Format: Graphic Novel

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

Sir Ladybug

Sir LadybugSir Ladybug (Sir Ladybug, #1) by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on March 29, 2022
ISBN: 0063069067
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Sir Ladybug is a knight for the modern age, he likes video games, baking cakes, and will always take on a quest when it is plopped in front of him. He has help on these adventures from his friends, Pell the roly-poly herald and Sterling the snail as his trusty steed. This early reader graphic novel uses colorful illustrations with simple line work to convey an easy joy and simplicity to the storyline. The text is humorous for both kids and adults, with some literary references peppered in for those who appreciate meta-humor, as well as knock knock jokes for the younger ones reading.

Each of the three main characters has something to bring to the table as far as adventuring goes, and the lessons on what it means to be brave and what it means to be “a monster” are well-worth remembering. This graphic novel is charming, funny, and thoughtful and would be well-suited for children grades 2-4.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Fish and Wave

Fish and WaveFish and Wave by Sergio Ruzzier
Published by HarperAlley on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 0063076675
Pages: 48
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Fish from Fish and Sun is back for another adventure. This time, Fish meets a small friendly wave but when Wave grows and grows, what’s a little fish to do? After a scary encounter with a really big wave, Fish rides on Wave’s back to endure the rise and fall of Wave’s natural way.

This is a gentle book for new readers. The text is sparse and perfect for those working on independent reading. It is in graphic novel format, so it’s a great opportunity for young readers to learn how to read panels. Ruzzio’s watercolor and line drawing illustrations bring the story to life and help carry the sparse text. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Beware the Burmese Pythons and Other Invasive Animal Species

Beware the Burmese Pythons and Other Invasive Animal SpeciesBeware the Burmese Pythons: And Other Invasive Animal Species by Etta Kaner, Phil Nicholls
Published by Kids Can Press on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 1525304461
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This book is a hybrid graphic novel and informational book. The cover art is sure to grab the attention of upper elementary and middle school children. However, the title is a bit misleading in that the book only contains 4-pages about the Burmese Python, but the rest of the book is about other invasive species, such as Nutria, Cane Toads, Starlings, Crazy Ants, Feral Cats, Rabbitfish, Killer Shrimp, Snakehead Fish, and Cactus Moths. Despite that, the information is fascinating and is presented in an appealing, kid-friendly format. The variety of ways that invasive species get into new ecosystems and the damage they cause is explored in a consistent manner for each animal. Most importantly, it conveys what scientists are currently doing to solve the problems and what you can do to help. Contains a glossary, sources, and further reading at the end.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Booked (Graphic Novel)

Booked (Graphic Novel)Booked by Dawud Anyabwile, Kwame Alexander
Published by Etch/Clarion Books on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 0358161819
Pages: 320
Genres: Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

The graphic novel adaptation of Alexander’s popular verse novel about a soccer-obsessed middle schooler will be very popular. Nick is dealing with his parents’ divorce, bullies, and having to compete against his best friend on the soccer field. Best of all is the cool school librarian sporting a mohawk and always there with life advice and a book to read. Nick’s father has created a dictionary just for Nick which might be one reason Nick has a flair for words, especially malapropisms and writing in blackout style. In addition to Alexander’s gift for wordplay, he also writes realistically about depression and middle school.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

five-stars