In-Store: Storytime w/ Irene Vázquez: Aiko and the Planet of Dogs

Event guidelines:

• All attendees are encouraged to wear face masks at all times.
• RSVP is highly encouraged but not required.
• Additional copies of the event book will be available for purchase in-store.
• The reading will be followed by a book signing.
• As a reminder: If you are not feeling well, please do not come to the event, even if you have a ticket; email us and we'll work it out.

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact [email protected].

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!

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, watching the WNBA, and playing with their cat (a tortie named Gemini).

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