Aiko and the Planet of Dogs

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

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!

About the Author

Ainhoa Cayuso was born in Geneva and studied at the Geneva University of Art and Design and at the Hochschule Luzern – Design & Kunst in Lucerne. She has displayed in various personal and group exhibitions; her work revolves around illustration for children and intimate narration tinged with imagination.

Author residence: Geneva

Christoffer Ellegaard is an independent illustrator and graphic designer who was born in Denmark and arrived in Geneva at the age of 5. Since graduating from the Haute École d'Art et de Design de Genève, he has divided his time between personal projects and commissions. Drawing is for him an inexhaustible language through which characters and stories tell his philosophy and his relationship with the world. 

Illustrator residence: Geneva

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 and watching the WNBA.

Translator residence: New York, NY