The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip: A Graphic Novel (The First Cat in Space, 3)
#3 of 3 in The First Cat in Space Series
What’s inside...
In the third installment of Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris’s zany space saga, the intrepid First Cat, the intrepid Moon Queen, and the high-strung robot Loz 4000 confront a brand-new menace: a rogue, cosmic-sized paperclip bent on folding the universe to its will. Told in fast-moving comic-panel sequences, the heroes hurtle from lunar palaces to interplanetary libraries in a race to keep the Paperclip from re-programming reality itself. Packed with slapstick humor, word-play, and heart, the story celebrates friendship and ingenuity while gently poking fun at big tech gone haywire.
Character compass
The First Cat In Space
Loz 4000
The Moon Queen
The Paperclip
Discussion points
Why does the Paperclip think it’s helping the galaxy?
Which hero grows the most during the mission, and how?
How could the crew have solved the problem differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause after each chapter to predict the next twist.
Compare the Paperclip to real-world smart devices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Cat, Queen, and Loz succeed only by combining skills.
Real-World Application: Collaborate on school projects or chores for better results.
Example Lesson: Responsible Technology Use
Explanation: Paperclip’s ‘optimization’ shows tech without ethics can harm.
Real-World Application: Discuss screen-time limits and respectful online behavior.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem-Solving
Explanation: The heroes invent witty fixes instead of brute force.
Real-World Application: Encourage brainstorming multiple solutions to homework challenges.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Setbacks like Loz’s memory crash don’t stop the mission.
Real-World Application: Keep trying after mistakes in sports or studies.