Adventures in the Circulatory System

author: Alexander Lowe
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/30
date added: 2020/09/30
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Adventures in the Circulatory System' by Alexander Lowe is a graphic novel for young readers is about a group of young explorers who travel and learn about the human body.

The Body Squad has a member who gets a small injury, and they see it as a chance to shrink down and tour her circulatory system. They learn about platelets and white blood cells and what happens to blood flow during different event.

This was a fun book in an easy reading style. The characters are fun, and entering the bloodstream through a bandage was a bit gross. The illustrations seem a bit rough, but I think kids wanting to learn science

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


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Strange Skies Over East Berlin

author: Jeff Loveness
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.29
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at: 2020/09/29
date added: 2020/09/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Strange Skies Over East Berlin' by Jeff Loveness with art by Lisandro Estherren is an alien encounter story set in the Cold War in East Berlin.

The story takes place in the shadowy realm of East Berlin in 1973. An American spy encounters a strange being from outer space. The being is very powerful and the spy has to make strange alliances to survive.

I love the moody art and the idea of the story. I felt let down by the execution of the story. It had potential, but just wallowed in sameness.

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


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Titan

author: François Vigneault
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/28
date added: 2020/09/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Titan #1' with story and art by François Vigneault is a science fiction graphic novel of workers and managers.

Manager, or MNGR, Joao da Silva is sent to the moon of Titan to oversee a labor dispute. The inhabitants of Titan are larger than terrans, and also outnumber the terrans on the moon. Joao is convinced that everyone can work together and he has union representative Phoebe Mackintosh to help. The Titans, though, have other plans.

I liked this story of conflict and rioting on another planet. The space and technology aspects kept it interesting. The art wasn't completely to my liking at first, but I ended up liking it and it works really well for the story.

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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With a Dog AND a Cat, Every Day is Fun, Volume 1

author: Hidekichi Matsumoto
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/23
date added: 2020/09/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'With a Dog AND a Cat, Every Day is Fun, Volume 1' by Hidekichi Matsumoto is a manga full of comics about the artist living with a cat and a dog.

Owning a pet can be fun, and pets have their own personalities as Hidekichi Matsumoto has discovered. While her dog reacts with happiness at a new toy, her cat shows disinterest. At bedtime, the dog snuggles in to be, while the cat is wound up and playing loudly. Included in the volume is how the author met each of her pets.

This was really a lot of fun to read. I can tell the artist loves both pets, but her cat is hilarious in its moodiness.

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


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Interpol - Volume 1: Mexico - La Muerte

author: Philippe Thirault
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.88
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/22
date added: 2020/09/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Interpol Volume 1: Mexico - La Muerte' by Philippe Thirault with art by Marty is a story about graphic murder in Mexico.

Headless women start showing up all over Mexico City. Interpol agent Claire teams up with a local P.I. named Pablo Tikal. Pablo's methods are unorthodox, from stealing cars to using counterfeit money. Claire and Tikal find mutual respect in methods, but can they find the killer.

I liked this kind of gruesome story. The characters were pretty interesting as was the resolution of the murders.

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 Missing Dragon (Student Ambassador #1)

author: Ryan Estrada
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/22
date added: 2020/09/22
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Student Ambassador #1: The Missing Dragon' by Ryan Estrada with illustrations by Axur Eneas is a graphic novel for young readers about an unlikely friendship.

Joseph Bazan becomes a student ambassador and that takes him on some amazing adventures, like calming a pool of crocodiles or hiding under the president's desk. He gets sent to solve a diplomatic crisis with a child leader in another land. Joseph and the young king find themselves on the run and becoming friends along the way.

This was a pretty fun story and I think young readers would have a blast reading it. The art is fun too!

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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Sayonara, Football, Vol. 1

author: Naoshi Arakawa
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/21
date added: 2020/09/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sayonara, Football 1' by Naoshi Arakawa is a sports manga about soccer.

Nozomi Onda just wants to play soccer, but she is a girl and her school only has a boys team. That doesn't stop Onda from practicing with the team and practicing harder than anyone. When a rival team is coming to play the team, Onda finds the team has a boy from her past. Will Onda ever get to play?

I like sports manga, but this one might be a tough sell to Western audiences. The argument is made repeatedly that Onda is a female, and slighter in build and muscle than the boys. Still, I found it a fun read and the art of the games was pretty exciting.

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


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The Long Con

author: Dylan Meconis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/19
date added: 2020/09/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Long Con' by Dylan Meconis and Ben Coleman with art by EA Denich is a graphic novel about the apocalypse, and a convention that is still running.

The world may have ended, but not for the folks in the Los Spinoza Convention Center. They still wander the halls and food courts of pop culture. Enter Victor Lai, a reporter who breaks in and finds his friend Dez Delaney. They travel the halls of geekdom gone long.

It's an ok premise. I think I would have liked more apocalypse and less con. There is a lot of nerd humor, although the properties that are mocked are hidden to avoid scrutiny by studio lawyers. The art was not my style and felt a bit loose.

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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Rai (2019) Book 1

author: Dan Abnett
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/19
date added: 2020/09/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Rai Book 1' by Dan Abnett with art by Juan Jose Ryp is another reboot of another Valiant character, but this time around it feels like they've done it right.

New Japan has fallen and Father is dead. Rai and robot boy Raijin want to make sure he stays dead, so they set out on a quest to find the pieces that could be used to resuscitate him. Rai wants no violence, but that is just not going to be the case in the weird world of the 41st century.

The 5 issues that make up this volume feel like 5 different stories, and I was really ok with that. The stories were interesting and were driven by Juan Jose Ryp's amazing art. This is a series I would like to read more of with this creative team.


I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Valiant Entertainment, 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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Moon Lake

author: Dan Fogler, Various
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.50
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2020/09/19
date added: 2020/09/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Moon Lake' by Dan Fogler with a variety of artists is a comic anthology series with stories about a strange place on our planet.

Our host is a robust man who lives on the moon and enjoys dining on the gray aliens that seem to be surrounding him endlessly. The stories are all only linked by geography, I think. One is crazed cheerleader on a gory murder spree after getting a day full of bad news. There are zombie dinosaurs in another story.

It's supposed to be gory and funny, and while it's gory enough, I didn't like the humor at all. It all feels like trying to hard. The art styles vary quite a bit, and I liked most of it, but this felt like a waste of time.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Heavy Metal, 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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Big Nate: Silent But Deadly

author: Lincoln Peirce
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/17
date added: 2020/09/17
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Big Nate: Silent But Deadly' by Lincoln Peirce is the 18th (!) volume in the series of comics about mischief maker Big Nate.

This time around, Big Nate breaks in a new kid in detention. He also runs a campaign to be Student of the Month, and tries to convince teachers and fellow students. My favorite series in this collection might be his upscale movie reviews for the school newspaper.

This is a fun series, and it has stayed consistently funny, even if the main character is old enough to have graduated high school by now.

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


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The Ultimate Survival Guide to Bedtime Monsters

author: Mitch Frost
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.46
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2020/09/15
date added: 2020/09/15
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Ultimate Survival Guide to Bedtime Monsters' by Mitch Frost with illustrations by Daron Parton is a picture book to help frightened children feel better about their night time fears.

Told as a sort of commercial from Goodnight Labs, it advertises a book to help get rid of monsters. It includes suspicious advice like keeping your room clean and brushing your teeth, but includes things like inviting all your toys in to bed. There is silly advice on which monster types to ignore, too.

It's just ok. It didn't really wow me, but maybe it will tickle certain kids. The infomercial style wears thin and the parental advice seems to be there to win parents over. The illustrations are really nice, and the monsters shown are more silly than fierce.

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


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The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.: A Biography Book for New Readers (The Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers)

author: Christine Platt
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.60
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/09/15
date added: 2020/09/15
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.: A Biography Book for New Readers' by Christine Platt with illustrations by Steffi Walthall is the kind of nonfiction book I loved as a young reader.

I love how this book starts with Dr. King as a young boy who dreamed of being a firefighter and then describes the world of segregation he was surrounded by. He lived in Sweet Auburn with two siblings. He decided to follow in his father's footsteps and become a minister, but he did so much more and was such an important voice in the world.

This is the second book in this series I've read, and I really like the quality and presentation. I like the interactive quizzes and the infographics. I like how larger world events are brought in for further understanding.

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


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Happy Narwhalidays (a Narwhal and Jelly Book #5)

author: Ben Clanton
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.60
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/09/15
date added: 2020/09/15
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Happy Narwhalidays' by Ben Clanton is the 5th book in the Narwhal and Jelly series.

The holidays have come to the undersea world. There are narwhaliday carols and snow (!) and warm waffle pudding. The culmination of the event is the arrival of the Merry Mermicorn, but first Jelly has to find the perfect gift.

This series is always a must read for me when a new volume comes along. I always wonder how the creativity is going to go, and Ben Clanton always brings his A game.

I received a review copy of this ebook from 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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Ernest Shackleton

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/15
date added: 2020/09/15
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Ernest Shackleton' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Olivia Holden is a young reader biography of the famous explorer who showed amazing leadership.

Ernest Shackleton was born in Ireland to a family that had lived in the same county for 150 years. He started wanting to travel when he was 6 by digging a hole in the backyard. At 16 he started his journey to become a mariner. This led to his famous expedition and a man who would not give up until his crew all made it home.

I love this series and this is a great addition. Ernest Shackleton is someone I never read about him as a child, but I wish I had. The illustrations here are great too.

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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Pele

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/13
date added: 2020/09/13
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'Pele' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Camila Rosa is a young reader biography of the famous soccer player.

Pele was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Bauru, Brazil, and given the nickname Pele by his friends. He loved soccer so much that he made his own ball when he couldn't get one. He became the greatest soccer player, but also used his fame to show how soccer could unite people.

I continue to love and champion this Little People, Big Dreams series. These are really great biographies adapted for young readers. Like the rest of this series, this one has a different illustrator than other books in the series. I love Camila Rose's bright, fun illustrations.

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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Rilakkuma - By Your Side

author: Aki Kondō
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2020/09/13
date added: 2020/09/13
shelves:
review:
'Rilakkuma-By Your Side' by Aki Kondo is a book you can read any way you like. Since it's comprised of 2 page aphorisms, that makes it easy.

Rilakkuma is a bear and with his bird friend Kiroitori they teach the reader words of self help like 'There are times to rise and times to fall' and 'whether short of long, the day goes by.'

I liked the sayings. They have an almost zenlike quality to them, but I'm confused about who this book is aimed at. It's a pretty simple read with cute characters.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Shufu to Seikatsu Sha Co., Ltd., and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Little Big Nate: No Nap!

author: Lincoln Peirce
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/13
date added: 2020/09/13
shelves: childrens
review:
'Little Big Nate: No Nap!' with story and art by Lincoln Peirce is a toddler sized adventure of the middle grade comic strip star.

It's nap time, and Little Big Nate would rather do anything except that. He imagines himself playing sports and fighting dragons. He fights the nap so hard, he doesn't realize he has already fallen asleep.

These are pretty simple board books with not many words. Readers of Big Nate will recognize nods to the long running series. The art is fun with a young Nate and some drawings that look they are drawn by young readers.

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


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Infinity 8 Vol.7: All for Nothing

author: Lewis Trondheim
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/13
date added: 2020/09/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Infinity 8 Vol. 7: All for Nothing' by Lewis Trondheim with art by Boulet is the penultimate volume in this time travel graphic novel series.

Douglas is a young recruit, so he is prone to confusion. He is also being used by a time traveling robot. No matter what Douglas does, it has already been anticipated. He does start to wise up by the end in this weird volume of the series.

I've liked the series, but I haven't loved it. The art is varied and didn't really do much for me at first. It did grow on me as it went, as did the story. Douglas is a pretty sympathetic character.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from 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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Basketful of Heads

author: Joe Hill
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/09/13
date added: 2020/09/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Basketful of Heads' by Joe Hill with art by Leomacs and Riccardo La Bella is a graphic novel horror story that was a lot of fun to read.

It's the end of Summer and Jue is visiting her boyfriend Liam on Brody Island. He's been a temporary law enforcement officer and this is his last day. It's also the day 4 convicts have escaped from Shawshank, and before long June finds herself with a missing boyfriend and being hunted by killers. Fortunately for her, she's found an ancient ax that has mysterious properties, and before long, she's got a basketful of heads.

I had a great time reading this story. The mystery in the background has some nice twists and turns. The gore was fun, and the talking heads were kind of hilarious. The art is great, especially the included covers.

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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Leonardo the Genius (Leonardo 1)

author: Bob de Groot
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.44
book published: 1977
rating: 3
read at: 2019/11/03
date added: 2020/09/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Leonardo the Genius' by De Groot with art by Phillip Turk is a collection of comics about one of the world's greatest inventors.

In this collection, Leonardo gets an assistant, and then proceeds to blow up and abuse the poor fellow. He also invents a series of inventions that he never made in real life, like the automobile and television. A longer gag has him inventing wings and running in to humorous situations.

The gags are mildly funny and pretty silly. The art works well. I think it would be a fun read for younger readers.

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 Inkberg Enigma

author: Jonathan King
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/10
date added: 2020/09/10
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'The Inkberg Enigma' with story and art by Jonathan King is a graphic novel about a town with a secret and two young explorers out to uncover it.

Miro and Sia live in Aurora, a fishing village. There are mysteries in the town tied to an Antarctic expedition and a secret creature that must be kept happy. It all ties to a secret book, and more importantly to how it's written. Miro's love of books and Sia's curiosity may get to the bottom of things or get them in big trouble.

I had a lot of fun reading this story. The plot was fun, as was the art. I've read a few things by Jonathan King and I like his approach to art and character design.

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


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The Night Witches

author: Garth Ennis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/29
date added: 2020/09/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Night Witches' by Garth Ennis with art by Russ Braun is a collection of the 3 Night Witch story from Garth Ennis' Battlefields, and follows one Russian pilot for one heck of a story arc.

The Night Witches were Russian women who flew in combat against Germany in the fight to defend their homeland. They flew obsolete biplanes on bombing runs. This story is the fictional story of Anna Kharkova, a pilot with the Night Witches, women who were terrified to crash behind enemy lines. The second story 'Motherland' puts Anna in to the Battle of Kursk with it's high casualty rate. Anna's fate is revealed in the final story.

This is solid storytelling, and this is a well written character. I even approve of the ending, though I know it's not realistic. I wanted this ending for Anna. The art is great. Along with a sketchbook, there is a nice essay about the real events that inspired the story.

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


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Ghosts of the Past (The Bleiberg Project, #1)

author: Serge Le Tendre
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.52
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/07
date added: 2020/09/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Bleiberg Project #1: Ghosts of the Past; by Serge Le Tendre with art by Frederic Peynet is a graphic novel based on a book by David S. Khara.

Jeremy Corbin is not a happy person, and he hasn't heard from his father in years, so when he hears some bad news, it doesn't seem to move him. What does move him is the mystery that gets revealed including a safety deposit box in Switzerland and a key with a swastika on it. There are suddenly people who want to kill him, and new people that want to help. Now he is on the run.

I liked this thriller of a man who doesn't know who his father is. The art is pretty solid. It is only the first volume in the story, so further volumes will have to be read to find out what happens.

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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Fangs

author: Sarah Andersen
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/06
date added: 2020/09/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Fangs' by Sarah Andersen (of Sarah's Scribbles fame) is a collection of comics about a love story between a vampire and a werewolf.

Elsie is a 300 year old vampire. Jimmy is a werewolf. They meet and fall in love and this collection of cartoons shows the funnier side of their relationship. I found out it's never good to throw open the curtains in the morning on your vampire girlfriend. It's also not good to remove your silver rings before holding your werewolf boyfriend's hand.

My hidden goth heart found this book completely charming, as did my hopelessly romantic side. The jokes are a bit silly, but there is a genuineness to the relationship that I didn't expect. Even though these are just snapshots, I found myself loving this couple. The illustrations are different from Sarah Andersen's other work, and I loved them

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


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Elysium

author: Jennifer Marie Brissett
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/06
date added: 2020/09/06
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Elysium' by Jennifer Marie Brissett was the August pick for my online book club.

It's hard to describe the book without delving in to spoiler territory. It's also hard to describe the book because it's got an odd concept that keeps shifting the protagonist. This book is rightfully compared with Philip K. Dick and the movie The Matrix.

Initially, I didn't like the book. Early on there are intimate things happening between characters that we've barely been introduced to, so it was hard to get a foothold. The story did level out for me and I did end up enjoying it. The author has a nice style of descriptive prose, which considering the length of this book shows some discipline in concise writing. If you read it, hang in there. It gets better.


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Mayflower: The Ship that Started a Nation

author: Rebecca Siegel
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/06
date added: 2020/09/06
shelves: childrens, non-fiction-history
review:
'Mayflower: The Ship that Started a Nation' by Rebecca Siegel with illustrations by Michael Lauritano is a non-fiction book for young readers full of facts and great pictures.

This book is full of information about why the Pilgrims migrated to a new country, the kind of ship they sailed on and what they typically would have packed. It also includes things like conditions sailing to a new land with storms and the possibility of pirates. One of the passengers fell overboard and was saved. This book is written by one of his descendants.

It also talks about the Wampanoag people and how they were initially stolen from (then paid back), and their role in helping these new inhabitants survive.

I think this is an excellently presented non-fiction book and a younger version of this reviewer would have loved the illustrations and details. I feel like differing sides are represented in this telling of history.

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


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Cagaster Vol 1

author: Kachou Hashimoto
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.26
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/05
date added: 2020/09/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Cagaster Vol. 1' with story and art by Kachou Hashimoto is a manga about giant bugs and a world in turmoil because of them.

Cagaster is a disease that infects people and turns them in to insects. It is determined that there is no cure, so the best way to battle Cagaster is to execute those infected. Kidou is an executioner and on a job, he executes a man and saves the man's daughter, Ilie. But Kidou doesn't want responsibility for the girl and she is left to wander in her new town.

I like the premise well enough and it could develop into a pretty good story as it goes along. It has potential, and the art is pretty good too.

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


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Billy Johnson and His Duck Are Explorers

author: Mathew New
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/05
date added: 2020/09/05
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Billy Johnson and His Duck Are Explorers' by Mathew New is a graphic novel about having a dream and a lot of dumb luck. And a telescoping sword doesn't hurt either.

Billy Johnson may be only a janitor at the Explorers League, but he wants to be a full member like his missing parents were. With an explorers map and his trusty duck friend Barrace (who is also a professor of linguistics), they set out to find lost cities and mysterious creatures.

Billy is in way over his head, but his total belief in himself makes this comic a lot of fun. The situations they get in are so ludicrously deadly, too. It made me laugh quite a few times. The art is lots of fun too. Pick this up for a young reader you know, then borrow it for a read.

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


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Junior Braves of the Apocalypse Volume 1 (A Brave is Brave #1)

author: Greg Smith
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.50
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2018/04/21
date added: 2020/09/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Junior Braves of the Apocalypse Vol. 1' by Greg Smith with illustrations by Zach Lehner is a book I've seen at comic conventions, and looked through, but never read.

A troop of Junior Braves from Tribe 65 go on a campout in the mountains. When they return home, their town has been destroyed and is overrun by mutants. They do their best to get away, and with the help of some grownups are safe for a while, but even these adults seem to have something wrong with them. Can the boys find safety?

My first problem was the art. It's a bit vague in places and I was mixing some of the characters up. They just weren't distinct enough. My other problem was that even though most of the town has turned to mutants, there are only crazy adults left. There are no other kids or adults that can be trusted. Maybe this will change in future volumes.

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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Pea, Bee, Jay #1: Stuck Together

author: Brian "Smitty" Smith
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/04
date added: 2020/09/04
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Pea, Bee, Jay #1: Stuck Together' with story and art by Brian "Smitty" Smith is a graphic novel for young readers about three very unlikely friends.

A pea on a farm is dared to roll to a tree to find a leaf and bring it back. He runs in to a bee who seems to know it all and a jay who can't fly. A storm has blown Pea off course and Bee and Jay have decided to help the pea get home, but along the way, the all help each other and make friends.

This was a silly book with some heart. I loved all the talking things like I love all the talking things in the Muppets. The raspberries are kind of my favorites and I think they will make kids laugh out loud. This would be a fun book for any young reader.

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


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Celestial Watercolor: Learn to Paint the Zodiac Constellations and Seasonal Night Skies

author: Elise Mahan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2020/09/04
date added: 2020/09/04
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Celestial Watercolor: Learn to Paint the Zodiac Constellations and Seasonal Night Skies' by Elise Mahan and D.L. McElroy is an art book about painting the night sky.

Starting with the tools and techniques needed, the first section talks about art supplies and watercolor techniques like wet-on-wet versus wet-on-dry. The next sections are on the astrological signs with the various signs and what they mean. Then moon lore is discussed and the book finishes with seasonal night sky paintings.

The paintings are nice, but have a sameness that doesn't seem to vary all that much. If that is exactly the kind of thing you wish to paint, then this is your book. I also wanted more instruction on technique and less on astrology and shamanism, but to each their own, I suppose.

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


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Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah (Sherlock Sam #3)

author: A.J. Low
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/04
date added: 2020/09/04
shelves: childrens
review:
'Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah' by A.J. Low and Adan Jimenez with art by Drewscape is the third adventure of the young Singapore detective.

Sherlock is approached about a student at an international school who has a father getting threatening letters. The father is an author of childrens books and whoever is sending them is trying to get him to stop the publication of his next book. Sherlock is on the case!

These are fun books, and this is the third one I've read. There is a nice glossary and fun things to learn about another culture along the way (like how elders are referred to as auntie and uncle). The illustrations are fun too.

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


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Unicorn of Many Hats (Phoebe and Her Unicorn, #7)

author: Dana Simpson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/03
date added: 2020/09/03
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Unicorn of Many Hats' by Dana Simpson with the 7th book in the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series.

This time around Phoebe's friend Marigold Heavenly Nostrils gets a chance to babysit her friend. Heavenly also wins Phoebe's dad over with her love of classic video games. Phoebe also attends a dragon halloween party and learns about unicorn voting.

There isn't a lot new here and the jokes feel a bit familiar, but that kind of comfort made for a nice read on my part. I like the additions of glossaries in these and the art and humor are fun. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this series to a young reader.

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


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Direct Action Gets the Goods: A Graphic History of the Strike in Canada

author: Graphic History Collective
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.85
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/01
date added: 2020/09/01
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Direct Action Gets the Goods: A Graphic History of the Strike in Canada' by Graphic History Collective and David Lester is a brief history of strikes in Canada.

Strikes have involved art, so what better way to tell the history of strikes than by a group of artists. Strikes were born out of harsh working conditions like the fur trappers who refused to work without equal pay or the huge one in Winnipeg in 1919 where workers were looking for a voice.

I liked the story this tells, but it's pretty brief. The art styles by the various artists are fairly complementary which leads to a story that flows with each creative change.

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


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