Black Mexican American poet, translator, and journalist born and raised on the Gulf Coast and now residing in Manhattan. After graduating from Yale, their first poetry collection, Take Me to the Water, was released by Bloof Books in 2022. By day, Irene edits books about feisty 12-year olds at Levine Querido. When not in the world of books, Irene likes drinking coffee and watching the WNBA.
