Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee

Sir Ladybug and the Queen BeeSir Ladybug and the Queen Bee (Sir Ladybug, #2) by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0063069091
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee” by Corey R. Tabor is the second book in the Sir Ladybug series of graphic novels. Broken up into chapters, the book follows Sir Ladybug, a knight, on a quest to stop the Queen Bee from being a bully and teach her to “bee kind.” The illustrations are simple and colorful and are very easy to follow. The style of the illustrations adds additional humor to the story and will make readers laugh. The story is relatable and treats the subject, bullying, in a serious way without sacrificing the overall humorous tone of the book. Good for classrooms, parents, and libraries, this book is aimed at children in grades 1-5.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library

four-stars

The Subtle Knife – The Graphic Novel

The Subtle Knife – The Graphic NovelThe Subtle Knife Graphic Novel by Philip Pullman
Series: His Dark Materials Graphic Novel #2
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0593176936
Pages: 272
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the graphic novel adaptation of the “His Dark Materials” series by Philip Pullman. Adapted by Stephane Melchior and illustrated by Thomas Gilbert, this is a good quality adaptation of the second book in the series. It follows Lyra, the main character, who in searching for the meaning of Dust meets Will, who is searching for his father. The graphic novel is fairly faithful to the original story, but there are some inconsistencies regarding rules around daemons. The art style has a sketched quality to it that really conveys the darkness of the overall story.

Geared towards kids aged 10 – 12, this is a worthwhile, though not necessary, purchase for fans of the original series and where fantasy graphic novels are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

The Legend of Brightblade

The Legend of BrightbladeThe Legend of Brightblade by Ethan M. Aldridge
Published by Quill Tree Books on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 0062995537
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Ethan Aldridge’s “The Legend of Brightblade” is a middle grade fantasy graphic novel. Prince Alto, the son of Lady Brightblade (a former hero and now queen), is tired of royal life and wants to be a bard and have adventures of his own. We follow him as he leaves the castle, makes other bard friends, and discovers that there is hidden trouble in the kingdom.

The art has strong lines and a watercolor feel to it, and definitely adds to the fantasy nature of the book. Brighter than Aldrige’s “Estranged” series, the art makes the book a bit lighter and more humorous and supports the theme of forging your own path. Alto has a lot of character development and the plot flows easily, though some problems are solved a little too quickly. Recommended for ages 8 – 12, this book is a worthwhile purchase wherever middle grade graphic novels are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Star Knights

Star KnightsStar Knights by Kay Davault
Published by Random House Graphic on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593303644
Pages: 240
Genres: Animals, Fantasy, Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Tad is a frog who has big dreams of becoming a Star Knight and defeating the Marsh Witch and the Fallen Fauna. When Tad gets his chance, he realizes that becoming a hero is not as easy as it seems. There are journeys and adventures, but some of the work must also come from inside. Tad learns that to be a true hero, one must face their own prejudices and learn how to find the good in all creatures. This graphic novel was illustrated digitally using Clip Studio Paint and Photoshop. The vibrant colors, cute woodland animals, and expressive eyes of the characters will appeal to young readers who are looking for manga-inspired illustrations. This sweet, fast-paced story is recommended for grades 3 and up.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

three-stars

Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for School

Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for SchoolPizza and Taco: Too Cool for School by Stephen Shaskan
Series: Taco and Pizza #4
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0593376072
Pages: 72
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

In the fourth book in the Pizza and Taco series, the two friends are ready to go back to school. Pizza has a new backpack and he is ready to tackle the new year with his bestie, Taco. However, when they find out that a new student, BLT, is starting school they become preoccupied with being cool. Yet when Pizza and Taco stop being themselves to act cool, they start to realize they are not having any fun. This graphic novel would be a good choice for reluctant readers and those new to graphic novels. The story is broken into five short chapters each with illustrations that are simple and expressive. The font is large with a lot of word repetition to help early readers. Pizza and Taco will make readers smile while teaching about peer pressure and the importance of being yourself.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

four-stars

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

The First Cat in Space Ate PizzaThe First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett, Shawn Harris
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0063084082
Pages: 320
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s hard to go wrong with Mac Barnett and this funny graphic novel will be a big hit with the Dav Pilkey, Adventure Time, or Catstronauts crowd. The story is wild: rats are eating the moon so a cat has to be flown into space to stop them. The plan changes quickly, though, as a Moon Queen and stowaway robot get involved. So does a lovestruck whale, a band of thieving gloves, and a baby pirate. An interesting thing about this book is it provides, through a web site,  access to a fan club,  recordings of songs featured in the book, and cartoons related to the characters, creating a multimedia experience for the reader. This will most likely circulate a lot, and there is already a sequel in the works.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

four-stars

Get a Grip, We’re on a Trip!

Get a Grip, We’re on a Trip!My Weird School Graphic Novel: Get a Grip! We're on a Trip! by Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot
Series: My Weird School
Published by HarperAlley on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0063054523
Pages: 112
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Graphic novel fans will most likely laugh out loud while reading this hilarious book. Central characters, A.J. and his group of friends have the chance to win a trip to Dizzyland – if they can finish reading 5,000 books. But, Dr. Carbles, president of the Board of Education, doesn’t think they can do it. As you can imagine, the kids rally and step up to meet the challenge! The story is full of visual gags (the vomit comet amusement park ride), puns, fun pop culture references, goofiness at every turn, and an abundance of bright full-page, color illustrations. Who doesn’t love fried sugar sandwiches, week old popcorn, and fructose pops!? There is something for everyone to laugh along with in this story and will most likely have young readers enjoying the “reading ride” as they count-up to 5000 books! This book is a hard cover with book jacket and would seem to hold up well with repeated check-outs.
Grades 1-4

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Lous T. Graves Memorial Library

three-stars

Kids Fight Climate Change

Kids Fight Climate ChangeKids Fight Climate Change: Act now to be a #2minutesuperhero by Martin Dorey, Tim Wesson
Published by Candlewick Press on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536223484
Pages: 128
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

This book takes a serious subject and makes it inviting and fun for young children to learn, understand and do a few small things to help save our planet. The book gives a brief overview of climate change and why it’s important for everyone including the very young to get involved. Readers see opportunities to become a superhero activist! At the same time children learn why this fight matters, as they learn about wind turbines, solar power, renewable versus non-renewable energy, as well as not wasting water. There are 60 different types of small actions and changes that children can adopt and help make life on earth a wee bit better. Although this book is a good introduction to young children learning their part, the information provided about climate change seemed overly simplistic and incomplete – even for the targeted age group.

The illustrations by Tim Wesson are well done; creative,  lively, colorful, and fun. There are several end pages that begin with, “Your Superhero Rating…” which take the reader into completing a small survey with points that tally up at the end and give you a superhero rating. This rating is then described in detail based on the # of points the reader accumulated. In addition, readers have 6-8 accessible links – Campaigns and Activism – in which to investigate on their own.

Ages 5-8

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Library

three-stars

Super Sidekicks: Trial of Heroes

Super Sidekicks: Trial of HeroesSuper Sidekicks #3: Trial of Heroes by Gavin Aung Than
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on April 19, 2022
ISBN: 0593175131
Pages: 160
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
two-stars

The Super Sidekicks who just saved the world reappear in this book and have been invited to join HERO, the Heroic Earth Righteousness Organization. It’s an exclusive club for the planet’s most famous superheroes. But before they can become members, they must pass the hardest challenge in the universe – a very scary test that only the truly heroic survive. The setting is Sydney, Australia and is a refreshing change from inner city locales.

This story calls all fans of Captain Underpants and Hilo! Sidekicks are action-packed – expect bugs, clowns, dinosaurs, and lots of goo!

Gavin Aung Than is a best-selling New York Times cartoonist. He fully embraces his characters; Dinomite, Goo, Flygirl, and Captain Perfect, although some might not care for the clown character. It’s an entertaining book with bright full-color illustrations and lots of humor. The panels are easy to follow and some readers will move through it quickly, especially with the action sequences.

Ages: 8-12

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T Graves Memorial Library

two-stars

FGTeeV: The Switcheroo Rescue

FGTeeV: The Switcheroo RescueFGTeeV: The Switcheroo Rescue! by FGTeeV, Miguel Díaz Rivas
Published by HarperAlley on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063093006
Pages: 208
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
one-star

This  graphic novel is based on a family of YouTubers. The story is essentially a Freaky Friday type plot but somehow they made it baffling. It involves  Duddy (the dad) switching bodies with a young neighbor and then after all sorts of crazy hijinks like bungling a date and releasing a video game ghost, the family must come together wearing Voltron suits and put a stop to it all.

There are a couple of major problems with this book. First, everyone screams everything leading to a heightened state of anxiety. Second, there is an on-running joke about anaphylaxis, which families of people with food allergies will probably not find funny. Third, all of the characters, but especially the female characters, are only used as a springboard for Duddy’s jokes and behaviors. It’s all about Duddy and how wacky and zany he is. It’s uncomfortable but fans of 80s sitcoms might enjoy it.

There are some terrific graphic novels about video games out there; this one is not a must-have for a collection.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

one-star