Early Book Review: It’s Your Funeral by Emily Riesbeck, Ellen Kramer, Matt Krotzer

It’s Your Funeral by Emily Riesbeck, Ellen Kramer, and Matt Krotzer is a young adult graphic novel currently scheduled for release on July 21 2020.

Marnie Winters was going to turn her life around; get out of the house, make friends, no more “Miserable Old Marnie!” Everything was going to plan, but then, of course, she died. Now, Marnie’s a ghost trapped on Earth, and the only one who can help her is the overenthusiastic, alien social worker, Xel, whose job is to help ghosts “close their file” and pass on.  Xel has an idea to soothe Marnie’s troubled spirit: an internship in the hopeless bureaucracy of the trans-dimensional Department of Spectral Affairs! This new do-gooder duo has their work cut out for them in a series of hilarious mishaps and misadventures throughout the space-time continuum (but mostly in and around the office) as Marnie finds pathways through her feelings of worthlessness by helping others. A paranormal fantasy about healing, learning to love yourself, and being OK with being not OK.

It’s Your Funeral is a graphic novel that is fun to look at. I really enjoyed the artwork and colors, and thought the imagination involved was wonderful. It was also a read that will appeal to many on an emotional level. There are a number of very different personalities, and I liked that no one style is touted as perfect or better, rather it is those differences that make things work.  I cringed a few times, especially when Marnie took her emotions out on others, but those emotions and reactions rang true and help move the story forward and raise the emotional stakes of the story. I like that the book acknowledged that dealing with anything, including depression or anxiety, is a process and that taking the time and being kind (including to yourself) is key. I thought the overall product was very good, and good read.

It’s Your Funeral is a well drawn and told story that will appeal to a number of young adult and adult readers. 

Early Book Review: One Year at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks

One Year at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks is being rereleased with reworked art and full color on July 14 2020.  

It is a middle-grade friendship story from one of my favorite graphic novel authors for this age group. When studious thirteen-year-old Juniper wins a scholarship to the prestigious Ellsmere Academy, she expects to find a scholastic utopia. But living at Ellsmere is far from ideal: She is labeled a “special project,” Ellsmere's queen bee is out to destroy her, and it’s rumored that a mythical beast roams the forest next to the school.

One Year at Ellsmere is not completely unexpected by fans of the author or genre. Middle grade and boarding school often go together, but as usual Hicks makes even the 'bad guy' a character that readers know is not wholly bad, despite their actions and the emotions that they often inspire. I love that Jun and Cassie are the main players, but they are not perfect rather they have the same fallibility that some readers might relate to. I really like that they are so different, and while they do make mistakes they are willing to own up to them and do better. They seem to recognize that others are equally fallible and that the things they do might come from a place of insecurity or pain rather than just being evil. The forest addition is lovely, and adds a jumping off point for interesting future stories, but it felt a little unnecessary to me. A fun twist, which adds a little mystical something, but I thought it could have been played in several other ways. Hicks remains one of my must reads authors, and I will continue looking for their work because even when it is not exactly perfect n my eyes, it is still pretty awesome.

One Year at Ellsmere is a perfect example of why I became a fan of Hicks in the first place. The story and art are perfectly matched, and offer a story that is engaging, entertaining, and hits readers in the feels.

Book Review: The Adventures of Fede and Tomato #1: Tomato Must Be Saved! by Luciano Saracino, Gerardo Baró

The Adventures of Fede and Tomato #1: Tomato Must Be Saved! is a children's graphic novel written by Luciano Saracino, with art by Gerardo Baró. One morning, the circus arrives in Fede’s town. What a thrill! Now he has a chance to be a circus star! And there he goes, with his cat Tomato, avoiding any streets where he might run into Florencia (because Florencia is his girlfriend, but she doesn’t know it yet). Of course, things get complicated when the lion looks at Tomato with hungry eyes! 

Tomato Must Be Saved! is a fun and cute comic that focuses on one adventurous boy and his view of the world. He sneaks into a circus before opening and is caught taking pictures of the lion without permission. The ringmasters attempts to disuad Fede go a bit awry and misunderstandings lead to jining in the circus act, dodging the girl he likes, and trying to save his cat Tomato from becoming the lion's lunch. I liked the artwork- the colors really worked and there was a good amount of detail on each page.  I think I might have left a couple clues about the misunderstandings on the page, but I understand why they might not have in such a short work. I enjoyed the read and think many young readers will as well. 

Tomato Must Be Saved! is a short, cute graphic novel. I liked the art and the story and think others will enjoy the quick read as well.

Book Review: Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige, Stephen Byrne

Mera: Tidebreaker is a graphic novel written by Danielle Paige and illustrated by Stephen Byrn. Mera is teenage royalty, heir to the throne of Xebel, the other not-so-lost colony under the sea. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown, that of Atlantis. When the inhabitants of Xebel plot to overthrow their homeland of Atlantis, Mera is sent to kill the heir to the throne, Arthur Curry. As the unrest between their colonies grows, Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love...will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera's side in Atlantis, or will he die under her blade?

Mera: Tidebreaker is a young adult graphic novel, but sometimes feels like it is slanted for a younger audience. Mera is the expected princess that wants more that what she sees ahead of her, she wants to make a difference, so she breaks the rules and breaks away. Things do not go as planned, because they never do. Some of this worked for me, I enjoyed the artwork and thought the colors and style were perfect for this particular story. However, some of the scenes ended abruptly and parts of the relationship buildng of the story just did not flow for me. Perhaps it is because I am so far from the target audience, but I read a good deal of middle grade and young adult materials so I am not sure if that is the problem. I was kind of hoping to get a better understanding of some of these characters, since I am behind on my DC universe lore, and in some ways I did that, but it did not really help me like them any more.

Mera: Tidebreaker was a mixed bag for me. I think there is certainly an audience for it and the art is very well done, but I think I was expecting more.

Early Book Review: The Wolf in Underpants by Wilfrid Lupano, Mayana Itoïz, Paul Cauuet

The Wolf in Underpants is a children's graphic novel written by Wilfrid Lupano and illustrated by Mayana Itoïz and Paul Cauuet. It is currently scheduled for release on March 5 2019. A community of forest animals trades scary rumors about a nearby wolf. Some critters have even gone into business selling wolf traps and anti-wolf fences. But when the wolf appears in a pair of striped underpants, everyone rethinks their fears. This is a heartwarming story about understanding differences, told with an oddball sense of humor.

The Wolf in Underpants is a young readers graphic novel, that could be read as a picturebook. I loved the story, and the twists. Close readers will see clue through the story that relate to the couple surprises they will run across, and there are lots of small details to find on each page. I think readers could go through the book several times and still find something they had missed before. The forest creatures being in a panic over a wolf, and spending all their time and resources on the fear, and talking about it, parallels the news and adult world far too well. I like how simple and rational the explanation for the wolf's past appearance and current state are, and how one simple act of kindness helped make it happen. I really liked the giggle I got at the end, which might bother some sensitive readers, to the remaining mystery of missing pigs. 

The Wolf in Underpants is an entertaining read, and I think it will work for a large range of reading ages and abilities. I really enjoyed the read and will be looking for more like this from the team.

Early Book Review: Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri

Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on November 6 2018.  Tiger is a very lucky kid: she has a monster living under her bed. Every night, Tiger and Monster play games until it’s time for lights out. Of course, Monster would never try to scare Tiger—that’s not what best friends do. But Monster needs to scare someone…it’s a monster, after all. So while Tiger sleeps, Monster scares all of her nightmares away. Thanks to her friend, Tiger has nothing but good dreams. But waiting in the darkness is a nightmare so big and mean that Monster can’t fight it alone. Only teamwork and a lot of bravery can chase this nightmare away.

Tiger vs. Nightmare is a cute graphic novel about friendship. The artwork is cute, but I was not a huge fan. It looked a little unfinished, but I think that was more because I was looking at an electronic, early galley rather than the final copy. I fully expect that in the final version the artwork will be crisper. Tiger is friends with the monster under her bed, but of course everyone thinks the monster is her imagination. I love that the monster decided not to scare Tiger, but to scare away nightmares instead.However, eventually there is a nightmare too powerful for the monster to fight alone, and feels terrible when it slips by, but cannot admit what happened and becomes more determined to take care of Tiger. He dedication and guilt are things that most of us can relate to. The desire not to admit or failings, or ask for help when we need it is something adults struggle with just as much as kids. I like that Tiger is paying attention to Monster and is ready to help her friend. Friendship, support, and teamwork between the friends, along with the understanding that the nightmare is coming from Tiger's mind, are key lessons of the story, and wonderfully told. Facing your fears and dealing with nightmares like Tiger is a wonderful example to follow, and something even the most outwardly brave child can stand to hear.  I like that her parents do not try to talk away the monster, but support Tiger in her connection and imagination. The supportive family is nice to see in a world of kidlit that often has clueless or unhelpful adults. 

Tiger vs. Nightmare is  graphic novel for young readers that tells a wonderful story about friendship, facing your fears, and supporting others.  

Early Book Review: Science Comics: Solar System: Our Place in Space by Rosemary Mosco, John Chad

Solar System: Our Place in Space, written by Rosemary Mosco and illustrated by John Chad, is another grand installment of the Science Comics series and is currently scheduled for release on September 18 2018. In this book readers start with a Big Bang and learn about space and the solar system in this volume of Science Comics, an action-packed nonfiction graphic novel series for middle-grade readers!

Solar System: Our Place in Space is another addition to the Science comic series. I still like the combination of amusing story and science information. The set up story of a friend trying to entertain a sick and home bound friend with a story that also teaches them about space is good. The information included is well paced and interesting.  However, I did not enjoy this one as much as I have some of the others. I liked the set up and the ideas. I just could not get as engaged with the space exploration story as much as I did the story in the Brain or Bats books. The art does a good job of capturing the story and adding details, it just is not a style that I enjoy as much as those utilized in the series previously. There is nothing wrong with it, this is just personal preference rather than anything related to quality. 

Solar System: Our Place in Space is part of a well done series, and I would recommend the series as a whole for school and public libraries. I think purchases for personal libraries should depended on the interests and favorite topics of the readers. 

Book Review: Tiny Fox and Great Boar by Berenika Kotomycka

Tiny Fox and Great Boar is a children's graphic novel written and illustrated by Berenika Kotomycka, and translated into English by Natalia Kreczmar. Tiny Fox lives alone beneath his apple tree in the distant hills. He is a happy little animal, busy looking after himself and his foxy things. Then one day, a Great Boar appears and moves in under the apple tree, bringing with him a time of change and adventure. Is Tiny Fox ready?

Tiny Fox and Great Boar is a nice early graphic novel about friendship, doing new things, and bravery. Tiny Fox and Great Boar are an odd couple, in the best way possible. They do things a little differently. and occasionally clash. However, when push comes to shove they are there for each other. As they explore the world in search of food Fox needs to step out of his comfort zone, and Boar is there for him. I liked the story, and the art was cute, but not really my style. It seemed a little sloppy, but that could be because I was reading a digital galley via Netgalley. It was cute, and told the story well, but it just did not impress me. I will admit to being a graphic novel fan, but having preferred art styles, and while it was nice it just did not  fit my particular preferences. 

Early Book Review: Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo: The Monster Mall by Drew Weing

Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo: The Monster Mall by Drew Weing is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on September 11 2018. It is the second book in a series, but I have not read the first. I feel like I caught on to the story pretty quickly, and think that while those that are reading in order will get more out of the series, newcomers will be able to enjoy the story as well.

Charles Thompson meets a lot of monsters in his line of work. While assisting Margo Maloo on her assignments, he’s had close encounters with trolls, ghosts, imps, and ogres. And lately, they’re all saying the same thing: living in Echo City is getting harder. As the human population of the city is grows, monsters are being forced to abandon their homes. Teenagers are creeping into their territory, smartphones in hand, eager to photograph paranormal activity. Some monsters are tired of hiding and ready to fight. How can Margo and Charles keep Echo City’s monster community a secret, when it’s teetering in the brink of war?

The Monster Mall is a monster story with a twist. The monsters' very existence is in danger as teenagers,  modern world of technology, and progress creeps into all the places they used to live and hide. Margo teams up with Thompson to inform kids about monsters and to save both people and monsters from a war that would impact everyone negatively. 

The Monster Mall is not quite all I hoped for. I liked the concept, kid trying to solve the monster and human issues and keep everyone safe in her own creepy and mysterious ways. Almost goofy, a little naive friend trying to do his part and still a little excited by the whole thing. While that was good, and the introductions to imps, vampires, and some of the other monsters hidden almost in plain sight, with impending crisis, is well done I was hoping for more. No part of this story really gets a conclusion, it is all just building towards something bigger. While I get that this is part of a series, there should still be some small resolutions to make the reader feel like the issue has a complete story, even with larger story arches still looming. I really liked what was here- but I want more rather than just teasers about what will come in later issues. 

Early Book Review: The Dam Keeper: World Without Darkness by Robert Kondo, Dice Tsutsumi

The Dam Keeper: World Without Darkness is a graphic novel written by Robert Kondo and illustrated by Dice Tsutsumi. It is currently scheduled for release on July 10 2018. It is the second book in the series, and I have not read the first. I think that reading the series in order is recommended, but if the art draws you in, most readers could pick up the story to a certain degree. However- those that have read the first volume or watched the short animation it was based on will get much more from it than those of us that jumped in here.

Beyond the dam lies certain death—this is something every citizen of Sunrise Valley knows well. Yet, when a poisonous black tidal wave carries Pig, Fox, and Hippo over the dam and into the wastelands, they don’t find death. Instead they find bustling cities, each with their own dams. Pig can't help but wonder, who is the mysterious dam keeper behind it all? But he doesn't have time to unravel this mystery. The wave of deadly black fog will return to Sunrise Valley in four days, and its dam can't withstand another assault. In a stolen truck and with a deranged lizard leading the way, Pig and his friends are in a race against the clock. but can they reach home in time?

The Dam Keeper: World Without Darkness is a graphic novel that I was tempted into reading because of the art. Even when I had no idea whatsoever about what was happening I fully enjoyed the artwork. The story lost me more than once, there were flashbacks and references to the past, which mostly went over my head because I missed the first book. However, the majority of this book felt like a buddy or roadtrip movie with some interesting twists and turns, some suggestions of secrets, and meeting new characters. As the group tries to make it home, assuredly to save their families and friends, they find themselves in some very weird situations with stranger characters, but I never really felt like I got to the meat of the story. There is a good climax, and hints to what is next for Pig, but since I was so uncertain about what was going on I never got invested in the characters or the story.

The Dam Keeper: World Without Darkness is  a well drawn and colored graphic novel for middle grade, and perhaps younger and older, readers. I think readers that have read the first volume and enjoyed it will definitely want to pick this one up. I prefer series with a more complete feel to each of the installments, but that is jusyt my personal preference and I know others are not as bothered by this. 

Early Book Review: Gordon: Bark to the Future! by Ashley Spires

Gordon: Bark to the Future! by Ashley Spires is a spin off of the Binky graphic novel series for children. It is currently scheduled for release on May 1 2018. It's all up to Gordon now. His partner has been captured. His superior officer has been neutralized. And his distress calls to P.U.R.S.T. (Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel) have gone unanswered. That means he must fight the aliens alone! But Gordon's not a fighter, his deadliest weapon is his mind. So what's a genius dog to do? Time travel, of course! He'll use his new time machine to travel back in time, then he can stop the invasion before it happens. But there's a malfunction: instead of sending him back five days, the time machine sends him back five years! And now he's out of fuel! With only his wits to depend on, can Gordon get back to the future in time to save his friends and his humans?

Gordon: Bark to the Future! is a cute junior graphic novel featuring characters that fans of Binky and the P.U.R.S.T. Adventure series will be looking forwards to, but newcomers to the author will be able to enjoy almost as much. I like that Gordon is a quick paced graphic novel with minimal text, which is a great way to catch the attention of reluctant and emergent readers that are still gaining confidence in their abilities. Gordon's mishaps are fun and will make readers of all ages smile. Gordon's need to do the right thing, and the perseverance he shows in trying until he gets it right, is a great model for young readers as well. I enjoyed the amount of little details and jokes in the illustration that will bring readers back to re read, and I think in most cases they will notice new things the second, and maybe even third and forth time around. The story has action, humor, and some suspense- a little something for everyone. So readers that love animals, science, humor, or action will find something that they like with this series starter. 

Early Book Review: How to Spot a Sasquatch by J. Torres, Aurélie Grand

How to Spot a Sasquatch, written by J. Torres and illustrated by Aurélie Grand, is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on May 15 2018. On a camping trip with the Junior Rangers, Jay feels like the odd one out. He’s determined to get a photo of Bigfoot—but none of his friends believe Bigfoot exists. But if there’s no such thing as Bigfoot, why is there a giant footprint? And who is stealing all the snacks? Meanwhile, Sass the Sasquatch and her curious forest friends are playing practical jokes on the campers. On the last day of camp, disaster strikes when Jay falls into a rushing river. Sass comes out of the woodwork—despite her parents’ warnings to stay away from humans!—just in time to save his life. Soon after, Jay and Sass become fast friends, proving that nothing is impossible when it comes to friendship.

How to Spot a Sasquatch is told in short chapters and it for a younger audience, I think, that Bigfoot Boy and other things I have read by Torres. The story is cute, playful, and deals with the struggles many of us have in finding our place and fitting in. I liked the message of doing your own thing, and doing the right thing, rather than worrying about what others think of you that comes out by the end of the story. I found some of the characters to be a little flat- however the art style and constant action will keep readers flowing with the story. I thought the art style was fun and playful, with humor and context clue for the larger story peppered through each page. I thought Sass was the best part of the story, and her print leaving in the start of the story is really what endeared her to me, and that fun part of her personality stayed with me through the book.

How to Spot a Sasquatch is a graphic novel from an author whose work I have enjoyed in the past. While this story is still good, it just did not hold up to my expectations. It is still enjoyable, and I think it will appeal to many, but it just did not wow me. 

Early Book Review: The City on the Other Side by Mairghread Scott, Robin Robinson

The City on the Other Side by Mairghread Scott and Robin Robinson is a fantasy graphic novel currently scheduled for release on April 24 2018. In this story a young girl stumbles into a pitched war between two fairy kingdoms, and the fate of San Francisco itself hangs in the balance! Sheltered within her high-society world, Isabel plays the part of a perfectly proper little girl. She is quiet, well-behaved, and she keeps her dresses spotlessly clean. She’s certainly not the kind of girl who goes on adventures. But that all changes when Isabel breaches an invisible barrier and steps into another world. She discovers a city not unlike her own, but magical and dangerous. Here, war rages between the fairies of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Only Isabel, with the help of a magical necklace and a few new friends, stands a chance of ending the war before it destroys the fairy world, and her own.

The City on the Other Side is a coming of age or quest adventure with a fae twist. I like that Isabel is a quiet girl that wants more right from the start, and while she grows and gains confidence she keeps the same core of goodness. She faces the trails of feeling neglected by her parents, and lost in the shuffle. I like how she is kind despite the way she feels, and how she is willing to step up and help, even when she is clearly in over her head. I think the secondary characters and conflict of the fae war is well done, and while it carries shades of what i thought I knew about the fairy world, it was approached in a fresh, new way. The young orphan-ish hero is also a tried and true story, but her challenges were well written and drawn, making the story feel fresh rather than stale- which happens often. I liked while I was often wondering who might betray our main players, and how the story would come together in the end. I liked the art work, but it was a little sharper than I normally like. The humans had a much rounder feel than the fae, which made the differences more pronounced. Since I was looking at a digital galley, I fully expect that it looks even better in the physical copy. 

The City on the Other Side is a well done graphic novel that will appeal to middle grade readers, young adult readers, and adults. I enjoyed the read, and think many readers of all ages will enjoy it as well.

Book Review: Dream of the Butterfly: Rabbits on the Moon by Richard Marazano

Dream of the Butterfly: Rabbits on the Moon by Richard Marazano is a graphic novel for middle grade and older readers. Blown from her home by a great blizzard, Tutu finds herself in a strange village of talking animals, where winter is eternal and the rabbits of the secret police find her guilty of one of the worst crimes imaginable-being a little girl! The Emperor of this strange town holds the key to her redemption, but it will come at a price. This is a  story based on a Chinese parable by Chuang Tzu (“The Dream of the Butterfly”) with a bit of an Alice through the Looking Glass feel.

Dream of the Butterfly: Rabbits on the Moon is a story that caught my attention. I love the art style, it was a perfect presentation of the story and reminded me of some of my favorite manga and anime.  I found myself engaged with the well being of Tutu as she struggles in the new world she has found herself in. I love that she voices many of the things I, as the reader, said to myself- even if it seems to get her into more trouble than it is worth. I will admit that there were a few occasions that I was a little lost or confused, like I missed a page- but after checking I had not. However, since Tutu is lost and confused- stuck in what might be a dream land or something equally full of fantasy and weirdness- that might have been by design. I liked the layers of personality in the different characters, and that no one was fully who they seemed. The spies are not all bad, the rebels are not necessarily all good. There are still so many questions, and few answers. I also like knowing that the story has some basis in folklore, even if it is not a story I know- yet. My biggest complaint is that it is not a complete story- it is the first part of what seems to be a series. It left me with only questions- and no feeling of resolution or contentment. That drives me absolutely crazy, I want some resolution when I finish a book and I was denied that here. I would have given the graphic novel more stars if only I had some resolution rather than more questions at the end of the book. 

Dream of the Butterfly: Rabbits on the Moon is an interesting start to a story, and one that I might just follow up to see how it all plays out. 

Early Book Review: Peter and Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths by Graham Annable

Peter and Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths by Graham Annable is a graphic novel for the youngest readers, and is currently scheduled for release on April 10 2018. Peter and Ernesto are sloths. Peter and Ernesto are friends, but they are nothing alike. Peter loves their tree and never wants to leave, while Ernesto loves the sky and wants to see it from every place on Earth. When Ernesto leaves to have a grand adventure, Peter stays behind and frets. The two friends grow even closer in separation, as Peter the homebody expands his horizons and Ernesto the wanderer learns the value of home.

Peter and Ernesto is a fun and cute story about friends that just happen to be sloths. Ernesto loves the sky, and wants to see the whole thing. So, hew starts off an a journey to do just that, and makes some unusual friends along the way. Meanwhile, Peter gets worried and leaves the tree in search of Ernesto and has his own adventure and meets his own collection of new friends. I like that readers get to see two friends with such different outlooks having their time together, and time apart, but still be the best of friends. THe idea that we can like (or not like) different things than our friends is something young children sometimes need to be reminded of. Making the story even better is the charming artwork and the delightful interactions between the sloths and those they come in contact with along the way.

Peter and Ernesto is is a wonderful graphic novel that will appeal to young readers and their adults. The text is simple, the art lovely, and the story absolutely adorable. It is a win all around. Hopefully I can get this in my school library when it comes out! 

Book Review: Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm (Phoebe and Her Unicorn) by Dana Simpson

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm is the sixth graphic novel in the Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series by Dana Simpson. I have not read this series in order, but I have seen the first three books. I think newcomers and those that might have missed some books along the way will still be able to enjoy the read.

Phoebe and Marigold decide to investigate a powerful storm that is wreaking havoc with the electricity in their town. The adults think it’s just winter weather, but Phoebe and Marigold soon discover that all is not what it seems to be, and that the storm may have a magical cause. To solve the case, they team up with Max, who is desperate for the electricity to return so he can play video games, and frenemy Dakota, who is aided by her goblin minions. Together, they must get to the bottom of the mystery and save the town from the magic storm.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm is a story about magic, friends, and bravery. I like that Phoebe cares very little about what others, including Dakota, think of her. She just goes on doing things she loves, and being a good friend to those around her. I wish more kids (and adults) focused more on their own friendships and activities than what others are doing. The mystery and conflict behind the storm and power drain was creative and fun, with an extra layer about friendship and making new friends. Even while the action was in high gear, there were aspects of the story that was still focused on character and relationship development. And, as always, I found the artwork to be charming and a meaningful part of the story.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm is just what readers of this series, and readers that like fantasy and graphic novels, will enjoy. I think this will be a hit among the target audience, and with any reader looking for a story about friendship and magic. 

Book Review: Stitched #1 by Mariah Mccourt, Aaron Alexovich

Stitched #1 is a middle grade graphic novel by Mariah Mccourt and Aaron Alexovich. The story opens with a patchwork girl waking up in a crypt with no idea of who, where, or what she is. Welcome to the Cemetery of Assumptions, a vast landscape of stones, mausoleums, and secrets. Home to monsters and mayhem, it may also hold the answers to her unknown parentage. Crimson is a resourceful patchwork girl and determined to those answers. Along the way, she meets the mysterious Wisteria, who has a tendency to change and a witch named Parameter whose spells tend to go awry. And two boys, Simon and Quinton, who make her feel something besides lost and confused. She must battle ghosts, zombies, and monsters in order to learn where she came from and who her real "mother" is. But will she do it alone, or will she have help from her new friends and unexpected crushes?

Stitched #1 is an interesting story with a fun and unique twist. I liked the characters, particularly Crimson and Wisteria. I also enjoyed the setting and the complications found in the haunted house. I think the entire cast of characters was well done and I liked that no character was all good or bad, they were flawed characters with flaws and insecurities- which makes them more real in my opinion. I really enjoyed the artwork, and the atmosphere of the story. It worked well for me. The only thing I did not like was the crushes and love interest sub stories. I think it was unnecessary, and I would have preferred more of a friendship focus, regardless of gender, at least a bit longer before resorting to romantic ground laying for future volumes. It did not ruin the story, I just felt that it watered down the goodness of the setting and characters. It would have felt more solid and had me more enthusiastic had Crimson thought more about her missing memories and evolving friendships than how 'cute' the guys around her were. I just think that it is too hard already to find good books without romance or the groundwork for it, while it may be more important in the plot for future volumes, it was just unnecessary adornment here.

Stitched #1 is a fun and has sweet but creepy elements that will appeal to a number of readers. I enjoyed the artwork and story and am hoping to see more from this series.

Book Review: Simone: The Best Monster Ever by Remy Simard

Simone: The Best Monster Ever by Remy Simard is not quite a graphic novel, but rather a collection of short comic strips for young readers. In this comics we see Simone, a sweet, rosy-cheeked little girl. Maurice is a green, googly-eyed monster. When Simone enters Maurice’s world, she strikes terror in monsters’ hearts! Here, the rules are turned upside down—flowers, puppies, and good behavior are the stuff of nightmares, and all things scary and icky are adored.

Simone: The Best Monster Ever is a very colorful and cute comic collection. I was a little disappointed that it was short strips rather than a larger story, but for  readers or those that like to read in short bursts this might be just what they are looking for. I liked the concept of things being reversed, with cute things being scary and so on. However, as a whole I found the humor to be hit or miss- and the short nature oft he individual comics to be a little off-putting. It has some elements that will very much appeal to the youngest independent readers, but some that will only appeal to an older audience. I feel like the balance that would make it appeal to both groups was missed, which made it an imperfect fit for either. I know there is still an audience, and many readers will enjoy the humor and the bright artwork, and it is still worth a read. However, I was just expecting more.

Book Review: The Baker Street Peculiars by Roger Langridge, Andy Hirsh

The Baker Street Peculiars is a children's graphic novel written by Roger Langridge and illustrated by Andy Hirsh. It puts a supernatural twist on the world of Sherlock Holmes. When a giant lion statue in Trafalgar Square comes to life and wreaks havoc on 1930's London, it seems like the perfect case for the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. With an overwhelmed caseload, however, Holmes recruits the help of three precocious young detectives-in-training (and one cunning golden retriever) to solve the mystery. Molly, Rajani, Humphrey, and Wellington (the dog) will have to work together and use all their wits if they are to uncover the truth behind the living statues and save London. But on the legendary Baker Street, nothing is as it seems and their biggest mystery might be the real identity of the famous detective who brought them together.

The Baker Street Peculiars is a interesting new take on Sherlock Holmes. The art work reminded me a first of the Asterix books, but seeing that Hirsh has done the art for Adventure Time and Regular Show the familiar feel of the work made much more sense to me. The story flips quite a bit of the Sherlock cannon, although some of it I will admit to expecting much quicker than I would have liked. I liked the inclusion of folklore, and the interplay between the main characters. I was glad to see some role reversal, and the fact that while adults do not play a big role in the story- the ones that do are as varied as real adults. They are not all bumbling fools or people eager to punish children. Rather, some are caring and overprotective, while others are vindictive or  oblivious to the odd things going on around them. I liked the take on Sherlock and that the mystery took a supernatural nature, but my favorite part was the odd trio of children that become our main characters. I like that none are quite what you expect in a hero or detective, but they come together as a solid team.

The Baker Street Peculiars is a fun twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes cannon. The graphic novel is a well told and drawn story with a nice mix of characters. While it did not wow me, I liked the story and can think of many middle grade readers that will adore it.

Book Review: Hocus Focus by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, Andrew Arnold

Hocus Focus is another children's graphic novel by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold. Staring the same knight and her horse Edward from Adventures in Cartooning, Sleepless Knight, Gryphons Aren't so Great, and Ogres Awake. You do not need to read these graphic novels in any order, but the deceptively simple artwork and stories make them a joy to explore. 

All day long, the Knight peels turnips. This isn’t what she had in mind for her first magic lesson. She wants to make a magic potion, not soup! Things get a lot more exciting when she steals the wizard’s magic wand and spell book. Her potion transforms Edward into a giant worm, and he’s hungry!

Hocus Focus has the same goofy storytelling that I have come to expect from this team. Knight is impatient, and rushes her studies, as we have come to expect. The artwork is fairly simple when it comes to the characters, but the details and charm of the art really bring the story to life and bring the reader into the adventure. I love that these stories have a lesson, in this book its all about patience, and wrap it up in a fun, wacky adventure. Even more than that, I honestly love that with each book they also include a simple how-to-draw tutorials at the end of the book. So, after anyone reads the book they are encouraged and instructed a bit in continuing the story and setting of on their own. Another win for this series.