Category: Graphic Novel Review

REVIEW: The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln

REVIEW: The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Dial Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Twins Page and Turner love going to the New York Public Library. In fact, one day they take their father’s rare copy of Dracula to the library for some research.  Page feels like their dad spends more time with his collection than he does with his kids. Taking his book feels like “revenge.” But when the rare – and expensive – book CRAWLS away and disappears in the library, the twins need help.

They meet the Night Librarian and discover that books, especially old books, have magic. And their characters can sometimes leave their stories! And Dracula, and others, have done just that.

Page and Turner team up with some other book characters to see if they can find the escapees, especially Dracula, before their parents get home.

Review

I loved the artwork in this graphic novel, and the magical library premise is a lot of fun. I was frustrated at times, though, when the main plot – the lost book and escaped characters – took a long backseat to establishing the world building. In addition to significant world building, the author is also trying to establish the character dynamics for the twins and their parents. It’s an ambitious undertaking. I loved it in principle, but didn’t always like it in execution.

Page is hard to like, and Turner’s negative self-talk and low self-opinion even makes him hard to root for at times. The escaped book characters are mostly fun, and the choices of books to highlight in the story were good. There’s one moment where the storytelling hits a hiccup – a twist in the story that is “told” rather than “shown.” It felt abrupt, and like a missed opportunity to develop Turner’s character a bit more. Thankfully, the final solution, while similar in it’s suddenness, was laid out in a more satisfying way.

So this was uneven for me in a lot of ways. Would I suggest it to kids? Sure. Graphic novel fans, book lovers, library lovers, and fantasy lovers may all find something enjoyable here. But I personally didn’t love it enough to pick up a sequel if there ever is one.

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Good, solid, fine

REVIEW: Rise of the Cat by Judd Winick

REVIEW: Rise of the Cat by Judd Winick

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When our story truly begins, after the lava-filled teaser, Polly is in a magical disciplinary hearing. And for her perceived “crimes,” Polly gets sent to the magic school Wombatton. But she doesn’t have to go alone. Her brother Pip goes with her, along with a new friend, Noria, who is a robot.

The teachers and other kids at Wombatton are horrible to Noria – not unlike the people in Polly’s tribe had been.  But while Polly and Pip try to defend her every time there’s trouble, things get worse when Noria is accused of setting weird monsters on the school.

Review

This is OUTSTANDING! And it wrapped up way too quickly. I would have read a story 3x as long in a heartbeat. The bigotry toward Noria is infuriating, but she at least has Polly and Pip on her side, both sticking up for her and helping her puzzle out who is really conjuring the monsters.

Kids new to the Hilo series could probably pick this up without too much trouble – although reading the first 9 books would be SO satisfying! There are helpful references and flashbacks to previous stories to help newcomers jump right in.

Series fans will likely be as distraught as I was over the quick finish. I exclaimed out loud, alone in my office during my lunch break, “That’s IT?!” I need MORE! The year-long wait between books feels almost painful. This is probably my favorite book in the whole series so far – I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Hand this to graphic novel fans, readers who love books with magic schools and magic users, kids who love SASSY cat stories, as well as all of your Hilo fans.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Table Titans Club by Scott Kurtz

REVIEW: Table Titans Club by Scott Kurtz

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Val is trying to find her place at a new school after yet another move. And while she’s trying not to get into trouble this time, some of her peers are making that goal even harder to reach.

Then Val gets a chance to join the Table Titans, a Dungeons and Dragons club which helps her make some new friends. But there’s a chance the club will lose their faculty advisor. If that happens – and if Val can’t get her feud with another student settled – the club might have to shut down.

Review

I LOVED this! Val is fantastic. I loved her self-confidence – in trying something new, in asking for what she wants, for boldly addressing conflict. And her imagination! She’s incredible! I enjoyed the rest of the D&D group as well, and I am ecstatic about the set up for their next adventure. I will definitely be picking a second book up the minute it becomes available.

This would be fantastic in a classroom library, especially one where graphic novels are popular. A book group where students could read this together and discuss the social and interpersonal dynamics in the book would be amazing. Highly recommend!!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Duck and Moose by Kirk Reedstrom

REVIEW: Duck and Moose by Kirk Reedstrom

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of both of these books from Netgalley and Disney Hyperion in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Duck Moves In – Summary

A moose looking for some peace and quiet gets a rambunctious new neighbor. So Moose keeps taking Duck to other places he could live. But Duck is determined to stay put – on Moose’s head!

Moose Blasts Off – Summary

Moose is playing astronaut, and Duck wants to play too. But this is something Moose likes to do alone. So he teaches Duck about using his imagination. But what happens when Duck’s imaginings are different from Moose’s?

Review

These early chapter book/graphic novels are a lot of fun! Each book has 3 chapters with full color artwork. I LOVE the illustrations, and the friendship struggles will feel familiar to kids. These would be great books to use for talking about resolving conflict, compromise, making new friends, etc.. And I think kids will crack up at some of the things Duck and Moose get into. Fans of Piggie and Gerald, Ballet Cat and Sparkles, or other best friend/”odd couple” pairings will enjoy Duck and Moose! Book 3, Duck in the Dark, is currently scheduled to release in December.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Wombats! Go to Wizard's Wharf by Maddie Frost

REVIEW: Wombats! Go to Wizard’s Wharf by Maddie Frost

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Four years ago, Albert borrowed an egg from Pickles and said “I owe you one.” And now Pickles is ready to collect. He’s cashing in his IOU to go to Wizard’s Wharf amusement park. Albert is just not into amusement parks or “magic.” But he’s a good friend, so he agrees.

Review

This was delightful! The illustrations alone would make me pick this up. Especially when Albert and Pickles get to Wizard’s Wharf – I think kids will love pouring over each panel to see what is going on in the background. And Wizard’s Wharf looks awesome!

At it’s core, this is a friendship story – and it’s a great one. Albert is a good friend who does something that means so much to Pickles. The pages where they first arrive at Wizard’s Wharf are my favorite. I LOVE Pickles’ joy at being in this magical place he’s dreamed about visiting. Albert also uses his knowledge of Pickles to find him when they get separated. The two friends might have personality differences, but Albert really sees and knows Pickles.

I don’t think readers have to have read book one to enjoy this, but fans will definitely want to read both books. Wombats! Go Camping is another fun story. And I loved this one even more. I hope there will be more books starring these two friends – I am here for them!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Wombats! Go Camping by Maddie Frost

REVIEW: Wombats! Go Camping by Maddie Frost

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Albert and Pickles have planned a camping trip. But while Albert has planned a light load to walk to the campsite, and a night in a tent under the stars, Pickles has been imagining a resort with all of his favorite things.

The friends’ miss-matched expectations, however, are nothing compared to what happens when Pickles makes a new friend along the way and they take a side trip to find a “monster.”

Review

This chapter book/early reader graphic novel is a hoot and a half! Hand this to young readers – 7 to 10 – who love friendship stories, camping, and silly tales. I got such a kick out of these friends, and the illustrations here are fantastic.

The beginning of the story would lead to an awesome conversation with kids about expectations. But that’s only the first quarter of the book. The rest is a fun, silly adventure, and I think kids will love it!

This is the first book in a series, and I’ll be posting a review of book 2 soon. Don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Curlfriends: New in Town by Sharee Miller

REVIEW: Curlfriends: New in Town by Sharee Miller

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Charlie’s glad her dad has retired from the military so they can settle in one community for awhile. But at the same time, everything feels different. Her dad seems to know everyone in his old home town, making Charlie feel even more like an outsider. And after so many years when it was just Charlie and her mom, his daily presence in her life makes things awkward and weird at times.

But Charlie has a plan to make all this change start to feel like home. She’s going to make some new friends! She’s done tons of research, and she’s determined to do all the “cool” things so she can fit in right away.

Review

I can see why this has been getting such positive reviews! This is a lovely friendship story while also being about growing up and about identity (my favorite theme in a book). Some of Charlie’s choices are painful to watch – like her bristling at her dad as she tries to figure out where he fits into the family dynamic she and her mom have had for years. And the lying to her potential new friends because she’s trying not to stand out.

There’s a lot here that a book group could dig into for excellent conversation. I’d love to see a group of kids dig into this. The artwork in the graphic novel is lovely! I hope there will be some more Curlfriend stories in the future. Graphic novel fans are going to love this. Kids who like school stories and friendship stories will find a lot here to enjoy, too.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: Spider-Man: Quantum Quest by Mike Maihack

REVIEW: Spider-Man: Quantum Quest by Mike Maihack

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Spider-Man and Mark the pigeon, fresh off their last adventure, are given a new quest by the Fantastic Four. Atlantis has gone missing, as has a dolphin talisman that Spider-Man feels is familiar.

When Spider-Man and Mark go to find the talisman, they discover that heroes are going missing. They are getting pulled into the Quantum Realm.

Review

This was an absolute delight! The story is a bit thin – heroes keep disappearing. But it’s funny how they keep blipping out while talking to Spider-Man. I think it will keep kids laughing.

But the roll call of Marvel characters who show up in this book – including She-Hulk, Moon Girl, and Shang-Chi, dazzled me. I couldn’t wait to turn the page to see who showed up next. I’m not sure young readers will get all of the jokes – like She-Hulk’s “missing 4th wall” – but I loved them. There’s a bonus search and find puzzle that I thought was a brilliant way to use the Quantum Realm.

As Mike Maihack is one of my favorite illustrators/artists out there, I of course loved the artwork here. There’s one page where the heroes have “assembled” that is perfection.

This ends on something of a cliffhanger, so I’ll definitely be reading book 3, Cosmic Chaos, which will release in July of 2024. Be sure to check out the whole Mighty Marvel Team-Up series. Hand this to all of the Marvel and graphic novels fans in your life.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

 

REVIEW: Spider-Man: Animals Assemble! by Mike Maihack

REVIEW: Spider-Man: Animals Assemble! by Mike Maihack

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When Spider-Man hears there’s a supervillain in Central Park, he’s eager to get in on the action. But one by one, the Avengers show up, asking him to pet sit for them so THEY can go to Central Park to fight the villain.

Review

Mike Maihack’s art style is EXACTLY what I love. So I’ve been a fan since his Cleopatra in Space graphic novel series (middle grade – check them out!). He shares cartoons online, and his Batgirl and Supergirl series is a delight every time. I’m a serious fan.

So when he started talking about his new early reader graphic novel series for Marvel, I was eager to check it out. Just after Christmas last year I took a week off social media to focus on reading, and this was the first book I read.

It’s fantastic! I’m sad I’m not teaching any more or hanging around a lot of first and second grade kiddos because I would LOVE to share these with kids. The art work is exactly as amazing as I expected it to be. But I was equally delighted by the story!

The story is “simple” in that young kids will easily follow it. Spider-Man gets left holding the pets while the Avengers get to go fight a villain. He’s dedicated to his assignment, but he’s also disappointed. In the end, it all works out happily – and along the way are some laugh-out-loud moments. I would absolutely read this again. It would be a hoot to read with a kiddo. And any new characters in the book that kids might not know open the door to other books and comics they might enjoy.

This is geared toward readers 7-10. I think it would also appeal to younger kids who might be reading independently as well as those who are looking for some “read together”/lap reading options with superheroes. I HIGHLY recommend this series. Book 2 is out now, Quantum Quest, and I’ll be reviewing that next week. Book 3, Cosmic Chaos, releases this summer. Do not miss the Mighty Marvel Team-Up series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

 

REVIEW: The Mark of Athena: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan

REVIEW: The Mark of Athena: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

“Seven halfbloods shall answer the call….”

Leo, Jason, Piper, and Annabeth find Percy at Camp Jupiter with Hazel and Frank, and they team up for the next part of their quest to save the world from Gaea and her giants.

Hazel is trying to find her half-brother Nico, who is being held by giants with only days to live. At the same time, Annabeth is on a side quest from her mom, Athena. One that has killed many of her siblings over the centuries. And the Roman campers are trying to stop the seven before Leo can get them to Rome – and if they can’t, they’ll settle for destroying Camp Half Blood.

Review

It’s been years since I last read this book, but all of the key moments came back to me as I read this. This is a trimmed down version of the story – the prose novel clocks in at just over 600 pages, but the graphic novel is 160. But it all hangs together well enough for readers to get the main ideas and key moments. The artwork here is great. It’s easy to tell who is who, and I LOVED getting to see things like the Argo II in action.

This should work for both readers who have read the full prose novel and those who have not. This could be a good onramp for readers who are intimidated by the size of the full novel as well as a nice visual refresher for kids who have read the full story already. But I don’t recommend starting here, on book 3 of the Heroes of Olympus series. Readers definitely should have read either the prose or graphic novel versions of The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune before diving into The Mark of Athena.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read