Early Book Review: The Greatest in the World! by Ben Clanton

The Greatest in the World! by Ben Clanton is the first installment of a new and hilariously silly graphic novel chapter book series that is currently scheduled for release on November 8 2022. Rot is a mutant potato who wakes up feeling great, maybe even…the greatest in the world! But that only makes Rot’s brother Snot the grumpiest in the world. The only solution? An epic contest to prove who is the greatest once and for all, judged by the only impartial party they can find—their small fry little sister Tot. But as the stakes get higher through the muddy potato sack race, sacred hot potato roll, and a hilarious laughing contest, their rivalry spirals out of control. Suddenly Rot’s not feeling so spudtacular anymore. Will this tater trio ever be able to determine who the greatest in the world really is?

The Greatest in the World! is a well drawn and written graphic novel for some of the youngest readers, and that will hold appeal to older readers and their adults as well. I thought the relationship between the three wacky potatoes was fairly accurate based on my own childhood (not as a potato) and from what I see in my own kids (also not root vegetables). I thought the illustrations were charming, and will capture the attention and interest of readers. I think the lesson woven in the story about sibling connections and behavior is subtle enough that kids will relate to it, and just maybe see themselves in some of the less stellar moments of behavior in the book and make some adjustments, or at least be more aware of how it makes the other person feel. I also loved the random potato facts and drawing tutorial included at the end of the book. This is an all around fun book for young readers. 

The Greatest in the World! is a fun and engaging graphic novel that I think many young readers will enjoy. 

Early Book Review: The Doughnut Kingdom (Cucumber Quest) by Gigi D.G.

The Doughnut Kingdom is the first book in the Cucumber Quest series by Gigi D.G. This graphic novel is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2017. What happens when an evil queen gets her hands on an ancient force of destruction? World domination, obviously. The seven kingdoms of Dreamside need a legendary hero. Instead, they'll have to settle for Cucumber, a nerdy magician who just wants to go to school. As destiny would have it, he and his way more heroic sister, Almond, must now seek the Dream Sword, the only weapon powerful enough to defeat Queen Cordelia’s Nightmare Knight. Can these bunny siblings really save the world in its darkest hour? Sure, why not?

The Doughnut Kingdom is a fun adventure about bunny siblings taking on a quest. I liked that the main characters are set on being themselves and are tired of others trying to force them into the expected roles. The little sister as the grand warrior and the big brother as a scholar made me happy.  I enjoyed the artwork, it reminded me a bit of the drawings of Cece Bell, but some of that could have been because of the shared use of bunnies. I found the colors and the detail work to be a perfect pairing to the story. I liked the quest and adventure, and the young characters finding their way despite everyone trying to get them to change. I was annoyed that most, if not all, of the adults were so, um, well unsupportive, of the young bunnies being true to their own strengths. However, since we all come up against people like that in our lives, the encouraging theme of perseverance is important and very well executed. 

The Doughnut Kingdom is a fun and fast read. I liked the artwork, the story, and the defying of gender roles all wrapped up in a story about cute bunnies on a quest. I greatly enjoyed the read, and I think many young readers will as well.

Book Review: The Dragon Hunters (Dragon Brothers) by James Russell, Link Choi

The Dragon Hunters is the first illustrated chapter book in The Dragon Brother trilogy written by James Russell and illustrated by Link Choi. Living on an island means life is full of adventure for brothers Flynn and Paddy. So when a dragon swoops out of the sky and nabs their beloved dog, Coco, Flynn and Paddy know it's up to them to bring her home. That night, they pack their bags, make some terrible sandwiches, and set off on an epic adventure. 

The Dragon Hunters is a short and imaginative book in rhyme for young readers. The boys have an adventure to save their dog from a dragon, and do so with wit and humor. The illustrations are full of color, detail, and whimsy. As ab bonus for the technologically inclined young readers, the map in this book come alive with the use of your phone or tablet, once you download a free AR Reads app. If you do use the app, you can see and hear dragons fly, geysers gush, and get a glimpse of your favorite characters in action. A great incentive to get readers more interested in technology than print books to check it out.

Early Book Review: Monster Heroes by Blake Hoena, Dave Bardin

Monster Heroes written by Blake Hoena and illustrated by Dave Bardin is a transitional chapter book. This book collects four shorter stories by the author and illustrator pair: Ghost Trap, Zombies and Meatballs, Vampires and Veggies, and Witch's Brew.   It is currently scheduled for release on June 1 2017. A zombie, a ghost, a vampire, and a witch make up one unique group of monster friends who don't exactly fit in with the other monsters. While their friends and family are busy scaring humans and doing general scary stuff, our four monster friends are using their skills for the greater good.

Monster Heroes is a series of stories with an idea and artwork that I liked. Ghosts, monsters, and ghoulies that want to help people rather than eat or scare them. The artwork is bright, and sometimes silly, which I think was perfect for the book. The stories were a little fun with good intentioned monsters trying to help and protect people. Even though the book is an easy read, and intended to be, I found it to be a little too simplified. I do not think that is quite the right word, but it is the one that keeps swirling through my mind. I felt like there could have been something more, but I cannot quite put my finger on what. Even with a simple vocabulary big ideas and humor can be abundant.  I have read a lot of easy readers and transitional chapterbooks- and while they are easy readers the best ones have something that help the reader connect with the characters and I could not find the connection here. I wanted to love the book, but I just did not.

Monster Heroes is a transitional chapter book with many playful and bright illustrations. Readers that like Casper and similar stories about creatures that should be scary being nice will enjoy the read. I found it to be a little too simplified and stiff- but I do think there are many readers out there that will enjoy the story.