Summary
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza 2: The Cursed Broth (Spanish: El primer gato en el espacio comió pizza 2: El caldito maldito) is a 2025 graphic novel written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris. The book blends absurd humor, adventure, and emotional depth within a colorful and dynamic visual style. This article provides verified publication details, a summary of the story, thematic analysis, and background on the author and illustrator.
Context and Scope
This article covers factual and verified information regarding the 2025 Mexican edition of The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza 2: The Cursed Broth. The context includes publication data, narrative structure, critical observations, and author background. All references have been cross-checked against official publisher and distributor listings available as of October 2025 (Central European Time). No speculative or private content is included.
Publication Context
The book was published in 2025 by Océano Historias Gráficas, with ISBN 978-6075579320. It contains 272 pages and measures approximately 15.3 × 21.1 cm, weighing about 466 grams.
The title follows The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza and continues the series’ blend of humor, science fiction, and visual storytelling.
The verified Amazon México listing recorded a retail price of $424.64 MXN, ordered on 27 September 2025 and delivered on 30 September 2025, with a return window open until 30 October 2025. The book was sold and shipped directly by Amazon México.
Narrative and Themes
The story begins after the First Cat and the Queen have expelled the rat invaders from the Moon. When the Queen is poisoned by a mysterious soup, she and the Cat must journey across the galaxy to find an antidote. Their former ally, the robot LOZ 4000, has left to search for meaning elsewhere, adding a tone of solitude and change to the adventure.
Through absurd situations and witty dialogue, the narrative examines friendship, courage, loyalty, and the search for purpose. While written with humor and accessibility for readers aged twelve and up, it also carries deeper emotional reflections on identity and companionship.
The Moon Kingdom’s atmosphere, interstellar settings, and comic absurdity make the series distinctive within contemporary children’s literature.
Critical Perspective
The second installment improves upon the first with stronger emotional focus and visual coherence. Shawn Harris’s illustrations use thick lines and vivid colors that convey humor, action, and movement, evoking the charm of retro comics.
The pacing remains fast and engaging, though some jokes recur across panels. This consistency, however, supports the book’s signature rhythm and accessibility. The combination of heartfelt storytelling and comedic exaggeration results in a work that appeals equally to young readers and adults who appreciate irony and visual wit.
Author Background
Mac Barnett (born 1982, California, United States) is a highly acclaimed author of children’s and young adult literature. His work combines humor, imagination, and emotional sincerity, often presented through unconventional narrative structures.
He has written over forty titles translated into multiple languages, including Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, and Leo: A Ghost Story. Barnett frequently collaborates with illustrators such as Jon Klassen, Christian Robinson, and Shawn Harris.
He has received numerous awards, including the Caldecott Honor, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. He currently lives in Oakland, California, and keeps his personal life private; no public records indicate marital or parental status.
Shawn Harris
Shawn Harris is an illustrator and musician known for his bold, graphic style and playful use of color. His illustrations amplify the humor and movement of Barnett’s storytelling. The collaboration between Barnett and Harris began during the 2020 pandemic, when they co-created online animated stories that evolved into The First Cat in Space series. Harris’s work brings visual rhythm, accessibility, and charm to each page.
Translations and Terminological Notes
“El caldito maldito”
Spanish title meaning “The Cursed Broth.”
“Océano Historias Gráficas”
Translated as “Ocean Graphic Stories,” the Mexican publishing imprint specializing in illustrated fiction.
“LOZ 4000”
Fictional robot character appearing in the series; name identical in both English and Spanish versions.
“First Cat” and “Queen”
Main protagonists; the Cat represents courage and curiosity, while the Queen embodies leadership and vulnerability.
“2”
Indicates this volume as the second entry in The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza series.
Practical Conclusions
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza 2: The Cursed Broth demonstrates how humor and imagination can coexist with emotional sincerity in children’s literature. The partnership between Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris merges visual creativity with clever writing, creating a work that entertains while exploring meaningful human themes. Its verified publication data confirms its authenticity and widespread availability in 2025.
Sources
- Oceano.mx – Official publisher listing — Provides synopsis, edition year, and publisher data.
- IPGBook.com – Distribution catalog entry — Confirms ISBN, target age, and edition details.
- Amazon.com.mx – Marketplace listing — Verifies retail availability, pricing, and delivery eligibility dates.
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