9 July 2012 - Non-traditional subjects

Well, the majority of Colorado is now out, and the fire bans have been lifted, so we’re going to make it another year. yay!

Right now, Folks all over the world are travelling to San Diego for the world famous San Diego Comic Con. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I suppose that’s alright, seeing as how it’s expensive to drive from Colorado to San Diego (not to mention hotels and food and all those awesome souvenirs). If you are going, be sure to swing by the Capstone booth at the con. Because of the super positive reviews they received in the aftermath of Free Comic Book Day, they’re increasing their presence at the Con. Swing by their booth, tell them Nathan sent ya.

On a side note, A while back I told you about a Bloop the web comic about a green space monkey. Here’s a link if you missed it the first time (it’s at the bottom). Apparently, Steve has been so successful with the web comic, he’s getting ready to start a kickstarter to fund a limited edition first issue. In Steve’s own words:

“The first 24-page chapter will be printed in a GIANT 10x15, full-color, hardcover, deluxe format (case-bound with foil stamp and a full-color dust jacket AND 100# satin paper interior) and be out this September. “

I’ve seen a preview of the dust jacket cover, and it is beautiful. Believe me, as it progresses, I’ll be posting updates.

Anyways, doing a two-fer review this week. Neither title is brand new, but they are both interesting and really kind of non-traditional stories.

 

Discovery Channel: Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Predators

Image Courtesy Zenoscope

Written and Illustrated by Various

Silver Dragon Books, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-98275-074-2 (TPB)

$9.99, Suggested 9+

 

Summary

Adventure back in time to see prehistoric creatures and learn about them in gruesome detail. From the powerful Triceratops to the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex. Backed by the Discovery Channel’s extensive library of information, This is an exhaustive examination of some of the most famous dinosaur species ever discovered.

Analysis

This book is not one of those that shies away from the more… natural aspects of how dinosaurs spent their days. Incredibly informative, they don’t skimp on the information. The artwork is detailed and beautifully rendered, and it’s obvious that everyone involved with this book was invested heart and soul in it’s production.

Final Thoughts

As I said previously, this is a beautiful book, and that’s where my reservations stem from. For younger (and/or sensitive) readers, this book has pure, unadulterated nightmare fuel in it. Certain scenes, especially the ends of the carnivore entries often have the dinosaur facing the reader, jaws wide open, like it’s ready to chow down on the audience. Other points of possible concern to parents are when the carnivores are eating – there’s very few strategically placed plants or rocks to hide the carnage. Regardless, this is an impressively researched and presented book. Definitely one worth checking out, but before recommending it, know your audience!

***

 

The Duckling Gets A Cookie!?

Image Courtesy Hyperion Book CH

Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

Hyperion Book CH, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-42315-128-9 (HC)

$9.99, Ages 2+

 

Summary

If you’re familiar with the Pigeon, this book really needs no introduction. Created by Emmy Award Winner Mo Willems, the Pigeon has become a staple of early childhood literature. Originally appearing in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, the temperamental fowl has made several attempts to get his way through passive-aggressive ways. In this latest installment, the Pigeon has encountered his new ‘nemesis’ an extremely cute and polite duckling who asks for a cookie, and gets it. This of course sets the pigeon off on a book length rant about how he never gets what he wants.

Analysis

Willems has had a long and successful career – first on Sesame Street and then with his different book series. The Pigeon is one of those characters that kids can instantly identify with, and love to read of his exploits time and again. The images are simple, with solid easy to understand colors and storylines that even the youngest readers will quickly identify and enjoy. While many people classify the Pigeon books and Willem’s other series Elephant and Piggie to be children’s books (which they are), they’re also perfect introductions to graphic novels at their simplest level. Panels are rendered to one a page, word balloons show discussion as well as who is speaking, action lines show movement – these are the basics of comics and graphic novels.

Final Thoughts

Buy this book. That’s all there is to it. While you’re at it, get the rest of the Pigeon books as well. No matter how old you are, you’re going to love these books.

13 March 2012–Earthquakes!

Image courtesy Capstone Press

Written by Renée Gray-Wilburn, Illustrated by Aleksander Sotirovski Capstone Press 2012 ISBN: 978-1-4296-7950-3 (paperback) $5.95 Ages 5 - 8

Summary A new title in the First Graphics Series, Earthquakes! explains how this terrifying natural phenomena happens, how we track them, and how we can stay safe when they occur. Analysis The books in the First Graphics Series are always solid choices, and this one is no different. They also serve a two-fold purpose: first, they teach emergent readers the proper way to read graphic novels, and second, they also impart real world knowledge about specific subjects. Final Thoughts  Solidly written, well presented and illustrated in a kid friendly way. These are always a good choice for classrooms, science minded kids and and school libraries.

27 February 2012–An Isabel Soto two-fer

Images courtesy  Capstone Press

Written by: Agnieszka Biskup, Illustrated by Roger Stewart Capstone Press, 2012 ISBN: (Pyramids) 978-1-4296-7992-3, (Pirates!) 978-1-4296-7991-6 $7.95 (paperback), Ages 8 - 14

Summary  Intrepid History/Anthropology researcher Isabel Soto is back in two new adventures for late elementary early middle school kids. In Egypt’s Mysterious Pyramids, “Izzy” as she likes to be called, uses her time travel device the W.I.S.P. to venture back into ancient Egypt to try and find a new pyramid. Along the way, she speaks with architects and laborers about the how and why the last remaining wonders of the ancient world were built. In Captured by Pirates!, “Izzy” ends up on an English ship that is attacked by pirates, and is subsequently captured along with the ship’s doctor. During her enforced “stay”, she learns all about the benefits and drawbacks of being a pirate. While there was good money to be made, it  was often a short, brutal life. Analysis Isabel is a very affirmative role model for young ladies, and there’s enough action to keep the boys interested as well. The subject matter is well researched, and presented in such a way as to be enjoyable without being dry or pedantic. Biskup is no stranger to these types of books, and her writing style is engaging and flows easily, while Stewart’s artwork goes hand in hand with the story to really bring the information alive and emphasize the grandeur of the subject. Final Thoughts  The Isabel Soto series is a fantastic series that really strives to present history and archeology in a fun and inviting way that kids who are starting to learn about these subjects will enjoy greatly. The character of Soto is smart, friendly, tough, and a definite role-model to look up to. My only question is how does “Izzy” manage to warp into these areas without freaking the locals out? Other than that minor quibble, I cannot recommend this series enough. Libraries really need at least two copies of each of these books, because they’re going to be seeing a lot of use.

7 February 2012–updates and apologies

Hey all! No, contrary to popular opinion and wishful thinking, I’m not dead. I’ve been detained by school, and as such, I haven’t been able to talk about the Denver Comic Con coming up this summer, Jimmy Gownley ending the perennial kid’s favorite Amelia Rules, Capstone and DC teaming up for more Super Hero goodness, or new releases from Kids Can Press, :01 Second, Toon Books, or Scholastic (or the many other great publishing companies out there).

All I’m asking is that you bear with me folks. I’m still plugging away, and I’m still working on reviews, but it’s going to be a little scattershot for the next couple of months. With that said, I have a feeling that we’re going to be seeing some amazing stuff this year, and I can’t wait to share it with you all out there.

Nathan’s Top 10 (plus 1) of 2011 pt. 2

 

Yesterday, I started my top 10 list of 2011, and tonight I aim to finish the list. So, with no further ado, let’s get right to it:

6. Romeo & Juliet

Image Courtesy Stone Arch Books

Written by William Shakespeare; Retold by Martin Powell; Illustrated by Eva Cabrera

Stone Arch Books, 2011 $6.95

ISBN: 978-1-434234-48-3

Originally reviewed 21 December 2011, Shakespeare’s immortal tale of star crossed lovers comes to life with updated language for today’s readers, but maintains the passion of the original. Full review can be located here.

7. Tricky Coyote Tales

Image Courtesy of Graphic Universe

Written by Chris Schweizer; Illustrated by Chad Thomas

Graphics Universe, 2011 $6.95

ISBN: 978-0-761378-59-4

Reminiscent of the old Choose Your Own Adventure books of my youth, Tricky Coyote Tales puts you in the role of the title character (the different books in the series all focus on trickster animals) and your attempts at getting food and shelter. In addition to being a graphic novel, it also allows the reader some sense of control over the story. Full review can be seen here.

8. Nina in That Makes Me Mad!

Image Courtesy Toon Books

Written by Steven Kroll; Adapted and Illustrated by Hilary Knight

Toon Books, 2011 $12.95

ISBN: 978-1-935179-10-8

Showing young readers that they’re not alone when it comes to different things that make them mad, Nina presents different things that make her mad. Knight’s beautiful artwork really bring this book to life, and the end offers up some sage advice for dealing with things that make anyone mad. Original review can be seen here.

9. How Do We Stay on Earth?

Image Courtesy Capstone Publishing

Written by Amy S. Hansen; Illustrated by Korey Scott

Capstone Press; 2011 $5.95

ISBN: 978-1-429671-74-3

Science has always been a fascinating thing for kids. Long before they get into school and science, they naturally want to know how things are the way they are. This series tackles those hard to explain concepts in such a way that even the youngest readers will easily grasp, while avoiding the tendency of some books to ‘dumb down’ the concept. Full review of this specific book can be found here.

10. Nursery Rhyme Comics

Image courtesy :01 Second

Written and Illustrated by Various; Edited by Chris Duffy.

:01 Second; 2011 $18.99

ISBN: 978-1-59643-600-8

On my list of absolute, all-time favorite books, this ranks up in the top three. Marrying two things that kids quickly identify with – nursery rhymes and comics, the contributors to this collection all take a different nursery rhyme, some standards others obscure, and lovingly render their own spin on the tale. This one needs to be on every parent’s wish list for their kids. Yes, it’s that good. Here’s the full review.

Well, that’s the list of my top 10 for 2011. But wait! You cry out, you said there was to be a plus one! Nodding my head, I smile.

11. Amulet Book 4: The Last Council.

Image Courtesy Scholastic

Written and Illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi

Scholastic, 2011 $10.99

ISBN: 978-0545208-87-1

In the fourth book of Kibiushi’s Amulet Series, Emily, her family and friends are on the move to the city of the Council, Cielis. Once they arrive, they quickly discover that not all is well in the town. The streets are deserted, townsfolk cower in fear, and seemingly normal people have been acting very strange. In addition to this, Emily is spirited away in an effort to compete for a spot on the Guardian Council – the most powerful group of stonekeepers in the world. However, as competitors are eliminated one by one, Emily makes a terrifying and horrific discovery – one that could completely destroy everything that Emily is fighting for.

Kibiushi is an amazing artist, and his pacing is mind blowing. I have read thousands of graphic novels and books over the years, and I can honestly say that Amulet is so engrossing that I tend to forget where I am when I read it. The characters are engaging, honest, and likeable, and they evoke real emotion when you read their stories. If you only buy one book for your school, library, kid, etc. make sure it’s one of the books in this phenomenal series. Seriously.

Finally, I want to also give a nod to one book that falls at the far end of the spectrum of books I review.

12. Manga Man

Image Courtesy Houghton Mifflin

Written by Barry Lyga; Illustrated by Colleen Doran

Houghton Mifflin, 2011 $18.99

ISBN: 978-547423-15-9

Meet Ryoko – smart, athletic, attractive, able to survive alien invasions, giant robot attacks and monsters. He’s your typical manga protagonist.

Meet Marissa Montaigne – popular, beautiful, romantic. The typical female character in any western love story.

After the Rip tears a hole in his world, Ryoko is sucked through to Marissa’s world, where he becomes the ultimate outsider in a seemingly normal high-school themed story. Unfortunately for the bullies and jocks of this high school, Ryoko still retains all of his abilities (not to mention the standard conventions of traditional action manga – speed lines! Super deformed body modification to emphasize certain actions! Article 175!) It’s obvious that Lygia and Doran had a blast making this story – the sheer excitement they pour into this book is evident from the outset, and they do not disappoint at all. This is a delight to read (especially if you’re familiar with Eastern and Western comic book conventions), but this one is reserved for those kids who are ages 12 and up (mostly for the Article 175 bit).

So, that’s the full list of my top 10 for 2011 (plus a bonus or two). If you have any disputes, questions why a title didn’t make it on the list, or want to yell at me for my choices, please contact me via the links to the right.

Nathan’s Top 10 (Plus 1) of 2011 pt. 1

Well, three days into the new year and I finally have put together my list of the Top 10 books that I felt were exceptional books this past year. Even though I’ve only listed 10 books, there were many, many great books that came out, and this is by no means a definitive list as to the be all end all, just my personal decisions. If you would like to find these books, please click on their images or better yet, check out your local library. These are in no particular order, so the numbering doesn’t mean much.

1. Pilot & Huxley: The First Adventure Image Courtesy Graphix Written and Illustrated by: Dan McGuiness Graphix, 2011 $7.99 ISBN: 978-0-545-26504-1 This was originally my very first review, but due to operator error, it was obliterated from my hard drive (as well as the blog itself). Regardless, Pilot & Huxley is a blast. When Pilot & Huxley are transported to an alternate dimension (completely ruining their day), they have to face off against aliens, trek through a swamp of bees, meet a monster who can turn into a girl, fight a sea monster and death himself! Now, if they can only survive all of this, and defeat the alien menace, they might be able to make it home in one piece. A total hoot to read, and aimed squarely at boys ages 8 – 12. 2. Knights of the Lunch Table: The Battling Bands Image Courtesy of Graphix Written and Illustrated by Frank Cammuso Graphix, 2011 $10.99 ISBN: 978-0-439-90318-9 Somehow, this slipped through my review fingers, which I’m still kicking myself over. Cammuso has always had a talent for creating engaging, entertaining characters and tying them into classic stories. His latest offering, a send up of Arthurian legend is no different. The third book in his series finds Artie King and his friends having to participate in a battle of the bands to ensure that Mrs. Dagger doesn’t appropriate the annual band money. People familiar with the legends will appreciate the references to the Fisher King as well as the Lady of the Lake, and the subtle jab he takes at the ever-advancing march of technology. This is one of my all time picks (the series all together) and is one that you will really kick yourself for if you miss it. Fantastic stuff. 3. Sidekicks Image courtesy Arthur A. Levine Books Written and Illustrated by Dan Santat Arthur A. Levine Books, 2011 $12.99 ISBN: 978-0-439-29819-3 Originally reviewed July 11, Sidekicks is the tale of a superhero and his (extremely loyal) pets. A fun, heart warming tale of believing in yourself and second chances, this is a fun read. Full review can be seen here. 4. Obama: The Election of America’s 44th President Image courtesy Capstone Publishing Written by Agnieska Biskup; Illustrated by Seitu Hayden Capstone Publishing, 2011. $7.95 ISBN: 978-1-4296-7339-6 I originally reviewed this book during a time when I was not happy with the president. However, I put my personal feelings aside to review this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. Biskup stays as neutral as possible with this account of the President’s race to the White House. There are several other books in this series, including one on Sarah Palin, which was also handled very neutrally. While not a traditional choice for a story, these are excellent ways to introduce national figures to younger audiences. The full review can be seen here.

5. Princess Candy: Tales of a Sugar Hero

Image Courtesy Stone Arch Books

Written by Michael Dahl & Scott Nickel; Illustrated by Jeff Crowther

Stone Arch Books, 2011 $7.95

ISBN: 978-1-434-22801-7

A fun collection of previously published adventures details the adventures of Halo Nightly. On her birthday, she’s given a gift by her long lost Aunt Pandora – a chest full of candies. It turns out that when Halo eats a candy, she turns into Princess Candy, defender of kids rights! While the stories don’t really mesh together well, they’re still fun and enjoyable. Full review can be seen here.

Tomorrow night, I’ll cover the other books in the list. Until then, keep reading!

21 December 2011–Romeo & Juliet

Image Courtesy Stone Arch Books

Written by: William Shakespeare; Retold by: Martin Powell, Illustrated by: Eva Cabrera Stone Arch Books, 2011 ISBN: 978-1-4342-3448-3 (paperback) $6.95 Ages: 10 - 14

Summary  Shakespeare’s classic tale of two star-crossed lovers in adapted to graphic novel format for younger readers. Two feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets have been fighting each other for who knows how long, over slights long forgotten to history. When the only son of Montague and the only daughter of Capulet fall in love, will their devotion to each other be able to transcend their families bloody war? Analysis Shakespeare has long been considered a staple of Western Literature, and with good reason. With 38 plays, 154 sonnets, universal stories that transcend time, and controversies that continue to circle around him to this day, it’s not that hard to understand why he is so popular. However, most kids find him incredibly dull and boring, mostly due to the insistence of most publishers to stick to the original wording used in the 1600s. Powell wisely updates the language to modern English and keeps the story moving at a brisk pace – not too fast you can’t get attached to the characters, but not so slow as to make you fall asleep either. As the story sticks to the original ending, be forewarned you may have some unhappy or emotional readers at tales end. Final Thoughts  I’ve always liked Shakespeare, and this new adaptation is one of the better ones I’ve seen over the years. While not as in depth as some readings, I feel that it strikes a nice balance between the crux of the story and keeping the target audience enthralled to the last pages of the book. Cabrera does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, showing both the delight as well as heartache between the characters in ways that text struggles to convey. This is a definite recommend for an introduction to Shakespeare in middle school classes (Stone Arch also currently covers Macbeth, Julius Caesar, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and for parents who would like to introduce their kids to the classics, you could do much, much worse than this.

Back Up and Running

 

So, after time off to work on my degree, I have returned from the trenches, battered, bruised, and bowed, but not beaten. While I have one more semester to go, I got some exciting news to pass along.

1) I am in the process of writing a paper that I intend to submit for conference at the Pre-con at the DCC (Denver Comic Con) this summer.

2) I have been in contact with the guys at the DCC, and they have expressed an interest (as have I) in my participation on some panels.

3) One of my professors has asked me to come and speak to her Children’s Lit class next semester about graphic novels as Children’s Lit.

4) The good folks at both Capstone Publishing and Toon Books were kind enough to send me review copies, so be on the look out for those reviews coming soon.

5) Because of the backlog that I managed to build up, I'm going to be increasing my output of reviews for the time being, starting with the one immediately following this post (you’ll find it below)

So, that’s where I am currently sitting. I’m also working on my list of picks for 2011, and will post by year’s end. If you have any questions, concerns, complaints, please contact me!

 

Thanks!

Nathan

19 December 2011–How Do We Stay On Earth?

image courtesy Capstone Press

Written by: Amy S. Hansen; Illustrated by: Korey Scott ISBN: 978-1-4296-7174-3 (Paperback binding) Capstone Press, August 2011 $5.95 Ages: 5 - 8

Summary Kids have always been fascinated by the way the world works, but explaining such concepts as gravity can be difficult to explain without bogging little ones down in lots of jargon. In the new First Graphics series, Gravity and other heavy concepts are discussed in easily digestible chunks that younger readers can easily understand. In How Do We Stay on Earth? kids are introduced to gravity, what it is, how it affects us and how we can experience the effects of gravity here on Earth. In addition to teaching kids about basic science theory, it also introduces emergent readers to graphic literacy. Like other Stone Arch/Capstone Press books, it includes a glossary of terms specific to each book, along with internet links tailored for kids to find out more information. Analysis While older audiences may find themselves bored very quickly with the subject matter, my test subjects (Mark, 6 and Patrick, 3) were absolutely enthralled with the book. While not strangers to the comic format, they didn’t have much prior experience with it. The layout of the book helped them to understand the concepts the book discussed, and positioned them to ask the right questions at the right time. Final Thoughts Capstone’s First Graphics series, while currently small, has a huge potential to really aid in teaching introductory concepts about complex scientific phenomena. The artwork is clean, colorful and engaging, while the writing fully engages its target audience and never talks down to them. While most parents will give this a pass, this series is definitely one that teachers should look into.