- Graphic Novels
- Ages 6–9
- Science Fiction
Astrid and Stella: Blast from the Past!
Book 5 in The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and StellaView the full series
The Friend Ship is hacked and Astrid and Stella are taken hostage, so robot Bobo builds a smashing new sidekick, Zobo, to mount a rescue against a pack of evil pugs and old enemies.
- Best for6–9
- FormatGraphic
- Length112 pp
- Read aloud~53 min
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The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Comedic
- Conversational
Tone
- Funny
- Silly
- Heartwarming
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
The Friend Ship has been hacked! A pack of evil pugs infects robot Bobo with a computer virus and takes Astrid and Stella hostage, leaving the little robot unable to save his friends alone. So Bobo does the only sensible thing: he builds a sidekick, Zobo, a friendly new robot with a real talent for smashing things. Together they set out to free the girls from Pugnacious D and his hungry hounds, only for the daring rescue to go sideways when the pugs join forces with villains from the crew's past, Evil Screenius and Kittywonkus. This terrible trio is bad to the bone, but with the help of an old friend, Astrid and Stella just might defeat them and escape the doghouse. Sabrina and Eunice Moyle send the fifth Cosmic Adventure out with maximum puns, candy-coloured chaos and heart, celebrating loyalty, courage and the friends who show up when it counts. A joyful, accessible early graphic novel for readers who like their galaxy loud and their robots plucky.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
An early graphic novel aimed at readers of about 6-9 reading independently, and fun shared with 5-8s. The peril is cartoonish and villain-vs-robot rather than frightening, so it stays comfortable for sensitive readers while offering plenty of re-read appeal.
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- Best fit · 6–9
- Read aloud · 5–8
- Independent · 6–9
Prose load
Minimal
Visual support
Very high
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Workable
Works well for
- Reluctant readers
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
2 / 5 · Better outside bedtime
Sensitive-child
4 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Funny stories
- Space lovers
- Early graphic novels
- Reluctant readers
Avoid if
- Wants quiet story
- Dislikes silliness
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
When the girls are captured by villainous pugs, it's up to robot Bobo and his smash-happy new sidekick Zobo to save the day, teaming up against old enemies with names like Kittywonkus. It's the biggest, silliest, most action-packed Astrid and Stella yet.
- Adventure and freedom
- Friendship and belonging
- Surviving danger
Why parents love it
The fifth book turns up the action while keeping its message about loyalty and showing up for friends front and centre. Minimal text and bright, busy panels make it an easy, confidence-building read, and the parade of daft villains keeps grown-ups grinning.
- Shared humour
- Quick to read
In the series
The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella.
5 books · open the series →
About the creators
About the creators.
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