Format: Graphic Novel

Doodleville: Art Attacks

Doodleville: Art AttacksDoodleville #2: Art Attacks! by Chad Sell
Published by Random House Graphic on November 1, 2022
ISBN: 1984894730
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

“Doodleville: Art Attacks” is the second book in the Doodleville graphic novel series by Chad Sell. Written for kids aged 8 to 12, the book follows a group of friends who have drawings that come to life. The book starts off with a problem: One of Drew’s drawings stole a hat from a painting in the Art Institute of Chicago and a painted baby came along with it! Now they need to fix things at the Art Institute, but things end up getting worse! How will the gang make things right?

Bright and colorful illustrations and a fast-moving plot will keep the reader’s interest. A recommended purchase if your middle-grade graphic novel collection is popular.

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

three-stars

Grumpy Monkey: Who Threw That?

Grumpy Monkey: Who Threw That?Grumpy Monkey Who Threw That?: A Graphic Novel Chapter Book by Max Lang, Suzanne Lang
Published by Random House Studio on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593306058
Pages: 88
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Adorable, funny, informative, entertaining. This delightful graphic novel works just fine as a standalone but will certainly appeal to Grumpy Monkey fans.

Grumpy Monkey (actually a chimpanzee and not a monkey but nicknamed as such because his mother says it sounds better) becomes wildly annoyed with Oxpecker. After declaring Oxpecker a nincompoop, an incident occurs in which a banana peel falls from a tree and onto Oxpecker’s lady love. Of course, Grumpy Monkey denies playing a part in the offensive act and decides to leave the jungle with his buddy Norman the gorilla in tow. The two wander into the desert to embark on an adventure and some self-discovery.

Bonus: nonfiction information, including scientific facts and a recipe, are sprinkled throughout the book.

Themes include managing emotions, telling the truth, accepting others’ flaws, friendship, and community. Younger elementary-aged children would likely enjoy this book best, and it’s sure to circulate while generating lots of laughs. Recommended for any library that serves 6-9 year-olds.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Maybe an Artist

Maybe an ArtistMaybe an Artist, a Graphic Memoir by Liz Montague
Published by Random House Studio on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 059330781X
Pages: 176
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

At what point in our lives does the tiny seed of a big dream first emerge? What, exactly, causes us to either nourish or squelch its growth?

Montague’s graphic memoir allows readers to spectate as she goes through phases of celebrating her passions and then discarding them in pursuit of more pragmatic goals. Themes include living as a young Black American, witnessing xenophobia post-9/11, navigating relationships as a teen, and dealing with the pressure of others’ expectations.

Montague went on to become a cartoonist, writer, and illustrator for the New Yorker and many other notable publications and organizations. Her story is one that will resonate with many teens; her passions and talents do not always align with how she and others envision her future, so she finds herself struggling to find balance. Highly recommended for any library that serves teens.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Scout is Not a Band Kid

Scout is Not a Band KidScout Is Not a Band Kid by Jade Armstrong
Published by Random House Graphic on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593176235
Pages: 272
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Scout is an eighth grader who is obsessed with meeting her favorite author. This author is getting up in years and will be retiring soon. She learns the author will be at an event far from her home, and she is convinced she has no way to get there…. Or does she…. When she finds out the band from her school will be at this festival, Scout decides to join the band. The only problem is that she can’t play an instrument. How hard can that be—turns out, it is much harder than she thought.

Scout is a very self-centered character who has no problem lying or doing whatever it takes to get what she wants. Even when it affects others in the band, she puts herself first throughout most of the story. She does manage to redeem herself and somehow make it all work out. Merrin, is a serious and accomplished trombone player who is called on to help Scout. Readers will feel Merrin’s pain as she struggles to tutor the unmotivated Scout and not lose her cool. The illustrations are a spot on depiction of middle grade students and their school lives and band days.

The back pages include character sketches, band member and instrument sketches as well as a note from the author discussing their inspiration for the story. This is an excellent graphic novel that will be of particular interest to band kids and kids who understand the importance of meeting your favorite author.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Mayor Good Boy Goes to Hollywood

Mayor Good Boy Goes to HollywoodMayor Good Boy: A Graphic Novel by Dave Scheidt, Miranda Harmon
Published by Random House Graphic on September 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593124898
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the second graphic novel in the Mayor Good Boy series, and this book will not disappoint those who enjoyed the first. Mayor Good Boy, the adorable white fluffy dog mayor is back starring in his own movie set in his town of Greenwood. Unfortunately, not everyone is as excited about Mayor Good Boy’s starring role and are causing trouble. Thank goodness for interns Abby and Aaron who are willing and able to do what it takes to get things turned around.

This story reinforces the importance of supporting each other and working together. The illustrations, set in 4 to 6 panel layouts, are bright and colorful with easy to read to text blocks. The back pages include recipes from the four characters that include Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie, Cheese Popcorn , Worms of Dirt, and Root Beer Floats. This fast-paced story will appeal to dog lovers and readers who like plenty of humor in their graphic novels and is a nice addition for readers aged 7 to 10.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Hiding in Plain Sight

Hiding in Plain SightHiding in Plain Sight by Jorge Cham, Daniel Whiteson
Series: Elinor Wonders Why #2
Published by Kids Can Press on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1525306197
Pages: 40
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is part of a new graphic novel series based on the popular PBS series — Elinor Wonders Why. The graphic novel format works well to bring the characters to life and is a successful book adaptation. There is currently a second book out in the series, with two more books to follow in June of 2023.

The main character is a curious and spunky bunny rabbit named Elinor who goes on STEM-based adventures with her two friends, Ari, a jokester bat, and Olive, a bookish elephant. The three of them ask lots of questions throughout the story. Their questions are answered within Let’s Find Out! panels that pop up throughout the story. The graphics are colorful and the textblocks pop out on the pages so children will be able to clearly follow the story.

On a field trip to the mountains of California, the characters explore a forest of sequoia trees and learn many facts throughout the story. The back pages include an experiment that children can do to figure out how to measure trees without leaving the group and a section that includes more observations for children to record. A solid STEM-based book series that will especially appeal to pre-schoolers who watch the program, but will also be interesting to those who do not. A strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Other Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy Tales

Other Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy TalesOther Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy Tales by Melanie Gillman
Published by Random House Graphic on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 0593303199
Pages: 240
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

The seven original fairy tales told in this graphic novel are a far cry from the standard helpless girl trope so often retold. That said, most were also quite often dark, sad, and ended on an ambiguous or even tragic note. The colored pencil illustrations are beautiful and compelling, and each story has a slightly different color scheme to help it stand apart from the others. The layout and feel of the book – heavy paper, ample white space, floral headers and footers on each page – is really beautiful. I didn’t love every story, but I did appreciate their uniqueness and inclusivity. As someone who always feels there should be more diversity in the folk and fairy stories on our shelves, I think this is a good one to have on hand for high school readers.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

four-stars

Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy

Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard BoyTales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy by Jonathan Hill
Published by Walker Books US on September 27, 2022
Pages: 288
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

When Tommy and his family, who are lizard people,  have to flee their subterranean world due to dwindling resources, they decide to do everything they can to fit in with their new human neighbors.  Tommy starts middle school with a new identity and struggles culturally and socially until he becomes friends with Dung, a new Vietnamese student, and Scarlett, a social outcast. Middle school drama ensues, further complicated by Tommy’s hidden identity.

This graphic novel would be a great suggestion for anyone struggling to be themselves, anyone looking to understand the experience of those living in a new country, or anyone simply looking for an engaging middle school sci-fi drama. Tommy works through a lot, and even when his behavior is difficult, it’s hard not to root for him.

The book also has a fascinating author’s note that nicely explains Vietnamese names, the author’s reasoning for portraying the Vietnamese family’s speech the way he did, and a description of some of his favorite Vietnamese foods. A solid addition to any collection!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks!

Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks!Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks! by Jonathan Roth
Published by Kids Can Press on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 1525305662
Pages: 104
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This graphic novel, the first of a new series by the author of “Beep and Bob,” is quite enjoyable even for those who are usually not fans of graphic novels. Rover is, well, a rover, who crash lands on a planet. His antenna is broken (it humorously takes the appearance of a tail), so he has no way to communicate with his ship. He rescues a robot, Speck, whom he finds a little annoying but allows him to accompany him to explore this new planet. When they make their first big discovery, their only mission is to escape from the rock creatures that are chasing them! The easily understandable and colorful illustrations accompany a fast-moving plot, humorous moments, and endearing characters. There is even thought-provoking philosophy: “How do we know we haven’t discovered it yet, if we haven’t discovered it yet?” The asides in boxes throughout the story contain science facts. End matter includes a draw-your-own-rover activity and an overview of some real-life rovers. With its popular topic, clever wit, and accessible science, this series promises to be a hit with readers in grades 2-5.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Flamingo

The FlamingoThe Flamingo: A Graphic Novel Chapter Book by Guojing
Published by Random House Studio on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593127315
Pages: 144
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader, Graphic Novel, Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A small child of Chinese descent goes to visit her Lau Lau (grandmother) who lives by the beach. Over the course of the visit, Lau Lau tells the girl about a special flamingo feather Lau Lau has had since she was a girl. Over the course of the story, the two enjoy the beach, splashing in the ocean, picking up seashells, and even finding a recently hatched sea turtle egg. The child learns this flamingo was very special to her Lau Lau. When she returns home, the girl creates a special keepsake for Lau Lau – she illustrates a book with the story of the flamingo. This nearly wordless chapter book graphic novel is beautifully illustrated with whimsical watercolor and colored pencil drawings that evoke the sense of imagination children often possess. The connection between grandmother and grandchild in this story is touching and in many ways magical. This book would be best for 2nd-5th graders as an individual checkout. I recommend it for any library that serves children.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, MSAD #17 Librarian,  Oxford Hills

five-stars