Simone de Beauvoir (Little People, Big Dreams)

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/10/29
date added: 2018/10/29
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Simone de Beauvoir (Little People, Big Dreams)' by Ma Isabel Sanchez with art by Christine Roussey is about a very independent woman and famous feminist.

Simone was born into a wealthy family in Paris. Her father encouraged her to read. When the family's fortunes changed, and she saw how her mother worked more than her father, she started to have the ideas that would make her an early feminist. She became a philosopher and writer, and we learn that she had some interesting friends.

I've liked this series for the simplified biographies and different artists for each book. This time around I was really not fond of the art. The story is less interesting it seems like too.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Banana Sunday

author: Paul Tobin
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.75
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/29
date added: 2018/10/29
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Banana Sunday' by Paul Toin and Colleen Coover with art by Rian Sygh is a fun story about a normal young woman and her three extraordinary primates.

Kirby Steinberg is going to a new school and she announces it on a Sunday. The reason she does is because of her three talking primates. Chuck is an orangutan and whip-smart. Knobby is a spider-monkey who is in love with love thanks to the love poems he has read. Go-Go the gorilla is small, kind of simple, and indestructible.

Kirby meets a new friend, a reporter named Nickels who wants to know the story behind Kirby's friends. Kirby also makes a new enemy in Skye, the school snob who is out to smear Kirby's name. Can Kirby survive her first week at her new school?

It's an early collaboration from Tobin and Coover, and it's not as good as others. It's still kind of fun, as long as you don't scratch the surface too much. If you do, there are things that don't seem to work so well. I liked the art too. It's bright and the lines are clean.

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


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Michigan: On the Trail of a War Bride

author: Julien Frey
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.94
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/10
date added: 2018/10/29
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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Ordinary Victories (Ordinary Victories, #1)

author: Manu Larcenet
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 2017/12/24
date added: 2018/10/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Ordinary Victories #1' by Mano Larcenet feels like an odd sort of story to be told in a graphic novel form, but I think it is served well.

Marco was a photographer and spent enough time taking photos of dead bodies, that he's found himself in therapy. He's tired of that, and really doesn't want to work, so he moves to a remote village to try to get by. He takes up with a cat named Adolf and gets to know the quirky neighbors. There is the neighbor with the shotgun and the private property signs, and there is the weird, silent one who just kind of shows up and eats Marco's food. Marco also meets Emilie and she challenges him to rejoin the world around him.

The story feels like non-fiction almost. The category is definitely drama with a bit of humor thrown in. The art style feels a bit weird for this story, but I found myself feeling for this character, so I wouldn't mind a chance to find out what happens next with him.

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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Hotel Fantastic

author: Thomas Gibault
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/27
date added: 2018/10/27
shelves: childrens
review:
'Hotel Fantastic' by Thomas Gibault is a picture book about a hotel destination that may not be for everyone, but can be for anyone.

In a book that reads like a brochure, we are invited to enjoy the amenities of the Hotel Fantastic. From beds to fit any size creature, to Sky Rooms for the airborn guests. There is a gift shop and a restaurant that serves strange food. There are nightclubs and a garage and and infirmary too.

The fun of this book are all the weird creatures that seem to stay at the Hotel Fantastic. From monsters to superheroes to mad scientists, they all seem to be enjoying themselves. The illustrations are lots of fun and have lots of details.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Kids Can Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Diary of a Monster

author: Valeria Dávila
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.45
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2018/10/27
date added: 2018/10/27
shelves: childrens
review:
'Diary of a Monster' by Valeria Davila and Monica Lopez with illustrations by Laura Aguerrebehere and translation by David Warriner is a picture book in rhyme by a lake monster. It's originally from Argentina, and I think some things got lost in translation.

This is the diary of a lake monster told in rhyme form. Except it doesn't rhyme very well or feel much like a diary. The monster describes how fearsome it is and how it likes to cook. The monster talks about a rash on it's tale, then about how it likes lullabies and tales. Then the book just ends.

If a book is in rhyme form, it should have a rhythm to it, and this one just doesn't. It's really not a diary so much as a monologue. The ending is way too abrupt. The monster is just describing itself, then the book just ends. I kept thinking I was missing pages.

I did like the illustrations well enough, but the lack of plot or rhyme makes this one a pretty big pass in my book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from CrackBoom! Books, Chouette Publishing, and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Earthrise: Apollo 8 and the Photo That Changed the World

author: James Gladstone
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/27
date added: 2018/10/27
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Earthrise: Apollo 8 and the Photo That Changed the World' by James Gladstone with illustrations by Christy Lundy is about possibly the most famous photo ever taken from space.

In 1968, there was a lot of unrest in the world: wars and racial strife and inequality. Apollo 8 also launched to survey the surface of the moon for a possible landing site. The astronauts on board traveled around the moon, and when they saw the Earth rising out of the darkness, they had to take a photo. The photo showed a planet in space without borders or governments. The photo had a profound effect on some.

This picture book perfectly frames the events around this photo. There is some actual dialogue included from the astronauts. I really liked the illustration style as well.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Owlkids Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home

author: Nora Krug
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.58
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/10/27
date added: 2018/10/27
shelves: non-fiction, graphic-novels
review:
'Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home' by Nora Krug is a non-fiction graphic novel about the difficulty of finding one's place in the world with a troubled national history.

Nora was born long after the fall of the Nazi party in Germany, but the guilt of her nation still hangs over her. She has an uncle that died in the war, and a grandfather that may or may not have been involved. Family accounts say he wasn't, but what is the truth?

Nora travels back to a town in Germany to find out about an uncle she never knew, an aunt she has never met, and a grandfather whose past raises more questions than answers at times. Along the way she discovers her own place in the world and where she belongs.

I used the word graphic novel, but that may imply that the book is drawn, but it includes family pictures, letters, documents, and more. There are elements of collage also. What shines though is the narrative, which is told with the kind of frankness and openness that I found greatly appealing. I'm so glad I got to read this book.

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


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Mother Teresa (Little People, Big Dreams)

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/12
date added: 2018/10/25
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'Little People, Big Dreams: Mother Teresa' by Isabel Sanchez Vegara with art by Natascha Rosenberg tells the life of Mother Teresa in a picture book format.

Little Agnes was born in Macedonia. She was taught to love God and others from a young age. This turned in to a compassion for the poor. She became Mother Teresa and became famous all over the world.

The art was cute and colorful. I like the way the story is told. I like this series because it tells a number of stories and presents a number of different creative ways to live a life and make a difference.

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


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Brave Thumbelina

author: An Leysen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/22
date added: 2018/10/22
shelves: childrens
review:
'Brave Thumbelina' by Hans Christian Andersen with adaptation and illustrations by An Leysen is a beautiful picture book of a strange fairy tale.

A woman dreams of having a child. She plants a flower and a tiny child is born. Everything is fine and she sleeps in a tiny box, until she is stolen one night and given in marriage to an ugly frog. What follows are a series of strange matches until Thumbelina finds the perfect match.

I love Hans Christian Andersen, but his stories can be so weird. This one is no exception: a young girl is born and the only reason seems to be as a series of potential brides.

The illustrations are solid, though. An Leysen has a style I really like and this book is no exception. There are some black and white illustrations throughout the book as well as full color. The color palette is softer and pastel and fits well with the drawings.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Clavis Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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FTL, Y'all!

author: Amanda Lafrenais
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/22
date added: 2018/10/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'FTL, Y'all!: Tales from the Age of the $200 Warp Drive' is a collection of stories edited by Amanda Lafrenais. The concept is in the subtitle, but I wish a short introduction had been included on what brought the idea on.

It's the near future (or maybe even now!) and warp drives can be made cheap. This leads to a series of people shooting themselves in to space in buses, cars and washing machines. There are stories about how dreary traveling at warp speed can still be, like modern airports. There is a young woman who chooses growing crops because the rest of her classmates have chosen warp drive projects.

It's a varied collection, and the art that accompanies is also varied. Some stories and art work, some don't. There were a couple stories where the art was just hard on the eyes. My favorite story in the collection is Wayhome by Evan Dahm.

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


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How to Make Friends with a Ghost

author: Rebecca Green
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/20
date added: 2018/10/20
shelves: childrens
review:
'How to Make Friends with a Ghost' by Rebecca Green is a charming book about the supernatural.

This is a guidebook for how to find and friend a ghost. The first trick is finding one, since they seem really hard to find. They are also easily frightened away and may not want to come in to your home, but you can simply blow them in to your house. The care and feeding of ghosts is important and the book even has some helpful (if disgusting sounding) recipes.

The illustrations are what really made this book work for me. The colors are darker with hints of color, like the main characters hair ribbon. The ghost character is small and cute. The text was fun and kind of silly. If I ever decide to friend a ghost, I'll be sure to take this handy book along with me.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Tundra Books, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Empress Charlotte: The Princess and the Archduke

author: Fabien Nury
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.70
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/20
date added: 2018/10/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Empress Charlotte: The Princess and the Archduke' by Fabien Nury with art by Matthieu Bonhomme is a historical fiction graphic novel set in the time of the Habsburgs.

Princess Charlotte loses her mother when she is young. When she is 16, she is sent out courting for a favorable marriage. She falls in love with archduke Maximillian of the Habsburg house. Charlotte doesn't realize that her new husband is on the outs with his family. They end up in Italy, and the marriage has its problems, including trying to provide an heir. When Maximillian is put on house arrest by his family, and things take a dire turn, Charlotte finds help with her family and the strength to take hold of her destiny.

I liked this story of royals from another era. My favorite part is when Charlotte's family fears for her life and comes in to take charge. I liked the art in this book. I occasionally struggled with reading some of the lettering in letters between Charlotte and her father.

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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Alt-Life

author: Thomas Cadène
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.17
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/20
date added: 2018/10/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Alt-Life' by Thomas Cadene with art by Joseph Falzon is a dystopian graphic novel about two explorers who will save humanity by trying to live in a weird kind of bubble reality.

Rene and Josiane get chosen to participate in a new program that will hopefully save the human race. They don odd suits and wake up in a place where they can make anything happen with the power of their mind. The world is lonely, so they populate it with simulated humans. Then they start having sex with them. Or not having sex as the case may be. Josiane has no problem, but Rene feels weird about it all. Rene also feels weird about not hurting when he falls, or having smelly armpits. It's a strange new world, and these are kind of strange people.

Besides all the sex, and there seems to be an awful lot, I liked the premise of this. I really liked the art. What seemed odd to me about this is they have a program and they manage to pick these two? Rene seems to have trouble coping and Josiane just wants to have sex all day. It seems like a weird basis for an experiment.

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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Jane Goodall

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.56
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/15
date added: 2018/10/15
shelves: childrens
review:
'Jane Goodall' by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Beatrice Cerocchi is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series. This series continues to be such a great series of inspiring books for young readers.

When Jane Goodall was little, her father gave her a stuffed chimpanzee, which she named Jubilee. Sometimes a simple thing like a favorite toy can impact a life. Maybe this on did as well. Jane's love of animals caused her to save up for a trip to Africa. She got jobs that eventually led in to what she is most famous for.

One of the things I love about this series, besides the amazing, inspiring stories, is that every volume features a different artist. This time around Beatrice Cerocchi is featured, and her colorful, full-page illustrations are colorful and fun.

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


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Super Sons, Vol. 3: Parent Trap

author: Peter J. Tomasi
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/15
date added: 2018/10/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Super Sons, Vol. 3: Parent Trap' by Peter J. Tomasi with art by Jorge Jimenez continues to be one of my favorite recurring titles, in spite of the appearance of the Super Pets.

Talia al Ghul is back to claim her son Damian, and Jon learns more about his friend than he might be able to handle. Damian proves to be better than his nature, though. There is an episode with the Super Pets, which wasn't my favorite. The final story involves Amazo and turning the Justice League in to giant batteries. Jon and Damian find themselves in the midst of it. Can they save the grown ups?

I really like this series. The art is consistently really good in this volume. The stories are warm, funny, and still have believable action to them. I wasn't crazy about the Super Pets story, but even it wasn't terrible.

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


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One Day, So Many Ways

author: Laura Hall
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/14
date added: 2018/10/14
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'One Day, So Many Ways' by Laura Hall with illustrations by Loris Lorca takes on a one day journey into the lives of children around the world.

In this colorfully illustrated book, the reader learns about daily routines from all kinds of different places in the world. From the kinds of houses that children live in to what they eat for breakfast. There are school routines, and the kinds of ways they help out around the house. There are leisure activities and what happens in sports classes. The book shows how we are all different, but more importantly shows how we are all the same.

Obviously, one or two children in one city are going to be pretty much generalizations, but the variety of things and activities is pretty interesting. I loved the bright, colorful drawings of kids doing all the things kids do all over the world.

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


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Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America's Children

author: Monica Kulling
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/14
date added: 2018/10/14
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America's Children' by Monica Kulling with illustrations by Julianna Swaney tells of the remarkable life of a woman who found a way to do good in the midst of adversity.

During her childhood, Sara Josephine Baker lost her brother and father to typhoid fever. From that moment, she was determined to become a doctor. This was a tough pursuit for a woman in the late 1800s. There weren't a lot of schools that would teach women, but she found a way. When she graduated, it was tough to find a job, but she found a way. She worked in the poor neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, and helped children and infants to get better treatment.

I liked this true story of a person determined to help in spite of being told they couldn't. The determination of this story is a good lesson for young readers.

The illustrations by Julianna Swaney are also very nice. They have a good feel for the time of this story, and I liked the warm colors that were used.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Tundra Books, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Golden Age - Volume 1, Part 1

author: Cyril Pedrosa
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/14
date added: 2018/10/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Golden Age' by Cyril Pedrosa and Roxanne Moreil with art by Cyril Pedrosa is a beautiful graphic novel with an interesting story at it's heart.

The death of a king seems to bring a princess the kingdom, but when her younger brother makes an armed play for the throne, she finds herself on the run. Joining her are a loyal knight and his young companion. They are pursued, and the princess is wounded. They find themselves in a hidden enclave full of warrior women who are trying to live at peace.

The art in this graphic novel is lush and beautiful. The story is interesting and I want to read more of it. Hopefully I'll get a chance to.

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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Milton's Dreams

author: Ricard
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.00
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2018/10/14
date added: 2018/10/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Milton's Dreams' by Ricard with illustrations by Fejard Mael is a sort of depressing slog through the dust bowl.

Young Billy sees something he shouldn't have and gets a beating and a maimed hand to ensure his silence. Years later, his family is struggling. Crops are failing and there isn't a lot of food. Billy has a large and gentle older brother and two younger siblings, and he's kind of a bully. He convinces older brother Milton that the person who maimed Billy needs to be killed. Milton dreams about it, and wakes up to find that it happened. But was it really Milton who did it?

The story is not completed in this volume, but it is so dreary that I have no interest in finding out what happened. The art has a weird shaky line style and bland coloring (to match the surroundings). There is probably a good story that could be told with these characters in this setting, but this wasn't it.

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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Dear Professor Whale

author: Megumi Iwasa
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/13
date added: 2018/10/13
shelves: childrens
review:
'Dear Professor Whale' by Megumi Iwasa with illustrations by Jun Takabatake is a book set in the same world as 'Yours Sincerely, Giraffe.' This time we meet some new letter writing characters.

Professor Whale lives near Whale Island. He's now retired, and he's lonely, so he starts writing to anyone out there who will respond. He gets a few responses, then one from a younger whale. Professor Whale may have known and competed with the young whale's father in the Whale Point Olympics. This makes him sad, but when some old friends show up, they decide to throw another Olympics. What follows is a series of games where the spirit of goodwill and friendship is more important than winning.

I adored this charming novel, just like it's predecessor. The illustrations are simple and sweet. The story is also.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Gecko Press, Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Ping Pong Dash !! 1

author: Shingo Honda
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/13
date added: 2018/10/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Ping Pong Dash !! !' by Shingo Honda is a sport manga that includes school life th‌ings. Like a lot of manga, it was over the top in style and substance, and I kind of liked it.

Shingo Honda is a Yankee, which is a kind of person who emulates 1950s American gangsters with the way dress and do their hair. When a cute girl comes to school and joins the Ping Pong club, Shingo is intrigued and joins. He learns quickly that he's not a very good player, so he sets out to improve. Meanwhile his friends are left to fend off attacks form a rival gang. Shingo's secret weapon is canned coffee which forces him in to a kind of beast mode, that is actually pretty hilarious.

The characters at times seem like garishly drawn parodies. The facial features and hair are exaggerated and kind of ugly. The ping pong battles feel like overblown video game battles. I liked the art and the story, which surprised me based on the subject of a ping pong club.

I received a review copy of this manga from Akita Publishing Co. Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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DC Comics Super Heroines: 100 Greatest Moments

author: Robert Greenberger
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/13
date added: 2018/10/13
shelves:
review:
"DC Comics Super Heroines: 100 Greatest Moments" by Robert Greenberger is a big compilation of DC characters who are women and on the side of good (for the most part).

Starting with Amanda Waller and going through Zatanna, this book gives entries for lots of characters, po‌inting out some key moments in their history, then gives a page or so of the key comics that they were in. Characters like Batgirl and Wonder Woman have bigger entries. Characters that started bad and are now good (Harley Quinn), and Vice Versa (Terra) are included.

I had a great time learning about characters I wasn't familiar with and remembering ones I'd forgotten. The whole book is in full color, and I liked the snippets of comic issues. Writer and ‎illustrator credits are given.

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


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Slan (Slan, #1)

author: A.E. van Vogt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.72
book published: 1940
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/07
date added: 2018/10/07
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Slan' by A.E. van Vogt is a classic of science fiction that was first serialized in 1940. Since it's over 70 years old, it suffers the problems of time, but I still enjoyed it.

The Slan are a race of people with tendrils in their hair, or they are a race of untendrilled people. They are hunted and feared because of their capabilities. There is enough prejudice to go around though. Jommy Cross is a mutant outcast just trying to survive, who then uses his abilities to fight back.

It feels like a serialized novel should. Lots of explanation points and whizbang stuff and not much worldbuilding and character development. Still, I enjoyed this trip into the past.


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The Jungle Book: Manga Classics

author: Rudyard Kipling
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/07
date added: 2018/10/07
shelves: graphic-novels, classics
review:
'The Jungle Book' from Manga Classics is 329 pages of Rudyard Kipling adapted in to manga form. If you only know the Mowgli stories from the Jungle Book, those are here and more.

The seven books of the Jungle Book are adapted here. Some get longer adaptations than others. Also included are the poems in unabridged form that accompany the stories.

Along with the Mowgli stories, there is the story of the White Seal, Toomai of the Elephants, and my favorite, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. The poems fit in to the stories where they do in the books.

The adaptation by Crystal S. Chan is spot on, per usual. This time out the art is by Julien Choy and it's a good job. At 327 pages, there is a lot here, but I enjoyed revisiting these characters.

I received a review copy of this manga from Udon Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Silent Night

author: Lara Hawthorne
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.60
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/07
date added: 2018/10/07
shelves: childrens
review:
'Silent Night' with illustrations by Lara Hawthorne is a picture book illustrating a beloved Christmas hymn.

The night of Christ's birth is told through the words of the song 'Silent Night' and the pictures in this book. The illustrations are nice and show a more typical middle Eastern skin color. Which was a nice change from much of the westernized versions I've seen.

Following the book are a few paragraphs telling the history of the song.

This would be a nice Christmas book to share with a young child at bedtime. I suppose it could always be sung instead of read too.

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


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O is for Old School: A Hip Hop Alphabet for B.I.G. Kids Who Used to be Dope

author: James Tyler
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/07
date added: 2018/10/07
shelves: childrens
review:
'O is for Old School: A Hip Hop Alphabet for B.I.G. Kids Who Used to be Dope' by James Tyler with illustrations by Ella Cohen is a board book for toddlers

This is an ABC book for the young with hip hop terms. It works pretty well as a board book because it used the terms, but uses familiar pictures for babies. So crib is a baby crib, dawg is a pull toy, etc. I found the pictures to be pretty funny in their double meaning, and I liked that the book would (mostly) work for the young.

In the back is a glossary for what these terms really mean, so you can learn that dawg is a close friend in hip hop vernacular. The pictures are big and bright and I think the very young might enjoy this colorful book.

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


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Encounter Vol. 1: Out of This World

author: Art Baltazar
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/07
date added: 2018/10/07
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Encounter Vol. 1: Out of This World' by Art Baltazar, Franco Aureliani, and Chris Giarusso is a fun original graphic novel with a colorful new hero.

Encounter first shows up at the zoo as an egg in the giraffe pen. He hatches in to an orange and green tiny giraffe, then morphs in to all kind of things, finally settling on a superhero and cape. He finds a sidekick in a dog, which he gifts with speech and turns blue. He came to Earth with some pods to protect, and now all the bad guys are after those pods. In this volume, he fights off Gadget Man, Cold Blaze and Ribbon Rhonda among others, but what are the pods and where did Encounter come from.

Included in each issue is a fun back up story that relates to each main story, usually with Barko and his robotic dog bone treat saving the day.

I really had a fun time reading this, and it would be a great gift for an 8 or 9 year old. I liked the original idea for this hero and the hilarious alter ego that he assumes, which wouldn't seem to fool anyone, but somehow does.

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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The Flash, Vol. 7: Perfect Storm

author: Joshua Williamson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/06
date added: 2018/10/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Flash, Vol. 7: Perfect Storm' by Joshua Williamson with art by Carmine Di Giandomenico brings us the whole Flash family and Gorilla Grodd.

Barry Allen is finally going to clue Iris in on things, when Central City is attacked by an angry and dying Gorilla Grodd. Flash finds old friends siding with Grodd, and Grodd manages to take away Barry's powers. Now he has to rely on Wally West, and...Wally West? Barry becomes singularly focused on getting his powers back, but at what cost?

I'm really not a fan of the main artist on this title right now. What I did like is Christian Duce's art in the final issue collected here. It was a nice contrast. The story isn't bad, but really bad things happen to Central City, and then things get cleaned up with no apparent cost or trauma.

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


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Lucy Maud Montgomery (Little People, Big Dreams)

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.44
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/06
date added: 2018/10/06
shelves: childrens
review:



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Bats of the Republic: An Illuminated Novel

author: Zachary Thomas Dodson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/06
date added: 2018/10/06
shelves:
review:
'Bats of the Republic: An Illuminated Novel' by Zachary Thomas Dodson is a curious thing. It's a variety of genres that I like and it's a series of print styles that make the book feel like "found" manuscripts. When it was done, I just wished it had been a bit more.

There are two stories at the heart of this novel. One takes place in Chicago in 1843 and concerns a man going West to seek his fortune and to prove his love to the woman he has left behind. The other storyline takes place 300 years later in a city state in a dystopian Texas. In both stories, a man is trying to find his way, and there is a woman he loves who is helping. There are more similarities, but to tell those would be to spoil things.

It's a clever enough collection of old books, letters, manuscripts and drawings. The problem is that the story moved along too slowly for me. Once I figured things out (and it was fairly early on), then it was just getting to the end. The big reveal had already happened for me, but I felt like the novel tightened up towards the end. I like this sort of thing. I've just had other, better experiences.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Doubleday Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists?

author: Patrick O'Donnell
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/10/06
date added: 2018/10/06
shelves: childrens
review:
'Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists?' by Patrick O'Donnell with illustrations by Erik Mehlen is a funny rhyming picture book combining things kids like with dental hygiene.

In a book that asks a lot of silly questions like 'did a brachiosaurus ever need braces?' the message of taking care of your teeth is actually made fun. Sure, kids might not know what crowns or dentures are. Sure, the poor adult reading the story may struggle with pronouncing bactrosaurus or diplodocus. The book is short, silly, and ultimately provides the answer to the question.

Erik Mehlen's illustrations are simple, colorful and very cute. The book ends with a glossary of dinosaur and dental terms along with a bibliography for the more adventurous.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Most Beautiful Village in the World

author: Yutaka Kobayashi
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/10/06
date added: 2018/10/06
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Most Beautiful Village in the World' by Yutaka Kobayashi is a beautiful picture book for young readers with a shocking, abrupt ending that may not be for all little readers. I personally found it lovely and poignant.

Young Yamo lives in the Afghan village of Paghman. His older brother is a soldier, so he has to go in to the village to see cherries with his father. The marketplace is busy and Yamo meets lots of nice people there. He sells all of his fruit, but his father doesn't. They have lunch and decide to buy a lamb to take home. [spoilers removed]

I adored the full 2-page illustrations. They show a vibrant culture and make it a place that I wouldn't mind visiting.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Museyon Inc. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Girl Who Married a Skull: and Other African Stories (Cautionary Fables and Fairytales)

author: Kate Ashwin
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/04
date added: 2018/10/04
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Girl Who Married a Skull: and Other African Stories (Cautionary Fables and Fairytales)' edited by Kate Ashwin, Kel McDonald, and Charlie Spike Trotman with a whole host of artists, is a collection of really fun stories.

In the title story, a beautiful, but vain, daughter won't listen to what her parents want. They want her to marry, but she doesn't want to. When she is swept off her feet by a handsome stranger, her parents are suspicious, as well they should be. This man is not what he seems.

The other stories are kind of like this one. There is the story of how Anansi stole wisdom, and why snake and frog don't play together. There is a story about Isis and one about Queen Hyena's funeral.

The art and stories vary, but they are short, so ones I didn't enjoy as much were over quickly. The art is in black and white and I wish it were in color. I love fables and fairytales and I can recommend this collection for young readers and older readers looking for something different and magical.

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


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