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Galaxy Runners: Jello Breaks the Universe

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Book Synopsis

Kiki’s Delivery Service meets Guardians of the Galaxy for readers of 7+ in this funny, epic, action-packed adventure combining black-and-white highly illustrated text with comic strip panels – from illustrator and animator James Lancett.

If you need something delivered in space with no questions asked, the Galaxy Runners are for you!

Working against greedy Warp Co., siblings Kas and Fig run their plucky business with the help of Skipper, their risk-taking artificial assistant, and Mags, their volcanic hired security! They spend their time adventuring across the galaxy, escaping perilous dangers and making a quick space-buck along the way…

Then, one day, they agree to transport a mysterious cannister across the galaxy. They soon discover it contains Jello – an adorable, gooey, shape-shifting alien being… with unexpected, life-changing powers. Which means greedy bad guys across the universe are soon trying to get their hands on him!

Our Review Panel says...

Animator James Lancett brings a brilliant, cinematic energy to Galaxy Runners, delivering a high-octane space adventure that hits all the right notes for a lighthearted holiday read aimed at ages 7 and up.

The premise of the story is a space delivery service. When the team takes on a routine job, they inadvertently end up in charge of Jello, a gooey, shapeshifting alien who happens to be sought after by some of the galaxy’s supervillains.

The visual format is highly appealing, weaving graphic novel-style comic panels and generous illustrations into a chapter book structure. Because the font is well-spaced and the chapters are short, Galaxy Runners offers an accessible experience for independent readers, keeping the momentum high and allowing children to fully absorb the story. Both reluctant and keen readers will feel welcomed and absorbed by the hybrid format.

Readers will doubtless enjoy the creative cast of quirky characters that keep the pages turning with bizarre details – from a creature that absorbs metal objects (keep your laptop well away) and poops fuel, to a character with lava flowing from her skin. The narrative never stands still, throwing the crew into the path of space pirates and choking space worms.

Galaxy Runners is a genuinely funny and imaginative adventure that makes for an engaging and effortless read. For anyone looking to keep a child reading, this is a choice you won’t regret picking up.