While Berkeley Breathed is best known for the comic strips Bloom County (for which he won a Pulitzer Prize) and Opus, he has been known to put out a few non-Opus books. The most recent is the children’s book Mars Needs Moms!

The story is short and sweet. Milo (also Berkeley Breathed’s son’s name) sees his mother as a “perfumy garden goblin,” “bellowing broccoli bully” and “carrot-cuddling cuckoo.” So when Martians, who have no mothers, take his mom, Milo is confused. But when his mother risks her life to save his, he realizes just how special moms are.

It’s a warm and fuzzy story with absolutely marvelous color illustrations that you will want to spend as much or more time with than the words.

Get all your Opus memorabilia signed when Berkeley Breathed is in town May 6, 2 p.m. at Kids Ink, 5619 N. Illinois St. For info, call the store at 317-255-2598.