Proof that literature exists to soothe the human soul. A hospitalized terminally ill child has to summon the courage to face an operation that might sProof that literature exists to soothe the human soul. A hospitalized terminally ill child has to summon the courage to face an operation that might save his life, and the fact that it might not. His nurse teaches the boy to reach into himself for his spirit animal, who turns out to be a fierce lion. The boy is at first afraid of the lion, but the nurse gives him her "don't-run stone" and her determination. The ending is truly touching and I dare anyone to read it without shedding tears.
This book is an interesting mix of story text with mostly wordless graphic sequences interspersed. The nightmarish quality of the art reflects the true anguish of the boy's waking reality. The muted tones used in the art embrace the somber tone of the subject matter, but the actual colors change as the boy changes. A masterful melding of text and art that I have already read more than once. ...more
This is the second book in the Mal and Chad MG graphic novel series. In this second installment, Mal invents a machine to help Chad tame his nightmareThis is the second book in the Mal and Chad MG graphic novel series. In this second installment, Mal invents a machine to help Chad tame his nightmares, only to discover that Chad must conquer his worst nightmare by standing up to his demons. The endearing relationship between the boy genius and his talking dog, established in the first book of this series, continues in this story. Black-and-white art is high-quality and expressive of action, context, and emotion. ...more
Autobiographical children's graphic novel about a Russian-American pre-teen seeking where she fits. There are many plot threads, but they all weave toAutobiographical children's graphic novel about a Russian-American pre-teen seeking where she fits. There are many plot threads, but they all weave together seamlessly, and the story never loses its focus on Vera's learning curve about what constitutes a healthy friendship and how to form one. The art adds to the story and deepens characterization not just of Vera, but of all the characters. Limited color palette of black, white, and green is effective to portray the old-world camp setting and ambience. Highly recommend. ...more
This is the second book in the Mad Scientist Academy series, which provides children's graphic novels that effectively blend some nonfiction into a fiThis is the second book in the Mad Scientist Academy series, which provides children's graphic novels that effectively blend some nonfiction into a fictional story. This one focuses on weather patterns and meteorology. ...more
This wordless children's graphic novel is charming, whimsical, and inventive. Kids everywhere will connect to Polo's adventurous spirit and Regis FallThis wordless children's graphic novel is charming, whimsical, and inventive. Kids everywhere will connect to Polo's adventurous spirit and Regis Faller's sense of fun. I'm in awe of all the things this artist can do with clouds.
These longer Polo stories can be used to build sustained attention span for reading, and to learn story sequencing. I prefer them to the shorter books in the Polo series, though those are also engaging. ...more
A wonderful concluding installment to this full-color graphic novel trilogy. I'll really miss these characters. Perhaps Gaston, the culinary wizard, cA wonderful concluding installment to this full-color graphic novel trilogy. I'll really miss these characters. Perhaps Gaston, the culinary wizard, could star in a spin-off series. The ending is surprising and satisfying for Claudette and her whole family, but we're left wondering whether or not Marie will be packed off to finishing school as her parents arranged. In any case, I look forward to whatever the duo of Rosado and Aguirre come up with next. ...more
This full-color graphic novel completes the fractured fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk started in the first Mighty Jack book. Neither graphic noveThis full-color graphic novel completes the fractured fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk started in the first Mighty Jack book. Neither graphic novel contains a full story arc by itself, so be sure to read the first book before this one. When Jack and Lilly get split up, her Goblin King story line outshines the protagonist's mission. From the epilogue, there will be a crossover book with Zita next, which should be epic. ...more
A previously home-schooled girl who's grown up in a Renaissance faire, where both her parents work, starts public middle school. The adjustment provesA previously home-schooled girl who's grown up in a Renaissance faire, where both her parents work, starts public middle school. The adjustment proves to be tougher than she expected, but a knight-in-training does not shy away from even the most fearsome dragons. There's even a bit of science worked very naturally into the story.
I love that Victoria Jamieson takes me to places I've never been, and am unlikely to go on my own - first the roller derby, and now the Renaissance faire. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next....more
Graphic novel adaptation of the classic fantasy novel written by Peter Beagle. The story stays very close to the original novText: 4 stars Art: 5 stars
Graphic novel adaptation of the classic fantasy novel written by Peter Beagle. The story stays very close to the original novel, with some condensing necessary for the graphic format. I do miss King Haggard's men-at-arms, but the graphic version works well without those characters.
Very creative page layouts further enhance the reading experience and help to tell a rather full story in surprisingly few pages. The art is phenomenal - some of the best you'll see in any graphic novel. The exquisite, ethereal art style reflects the tone, depth, and sword-and-sorcery genre of the story. Expert use of colors as well, with the palette changing in different parts of the story. It's worth reading this graphic novel just to relish the artwork, even if you're not a fan of the original book on which it is based. ...more
An illustrated short story collection, much like Lost & Found by this same creator. It's really not a graphic novel, thougStories: 5 stars Art: 5 stars
An illustrated short story collection, much like Lost & Found by this same creator. It's really not a graphic novel, though other reviewers have categorized it as such, because the art is not sequential and, even more importantly, the art is used to enhance the stories rather then to tell the stories. Even though the art is used to augment, it is an essential part of this book. Shaun Tan's work defies our current system of classification in the same way that Brian Selznick and Lauren Redness do. I really love that publishing constraints do not hold him back.
In this collection, both the stories and the art are weird and wonderful. They provoke thought and imagination. They make me want to read them again and again. So however you classify this book, I think it's safe to say that it is highly successful.
Something else unusual about Shaun Tan's work is its appeal to all ages. Most books that say they are for all ages are really not. The Graveyard Book, for instance, claims to be a book for all ages, but it is really a children's book; most adult readers I know have no interest in reading it, even if they are Neil Gaiman fans, unless they are children's literature enthusiasts. While Shaun Tan's books are classified as children's books, they can easily be enjoyed by teens and adults as well. The reading experience may not be the same, but someone of any age can get something out of this book....more
Fast-paced children's full-color graphic novel. A pair of orphaned twins goes on a cross-country adventure in 1860. A page-tStory: 5 stars Art: 4 stars
Fast-paced children's full-color graphic novel. A pair of orphaned twins goes on a cross-country adventure in 1860. A page-turner that includes an orphan gang, a child trafficker, a second pair of twins, an open-market brawl, train-hopping, high seas escapades, and swashbuckling pirates. Multiple villains heighten the conflict at every turn of events. Well plotted and effectively organized. The historical setting adds to this novel's charm. Art is not on the caliber of Amulet, but definitely above average. ...more
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. PopulStory: 5 stars Art: 5 stars
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. Populated with fully realized characters and scary monsters. Both heroes and villains are multi-faceted, and sometimes change places.
I'm disappointed that Book #7: Firelight ends on a terrible cliffhanger and there is a two-year lag before the next book is due to be published. Each series installment needs a satisfying resolution, even if the over-arching story continues. ...more
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. PopulStory: 5 stars Art: 5 stars
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. Populated with fully realized characters and scary monsters. Both heroes and villains are multi-faceted, and sometimes change places.
In Book #6: Escape from Lucien, Navin leads a daring escape from the now-underground city of Lucien while Emily learns more about the dark force behind the stones. ...more
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. PopulStory: 5 stars Art: 5 stars
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. Populated with fully realized characters and scary monsters. Both heroes and villains are multi-faceted, and sometimes change places.
In Book #5: Prince of the Elves, Emily discovers that the magic of the stones is a far more sinister and dangerous force than previously suspected. ...more
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. PopulStory: 5 stars Art: 5 stars
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. Populated with fully realized characters and scary monsters. Both heroes and villains are multi-faceted, and sometimes change places.
In Book #4: The Last Council, Cielis and the Guardian Council turn out to be entirely different than expected. ...more
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. PopulStory: 5 stars Art: 5 stars
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. Populated with fully realized characters and scary monsters. Both heroes and villains are multi-faceted, and sometimes change places.
In Book #3: The Cloud Searchers, Emily, Navin, and their allies are chased by the Elf King while they search for the lost city of Cielis to seek help from the Guardian Council. ...more
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. PopulStory: 5 stars Art: 5 stars
Very creative children's full-color fantasy graphic novel series. Page-turning stories coupled with breath-taking art. Populated with fully realized characters and scary monsters. Both heroes and villains are multi-faceted, and sometimes change places.
In Book #2: The Stonekeeper's Curse, Emily, Navin, and their friends search for a Gadoba tree, whose fruit can cure their poisoned mother. ...more
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