Saturday, June 30, 2018

Stinky Cecil in Mudslide Mayhem!

Stinky Cecil in Mudslide Mayhem!
author: Paige Braddock
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/30
date added: 2018/06/30
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Stinky Cecil in Mudslide Mayhem!' by Paige Braddock is the third volume in the funny graphic novel series for young readers, and that makes me happy.

Springtime is happening at Cecil's Pond and with it comes the rain. This is confusing to Nesbit the chameleon who grew up in a pet store. It's more concerning to Cecil as he sees the pond rising higher and higher. Before long, his house will be underwater. Is the rain causing the pond to rise, or something more sinister? And will Reggie ever get through one of these books without dying?

I liked this volume. The author keeps things fresh by introducing new friends and surprising twists with the old ones. It's apparently very handy to have a friend who is a hamster. The art is bright and cheery and fun, and this one is as good as previous volumes.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Lost Path

The Lost Path
author: Amélie Fléchais
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/30
date added: 2018/06/30
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'The Lost Path' by Amélie Fléchais & Jonathan Garnier is the kind of graphic novel that left me scratching my head when it was all over. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

When three young boys set off into the woods from camp with just a sketchy map, weird things happen. They stumble into a fable of a woman swallowed by the roots of trees and her husband, doomed to wait for her. There are also many other forest spirits, both funny and fierce. The boys find themselves in the middle of things, but can they get out again?

It's a story that's more about the journey than the destination, I think. The story feels less cohesive at times and more surreal. The art is pretty unusual and I really liked it. The book is mostly black and white, but color pages are used for emphasis, and in some cases, this becomes a bit startling. So, come for the weird, wandering story, but stay for the interesting art technique.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Thursday, June 28, 2018

Orphans Vol 1

Orphans Vol 1
author: Roberto Recchioni
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/28
date added: 2018/06/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Orphans Vol. 1' by Roberto Recchioni with art by Emiliano Mammucari is a collection of the first three issues of the series, but each issue is over 100 pages, so this collection weighs in at 352 pages.

An attack from space hits the Earth and leaves behind a group of orphaned children. They become the best hope to strike back against this interstellar enemy. The problem is that the enemy is very stealthy at hiding and attacking, but the Orphans are pretty good at what they do. Each issue starts with more of the attack on Earth, more of the training/breaking of the young recruits, then catches up to the future as this elite team tries to get revenge for Earth.

It's a quick read, but it's a huge graphic novel. The story is compelling and I liked the characters. Don't fall for any particular character, because sacrifices get made along the way. The art is really clean and quite good. The story feels like Starship Troopers, Ender's Game and Halo all mixed together. That means I liked it quite a lot.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Grandad Mandela

Grandad Mandela
author: Zindzi Mandela
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/28
date added: 2018/06/28
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Grandad Mandela' by Ambassador Zindzi Mandela with Zazi and Ziwelene Mandela and illustrations by Sean Qualls is a book authored by the Mandela family and published to coincide with what would have been his 100th birthday. It's a beautiful way to remember a great man.

The story is set out as a series of 15 questions and answers from the great grandchildren about Nelson Mandela. The questions are the sort any child would ask: Why was he in prison? Did he ever try to escape? Were other people wanting justice too?

The questions are answered frankly and illustrated nicely. It would be a good way to introduce a young child to the life of this man and his struggle for freedom in South Africa. I really like that it is written by the descendents of Nelson Mandela.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Jérôme K. Jérôme Bloche - Volume 25 - Aina

Jérôme K. Jérôme Bloche - Volume 25 - Aina
author: Alain Dodier
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/16
date added: 2018/06/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Jérôme K. Jérôme Bloche - Volume 25 - Aina' with script and art by Dodier is my first introduction to this series, but I had no problem diving right in. It reminded me a bit of the Tintin stories I've read, but with enough new twists that I liked.

A young girl named Aina makes an escape from a car. She seeks refuge in a church from Father Arthur. Jerome Bloche is called in on the case to help the girl who doesn't speak English. They find some twists and turns along the way, and not everything is as it seems.

I really liked this group of characters and how they interact in their neighborhood. From the shopkeepers that originally call Jerome to Jerome's best girl, Babette, to Father Arthur, who has a background in boxing. I also liked how the plot wasn't as straightforward as I initially thought. I really liked the art. It's got a great look and style and it's so perfect for this story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Sunday, June 17, 2018

Tiny Fox and Great Boar: There

Tiny Fox and Great Boar: There
author: Berenika Kołomycka
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/17
date added: 2018/06/17
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Tiny Fox and Great Boar: There' with story and illustrations by Berenika Kolomycka is a story about animals, but it's also about getting along with others.

Tiny Fox lives under an apple tree and is happy until a great Boar decides to live there too. This makes Fox unhappy at first, until Boar leaves for a while, then Fox realizes how lonely life is. There are other stories about the seasons and finding a scarf and making decisions when both decision makers are so strong-willed.

I liked these cute short stories. I think these would be fun for early readers or even pre-readers. The art is also on the fun side. I liked the story of these two unlikely friends and the gently lessons they can teach all of us.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Tug of War

Tug of War
author: Naomi Howarth
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/17
date added: 2018/06/17
shelves: childrens
review:
'Tug of War' by Naomi Howarth is a story about how being little doesn't mean you can't be someone's friend.

When Tortoise is looking for a friend, he finds Elephant and Hippo. They both laugh about how small he is. This makes Tortoise sad, until he uses his brain to show them that he has things to offer these two huge animals.

I really liked this well illustrated story with it's message for the small. It's a picture book to be read and thought about.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Sunday, June 10, 2018

Jeremy - Volume 1 - Paradise Island (Jommeke strip)

Jeremy - Volume 1 - Paradise Island (Jommeke strip)
author: Jef Nys
name: Wayne
average rating: 1.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/10
date added: 2018/06/10
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Jeremy Vol. 1: Paradise Island' by Jef Nys is an English translation of the Flemish comic Jommeke. The comic was first published in the 1950s, so the title has either a dated or charming feel depending on how you feel.

Jeremy's friend Frankie has won a contest, thanks to Jeremy answering all the questions for him. The prize is an around the world cruise and Frankie can take 4 friends along. Of course, one is his pet dog, which they dress up like a girl. On the ship, the kids run into a nemesis who strands them on a desert island, but the kids end up making the best of things with their new friends, a group of chimpanzees willing to do labor and a chorus of parrots who sing to them every night.

The art and story remind me of a lot of the kids comics I grew up reading, like Donald Duck and Little Lulu. The art style is completely charming. The story has elements that feel a little outdated, but I expect that from something that is 60+ years old. It would be a fun read for younger readers with some discussion about why it's not okay for such a thing as girl's work and boy's work.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Last Jungle Book - Volume 1 - Man (Le Dernier livre de la jungle)

The Last Jungle Book - Volume 1 - Man (Le Dernier livre de la jungle)
author: Stephen Desberg
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2010
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/10
date added: 2018/06/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Last Jungle Book: 1.Man' by Stephen Desberg with art by Henri Reculé states that it is freely adapted from Kipling's The Jungle Book, and it's not a bad adaptation.

The framing story involves an older Mowgli traveling back to where it all began. He has a series of flashbacks showing how he was orphaned by a fierce tiger, then taken in and raised by a pack of wolves. The wolves protect him from the tiger, but there may not be complete harmony amongst the pack. The story is intercut with the old Mowgli on his journey as he relects on his childhood.

I liked the story and it's a mostly faithful adaptation of the source material. The art works well for the story. It has a classic adventure style to it that suits the story. I would have liked more of the older Mowgli story, but I suspect that will happen in the later volumes.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Rise of the Superheroes: Greatest Silver Age Comic Books and Characters

Rise of the Superheroes: Greatest Silver Age Comic Books and Characters
author: David Tosh
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/10
date added: 2018/06/10
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Rise of the Superheroes: Greatest Silver Age Comic Books and Characters' by David Tosh is an overview of one of the greatest eras of comic books.

It's not an especially deep book, but it gives a really good overview to the era from it's beginning in 1956 with the release of Showcase #4 featuring the Flash. It talks about the industry pressures and influences that led to the era. It mentions the key issues and creators and storylines. The best part is the covers and art pages of the era, including recent auction prices. It's fun to see some of these up close.

There are insets about today's modern superhero movie characters and where they got there start. The author includes some commentary about his life during the era, that lends a fun perspective on the times. The book finishes with a post-lude on collecting, auctions, and the names of the different pedigreed collections featured in the book.

Comics have been around a long time, and we are still being influenced by the Silver Age. This might be a fun read for someone new to comics that doesn't know some of the history.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Krause Publications, F+W Media, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Michigan: On the Trail of a War Bride

Michigan: On the Trail of a War Bride
author: Julien Frey
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/10
date added: 2018/06/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Michigan: On the Trail of a War Bride' by Julien Frey with art by Lucas Varela is a true story about a French woman who moved to Michigan after World War II.

When Odette was young, she worked in France and met a young American. Over the course of their relationship, they decided to get married and move to Michigan, where he was from and had work. Now it is many years later and Julien travels from France to meet his wife's American family.

There are the oddities that occur when cultures meet and differ, and these are told with some shock and quite a bit of humor. Odette's story is interwoven throughout.

The cover drew me to this title, and the interior art doesn't disappoint. I really like the style. The color choices remain a bit muted, but the lines are clear and strong.

I enjoyed this story of people out of their element and how they deal with things.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Little Mama

Little Mama
author: Halim
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/09
date added: 2018/06/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Little Mama' by Hakim is a difficult graphic novel to get through. It deals with a harsh subject in a pretty harsh way.

Little Brenda was born to a teenage mother who is pretty bad at being a mother (or even a grown up). Little Brenda takes the brunt of her mother's anger. People outside the home take notice, but Brenda learns to cover things up for her mother's sake. She also takes care of things at home, earning her the nickname of Little Mama. When her mother gets a new boyfriend, and becomes pregnant again, things get worse for Brenda until she does what she has to do.

The art is good. The story is just so gruesomely dark. There is a lot of honestly raw emotion, and I don't know that I could recommend this to victims of abuse, because it shows a broken system, and a child that has to live in a broken home for years. This may be the case for real victims, but it feels like the framing story treats things too lightly and doesn't offer much in the way of advice, and the glimmer of hope it does offer seems too simple.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Pluto Is Peeved: An ex-planet searches for answers

Pluto Is Peeved: An ex-planet searches for answers
author: Jacqueline Jules
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/09
date added: 2018/06/09
shelves: childrens
review:
'Pluto Is Peeved: An ex-planet searches for answers' by Jacqueline Jules with art by Dave Roman is a graphic novel about a disgruntled astronomical object.

Pluto is no longer a planet and he goes in search of answers. Along the way, he finds a dinosaur that has been renamed. He finds super small bacteria. He discovers that he have have relatives in the Kuiper Belt where he lives. He also learns that even though he is no longer a planet, there is still plenty of interest in him.

It's a cute story about scientific curiosity, and the way science can change over time. The lesson is pretty good, and there is some further material about the different things discussed in the book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Seagrass Press, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Saturday, June 9, 2018

Georgia O'Keeffe (Pequeña & Grande, #12)

Georgia O'Keeffe (Pequeña & Grande, #12)
author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/09
date added: 2018/06/09
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Georgia O'Keeffe' by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara with illustrations by Erica Salcedo is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series and tells the story of a famous painter.

Starting out when she was small, Georgia O'Keeffe viewed the world differently than others. She liked to sketch the world around her while other children played. She declared early on that she would be a painter. When she moved to the city, she wanted others to notice simple things like flowers, so she painted them closely. In her later life, she moved to New Mexico.

I liked this story and it's illustrations. I especially like that the illustrator didn't try to imitate O'Keeffe's art. I think this gives the reader an opportunity to show the child some examples of the real work as part of the reading. The story is told simply and the book ends with a brief biography with some real photos of Georgia O'Keeffe.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Harriet Tubman (Little People, Big Dreams)

Harriet Tubman (Little People, Big Dreams)
author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/09
date added: 2018/06/09
shelves: childrens
review:
'Harriet Tubman' by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara with illustrations by Pili Aguado is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series of picture books.

Araminta "Minty" Ross was born into slavery. Her early life was rough and inspired her to do something about the way things were. She was helped to escape her life, changed her name, and helped others escape on the Underground Railroad.

This is told with colorful illustrations. Because her early life was so hard, it may open up questions with young readers. This isn't a bad thing, and we should be willing to discuss hard things with our kids. Harriet Tubman used her hard experiences and it propelled her into action. The lesson is clear and told in a simple way for the young.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Quarto Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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If All the World

If All the World
author: Joseph Coelho
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.58
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/06/09
date added: 2018/06/09
shelves: childrens
review:
'If All the World' by Joseph Coelho with illustrations by Allison Colpoys was an emotionally packed book with a beautiful message and illustrations.

The book follows the journey of a child and her grandad through the seasons of the year. There are walks through flowers and toys and stories from grandad's childhood. Grandad gifts a journal and a special pencil to write with. Throughout the book, the child makes wishes for the grandad for more birthdays or better health.

The foreshadowing is there all along, but it's still strong when the ending comes. I read children's books because they can have full emotions, and this one was no exception. I found myself finishing this one with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful book to share with the children in your life.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Accell Vol 1: Home Schooling

Accell Vol 1: Home Schooling
author: Joe Casey
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.42
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/08
date added: 2018/06/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Accell Volume 1: Home Schooling' by Joe Casey is part of the Lion Forge event series about a bunch of young folks that find themselves with powers. Unfortunately, imitation isn't always the sincerest form of flattery.

Daniel DosSantos moves pretty fast normally, but when fragments of a meteor hit Earth, he finds he has speed powers. When he uses them and runs through things, he gets beat up and broken bones, but it's ok because he has fast healing as well. He decides he needs to head to the desert to see just how fast he can run, and he finds himself running into a weird other dimension.

Whenever someone has super speed as a power (or any power that mirrors an existing one from a famous character), comparisons are inevitable. In my mind, this book falls short. I did like the kind of loopy art with it's exaggerated perspective and character dimensions. This was the most coherent of this series so far. I'll keep reading. I like the idea of this series and I'm hoping it will.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Wednesday, June 6, 2018

In Search of Peter Pan

In Search of Peter Pan
author: Cosey
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.53
book published: 1984
rating: 4
read at: 2018/03/07
date added: 2018/06/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'In Search of Peter Pan' with story and art by Cosey has an interesting story to tell, and it's here in English for the first time.

It's the 1920s and Melvin Woodworth is a successful first time writer who is expected to be just as successful the second time around. The problem is that he's got writer's block. To try and free up his word stoppage, he travels from England to a little village in the Alps. His deceased brother had a connection here, and he decides to look for it. What he finds is a village with some secrets of it's own. When an avalanche threatens the town, everyone leaves, but Melvin stays behind to solve some of the mysteries.

The title makes it's way into quotes in the chapter headings, and into the story eventually. I really liked the art in this one and the story isn't bad either.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Sunday, June 3, 2018

Life Under Occupation

Life Under Occupation
author: José Pablo García
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/03
date added: 2018/06/03
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Life Under Occupation' by Jose Pablo Garcia is a non-fiction graphic novel about the author's trip to Palestine with the group Action Against Hunger and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.

The graphic novel has plenty of serious moments, but the author has lighter ones as well, like when he was initially asked to go on the trip and had to endure a series of meetings. There is also the time, his sketchbook is commandeered by a child. Less humorous are the arduous border crossings into Palestinian territory, and the destroyed houses and livelihoods. The graphic novel presents things pretty factually without taking particular sides, except that of a member of an aid organization trying to help people.

I liked the art. It was a really great style, and the author seems like he's got compassion as well as a sense of humor.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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