Format: Graphic Novel

Hiding in Plain Sight

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

This adapted story in a graphic novel format, is from an episode of the animated TV series “Elinor Wonders Why.” Written for emerging readers, it follows a young bunny Elinor and her two friends on a nature adventure. Elinor is very curious and is always asking questions. Oliver her elephant friend is a big reader who has an excellent memory and loves words and facts. Ari is a jokester bat who loves to clown around and make his friends laugh. He is good at figuring out problems.

In this nature adventure, the characters start out playing hide and seek with two goats who can always find them due to their special eyes. They go on to find things hiding in nature and learn about camouflage. Let’s find out! panels appear throughout the story educating readers on katydids, camouflage, goats eyes, nocturnal toads, and sparrows. The back pages contain sections like “Hide-and-See in Nature,” “Let’s Experiment!”, and “We Need More Observations!”. The brightly colored illustrations are presented in two or three panels per page. This is an interesting story that is educational and fun and will have particular appeal to viewers of the PBS series, but will also appeal to those emerging readers who enjoy an educational graphic novel.

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

four-stars

Up to No Ghoul

Up to No GhoulUp to No Ghoul by Cat Farris, Cullen Bunn
Published by HarperAlley on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 006289613X
Pages: 200
Genres: Horror
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

“Up to No Ghoul” is a middle-grade graphic novel written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Cat Farris. It is the sequel to “The Ghoul Next Door.” You definitely need to have read the first book to fully understand this book, so I would only recommend purchasing it if you already have the first book or are willing to purchase the first as well.

Grey is a middle schooler who lives in Ander’s Landing, a place where the supernatural live and weird things happen regularly!  He is also friends with Lavinia, a ghoul who lives in the cemetery nearby. When a blood drive bus arrives in town, people who give blood seem to become mindless zombies. Grey and his friends suspect vampires and try to stop them.

The art style looks like watercolor and adds a creepiness to the story. A fun adventure about friendship, and not making assumptions, this book is a recommended purchase where graphic novels are popular. Written for kids 8 to 12 years old.

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

three-stars

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie Thief

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie ThiefBen Yokoyama and the Cookie Thief by Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593432967
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Book four in the Cookie Chronicles series doesn’t disappoint in this humorous book for kids in grades 3-6. Ben relies on the fortunes in his cookies. When bully Flegg McEggers steals Ben’s fortune cookie with the fortune “the best things in life are free,” Ben is distraught because he feels he has lost the right to free cookies and a new, free scooter.  Ben resolves to recover the cookie and bring the thief to justice. In order to do so, he needs to prove his case to the fifth graders in Kid Court. Ben is a likeable and relatable character who has big feelings that he doesn’t always know what to do with. His best friend Janet provides the voice of reason and of support and understanding. Copious black & white illustrations complement the story.  Give to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, and Dog Man.

Reviewed by Kim Parker, D.A. Hurd Library

four-stars

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