About the Book

"A century ago, planet Zephyr exploded under mysterious circumstances. Ever since, generations have been living out their lives on the remaining floating planet chunks. Brothers Max and Lari and their father Captain Cherryhair deliver goods around the galaxy on their spaceship--until their father is suddenly kidnapped by the fox minions of Cynosure, the Planet Breaker. Luckily, a couple of stars with a ferryboat business offer to help the brothers on their rescue mission. But when Max sustains a life-threatening black hole injury, little brother Lari finally has to step up and take care of his chronically in-charge big brother. Will Lari be able to figure out the secret of the broken planet and face the powerful Cynosure? Can he save not only his brother, but the people of Zephyr too?"--

Book Synopsis

A fun and twisty middle-grade graphic novel debut about an intergalactic rescue mission, for fans of Steven Universe and Zita the Spacegirl.

A century ago, planet Zephyr exploded under mysterious circumstances. Ever since, generations have been living out their lives on the remaining floating planet chunks.

Brothers Max and Lari and their father Captain Cherryhair deliver goods around the galaxy on their spaceship--until their father is suddenly kidnapped by the fox minions of Cynosure, the Planet Breaker.

Luckily, a couple of stars with a ferryboat business offer to help the brothers on their rescue mission. But when Max sustains a life-threatening black hole injury, little brother Lari finally has to step up and take care of his chronically in-charge big brother.

Will Lari be able to figure out the secret of the broken planet and face the powerful Cynosure? Can he save not only his brother, but the people of Zephyr too?

Astronautical! is packed with quirky characters and exciting adventures, where wooden mast ships sail through space (totally not real science), whales are spaghettified by black holes (kind of real science), and comets travel through time (absolutely real science).

Review Quotes

"The Adventure Time-like energy of the story is a perfect fit for the bold, imaginative artwork ... An adventurous yet still heartfelt story that will appeal to fans of Sid Sharp's work."

--Booklist, 05/01/2025

"Stormie weaves an intimate tale about family, self-acceptance, and personal responsibility into an imaginative spacefaring graphic novel adventure." -- Publishers Weekly, 03/06/25

"This debut adventure across the galaxy is a pleasure to navigate, both cosmically and emotionally."

--Kirkus Reviews, 04/01/25

"While the adventure is touching and fun, the art particularly stands out here, building a cohesive universe filled with characters of all shapes, sizes, and species." --School Library Journal, 05/25

About the Author

BROOKLIN STORMIE is an artist and illustrator based in Peterborough, Ontario. She is a grad of OCADU's illustration program, a Pisces, and a believer in dragons.