A new novel based on Nnedi Okorafor’s cat Periwinkle Chukwu has been acquired by Macmillan’s graphic novel imprint First Second Books, reports Publishers Weekly. The title of the book is Space Cat and tells the story of a cat who moves with his family to Nigeria and uncovers a world of adventure.

In a Facebook post announcing the acquisition, Okorafor aptly terms the genre “Catfuturism.” And, we’re here for it! Periwinkle Chukwu also shared the announcement  via his Twitter account.

You may know Periwinkle Chukwu from Okorafor’s many social media posts about his many exploits or recall his adorable guest appearance at the 2020 virtual Igbo Conference where Okorafor was a speaker. But with this graphic novel, he is putting himself out there to the delight of animal story lovers.

Character sketch by Tana Ford

Space Cat is a middle grade graphic novel and is the second collaborative effort between Okorafor and artist Tana Ford. The duo worked together on La Guardia, which went on to win the Eisner and Hugo Awards.

Space Cat draws from Okorafor’s own experience as a Nigerian-American. As far as publication date goes, all we know is that it will be published sometime in 2024.

Congrats to Okorafor and Periwinkle. We can’t wait to read! Meanwhile, enjoy a few more photos of Periwinkle Chukwu.

All photos via Nnedi Okorafor’s Instagram page.