Book Review: The City of Ember (The Graphic Novel) by Jeanne DuPrau, Niklas Asker

The City of Ember (The Graphic Novel) written by Jeanne DuPrau and illustrated by Niklas Asker is being republished in 2023, the original graphic novel adaptation was done in 2012. As the lights begin to flicker, Lina finds a message from the past that she's sure holds the secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must race against time to decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever!

I was glad to be reminded of The City of Ember, which I remember fondly as my time working with children's book in a public and elementary school library. I was happy to explore the graphic novel version, and spend some time with it. I thought the art and story come together very well to tell the story of how society can feed and ignore corruption in turn, and that sometime the curiosity, innocence, and hope of a few can trigger needed change.  The story and the art hold up well, and I think it was well done in both regards. This middle grade adventure is one that I think young readers, and us not so young, readers can still enjoy and get something from. If you loved this book the first time around, or might enjoy discovering it for the first time, it is very much worth the read. 

Book Review: Elephi; the Cat with the High IQ by Jean Stafford, Erik Bledvad

Elephi: the Cat with the HIgh IQ is a children's book written by Jean Stafford and illustrated by Erik Bledvad. It was originally published in 1968. Elephi Pelephi Well Known Cat Formerly Kitten lives in a city apartment with a nice but slightly boring couple. Desperate for a playmate and some intelligent conversation, he manages to smuggle in a small foreign car which had been stuck in a snowdrift. When Elephi's new companion is discovered in the storeroom, there is a lots of confusion, and some good fun.

Elephi: the Cat with the HIgh IQ is a cute story that features a smart but bored cat, and the abandoned car that he has claimed as a friend. Elephi's scheming and thought process is entertaining for children and adults alike. The idea of a car and cat chatting takes some imagination, but as a cat owner (or servant) I often wonder what goes on in those furry little heads and this story did not ease my mind at all. It is not hard to imagine a cat considering these actions or the destruction that Elephi considers part of his daily routine. The illustrations and story are slightly dated, but not in a way that makes it no longer relevant or entertaining. I thought the read was amusing, charming, and something I might share with my children at home or school library.