Book Review: Wild Children by Richard Roberts

Wild Children by Richard Roberts is a collection of five short stories in a world where children can be changed into animals in degrees, however the change and its severity is tied in to the sins of the child. These children are considered sinners, and temptations that led others into sin by many. Others see them as angels, slaves, property, or simply unfortunate children. Each of the short stories comes from the voice of one of these 'Wild Children'. Together, the short stories serve to give the reader a better look at a sixth wild child that seems unable, or unwilling, to speak on her own behalf. The first story is from the voice of a young girl turned part donkey, a sign of great sins but displaying no actual sins to account for the change. The second story follows a cat like boy, who needs to learn about loving others more that himself. The third story is about a dove like child, full of love and faith, that needs to face her impending death of old age. The fourth story is that of twin brothers of mysterious origins who learn about love and devotion. The fifth story follows one boy, hiding his change and discovering that the path that seems so very pure and right can go horribly wrong. Together the stories give a glimpse of a larger picture of one girl, and the hope and fear that permeates the world.

Wild Children is a dark, urban style fantasy that deals with faith, prejudice, hope, and the nature of humanity. It is different, and the premise is fascinating. It seems to take place in a time like ancient Rome, where religions and beliefs clashed and led to much strife and bloodshed. Looking at the cover and reading the ages of the characters, I was expecting a lighter or perhaps younger story. However, this is definitely for teens and adults due to the heavy subjects about faith, abuse, slavery, and love. There are a few scenes of violence, including a priest hitting a child, and some more disturbing but not necessarily because of the level of violence rather than the whos and whys involved.

Now, with that out of the way. While it took me a little longer to read Wild Children than I expected, and it defied many of my other expectations as well, I really appreciated the book and the craftsmanship of it. The characterizations are deep and really draw readers into the circumstances and thoughts of each important character. Hind, the character that ties the stories together, has the least voice here, but has the most impact on the characters that readers will come to care about most.

Bray, the main wild child in the first section, begins as the one I identified with most because of her love for learning and books. Jinx, the child in the second story is unique and trapped in his own wildness until the most complex but common emotion teaches him to care for others. Coo, is the dying dove child in the third story. She is pious and often cares more for others than herself, even in her search for a higher truth, and her own soul. Left and Right, or Sinister and Dexter, are children unique in their story and have significant changes to undergo as they meet Bray and Hind. Elijah is the voice of the final perspective shown, a novice priest with a desire to be good and virtuous is slowly changing into something, but hiding it from everyone. His mentor shows Elijah the truth, but in ways no one quite expects. I loved the ending, with hints at Hind's nature and the possibility of a sequel, but no cliffhanger that requires one.

As a whole, Wild Children is a thought provoking and interesting read. I highly recommend the book to those that enjoy dark fantasy or having their ideals and view of the world challenged with simple truths put in new light. I think mature middle school children, young adults, and adults are the best audience for this book, simply because of the issues and thoughts the reader will be left with as they finish the book.

Early Book Review: Mermin: Out of Water by Joey Weiser

Mermin; Out of Water (Volume 1) is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Joey Weiser. It is suitable for all ages, which is scheduled for release on February 20 2013. Mermin is a fish like boy seeking to escape his oceanic home. Pete and his friends find him on shore, and bring him home. Mermin gets to experience somethings for the first time, like baths and going to school, while everyone on land is just curious as to what he might be running from. When fishy pursuers make it clear that will do anything to capture him and return him to the sea, Mermin will risk everything to save his new friends.

Mermin the merman from Mer might be a character with an unimaginable title, but the graphic novel was a cute read. The artwork, story, and action are interesting to all ages. A fun 'fish out of water' (ha!) story that does not talk down to younger readers but still manages to be complex and layered enough that older children, teens, and adults can enjoy it as well. I had a few chuckle worthy moments, and enjoyed the lengths Merimin, a fish boy, would go to in order to avoid the water. Like the secondary characters in the story, I look forward to discovering the full story as to why Mermin left, although I am fairly confident that I know who his father is and have some ideas on the reasons behind his running.

This hardcover edition of Mermin gathers the mini comics that Weiser self published a few years ago. I know I missed out on the story the first go-round, but am glad to rectify that lacking here. I recommend this graphic novel to readers of all ages that like a story with charm, wit, and action that does not cross the line into gore or excessive violence.

Early Picturebook Review: Let's Meet a Librarian by Gina Bellisario, Ed Myer

Let's Meet a Librarian is a picturebook written by Gina Bellisario and illustrated by Ed Myer. It is schedule for release on Febuary 1 2013. This is a picture book that gives preschool and kindergarten age children a simplified look at what librarians do. It certainly does not cover everything, but gives a more current look at library work than often seen. Mr. Field is a school librarian, who shows Mrs. Rios's class how to use a library, and shows them some of the different, and unexpected, aspects of the library.

Let's Meet a Librarian is a pretty simplistic look at what a librarian does and how a library works, but it is aimed at some o the youngest library goers. I liked that the look at the library included an online catalog, ebooks, storytimes, play areas, an study areas. It did a good job of showing that there are places in a library where you should be quiet, but that there are places and times when it is okay to be a little loud and speak out. The books shows that most librarians really do have to know a bit of everything, computer and technology aspects of keeping the library going as well as the research abilities and stored tidbits of information many of us gather on a daily basis.

 My only complaint, as a librarian that spends a good amount of my work hours labeling and cataloging, is that the behind the scenes aspects that the kids might not see when they visit the library (mending, processing, cataloging, reserves, etc) are ignored. I know it is a short book, but maybe if children, parents, and their teachers that do not know about all the unseen aspects of library work went into each book they searched for, request, or check out, they might appreciate and visit their libraries (and librarians) a little bit more.

Let's Meet a Librarian is a simple and well done book that can act as an introduction to libraries for preschool and kindergarten aged children. Mr. Field, the school librarian, is portrayed well, with a widely varied skill set, like librarians n=really need to have at their disposal these days. A modern and friendly look at libraries and librarians.

Book Review: Billy Fog Volume 1: The Gift of Trouble Sight by Guillaume Bianco

Billy Fog Volume 1: The Gift of Trouble Sight by Guillaume Bianco is a graphic novel that is twisted and dark, but still somehow sweet. Billy Fog is a smart kid, with a great imagination, that just happens to have a dark view of the world. When he removes his glasses, Billy believes that he can see the hidden things of the world; ghosts, ghouls, vampires, and more. He calls this ability the "Trouble Sight". When his cat dies suddenly Billy goes in search of answers. This volume includes his search for answers, even those not directly related to his cat. Encyclopedic entries, poetry, and his own versions of spooky fables fill the pages as Billy ponders the meaning and reality of death.  A second volume of this series is scheduled for release on July 9 2013.

Billy Fog Volume 1: The Gift of Trouble Sight left me with mixed feelings. I really loved the artwork, and could see the influence by Tim Burton and Edward Gorey throughout the book. There are very deep moments about life and death in the book, with artwork that matches the mood and meaning perfectly. I enjoyed it. However, I do not think I would share it with my son. I certainly would not recommend it for you children, or those of any age with younger siblings. This is certainly for adults, teens, and maybe some mature tweens, but not younger readers.

Billy is a smart, if a little morbid, boy. That I have no issue with, however he also lashes out often and is just mean to other people and animals- alive or dead. While he does confess that he loves his little sister and write a letter to Santa Claus, his impulse to be mean seem to regularly outweigh any other emotions he might have. While this makes for moments of drama, entertainment, and revelation, it is not something I want to encourage in my son or other children.

Billy Fog Volume 1: The Gift of Trouble Sight is a work with great artistic merit and an interesting read. I am interested enough that I will be taking a peek at Billy Fog Volume 2: The Boy Who No Longer Believed in Santa Claus when it comes out this summer. However, I do recommend sticking to the twelve and older target group, and avoiding if already depressed.

Picturebook Review: Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Ole by Judy Schachner

Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Ole, written and illustrated by Judy Schachner is another book from a favorite picturebook author. I love to read about Skippyjon and his adventures. In the newest adventure, the siamese cat playing chihuahua swings out of his closet and into the Cirque de Ole. There the great Skippito and his friends, the Chimichango gang, perform fantastic feats of derring-do. There are several great acts to watch, but only Skippito the Strong can perform the trickiest stunt of all.

Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Ole is another great addition to Skippy's adventures. This daring pup and his chihuahua friends have defeated many a foe, explored space, faced school, and now they conquer the greatest show on Earth. Schachner's illustrations and text compliment each other perfectly to optimize the fun and fantastic adventures that all seem to take place in Skippy's closet.  While there is some fun had in blending Spanish and English, there is definitely some teaching of Spanish to be had as well.

If you happen to get your hands on the hardcover, which comes with a CD, or the audiobook, I highly urge you to take the time to listen. Schachner's reading of Skippyjon's stories are well worth the time and will make fans of all ages smile! I highly recommend this book, and the entire collection of Skippy's adventures for home reading, library collections, storytime, and even a classroom setting.