Review Learn about the value of overcoming fears and finding companionship in unexpected places and ways with this charming, well-illustrated tale. Themes Friendship Swamp Fears Open-mindedness Application This book is a great way to introduce reluctant readers to graphic novels. Add it to your collection for a crowd favorite that will encourage vocabulary growth, comprehension, and a love of reading! Read-alikes
Swanson, S.M. (2008). The House in the Night. Seeger, L. (2008). One Boy. Frazee, M. (2008). A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever. Book Official Website: http://www.toon-books.com/stinky.html References Stinky. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.toon-books.com/stinky.html Stinky. (n.d.). [Cover Image]. Retrieved from http://www.toon-books.com/uploads/1/2/5/6/12564774/4190731.jpg?295 Stinky. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.toon-books.com/uploads/1/2/5/6/12564774/854270_orig.jpg
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Age Range: 7-8 years old Review This book is imaginative, exciting, and full of fun. It reminds the reader that they have the magic they need within themselves, and to always believe in themselves. Themes Magic Adventure Animals Application This book will add magic and fun to any library or school collection, and is a great read-aloud for kids of all ages. Read-alikes
Kipling, R. (1894). The Jungle Book. Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Leaf, M. (1936). The Story of Ferdinand. Book Official Website: http://abelapublishing.com/akiti-the-hunter--the-first-african-action-hero_p31498072.htm References Akiti the Hunter: The first African Action Hero byBolaji Ajayi. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://abelapublishing.com/akiti-the-hunter--the-first-african-action-hero_p31498072.htm O'Malley, K. Illustrated by O'Brien, P. Captain Raptor and the Moon Mystery. Walker Childrens, 2005. 32 pages. HC $16.95 ISBN 978-0-8027-8935-8 Summary The planet, Jurassica, is in an uproar. An unidentified flying object has crashed into the mysterious moon of Eon. This looks like a job for ... CAPTAIN RAPTOR! ... hero of a thousand space missions; champion of truth, justice, and dinosaurs in space throughout the galaxy! If anyone can solve the terrible moon mystery, it's Captain Raptor and his fearless crew! Age Range: 5-10 years old Awards Won: Golden Duck Award for Picture Book (2006) Series Information CAPTAIN RAPTOR
Review Captain Raptor is the dino hero everyone has been waiting for! Hang on tight as he faces off against the fearsome Octocolossus of the sea, and the Giant Pteraspikadon of the skies. Children of all ages will love this exciting space tale filled with action and adventure. With it's unique comic strip style, Captain Raptor and the Moon Mystery is a fantastic choice for introducing youngsters to the world of graphic novels. Themes Dinosaurs, Space, Mysteries Application Captain Raptor is the perfect hero to highlight during a Dinovember celebration where kids can design their own space dinosaur, and play pin the jetpack on the dino! Read-alikes
Yolen, Jane. (1980). Commander Toad in Space. Author Website: http://www.booksbyomalley.com/ References Bloomsbury. (2017). Captain raptor and the moon mystery. Retrieved from http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/captain-raptor-and-the-moon-mystery-9780802736307/ Dire Rugrat Publishing. (2016). Dinovember party [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://direrugrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Dinovember2016-8-750x375.jpg Unknown. (n.d.). Captain raptor and the moon mystery. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51kcsj0AunL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg Watterson, B. The Calvin and Hobbes Lazy Sunday Book. Andrew McMeel Publishing, 1989. 128 pages. PB $14.99 ISBN 978-073621527 Summary This is a collection of the classic comic strip that features Calvin, a rambunctious 6-year-old boy, and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, who comes charmingly to life. Filled with a Watterson's full-page Sunday strips, this collection is sure to please fans and newcomers alike. Age Range: 6+ years old Review Calvin and his stuffed tiger Hobbes get into all sorts of mischief in this book filled with colorful Sunday strips of the timeless comic classic. The perfect introduction to comic strips for younger readers. Themes Friendship, Mischief, Growing Up Application Like many young children, Calvin is very attached to his best stuffed friend, Hobbes. Tapping into this childhood love of stuffed animals, libraries can host a "Stuffed Animal Sleepover" in which children's favorite stuffed friend can attend a fun-filled sleepover in the library. When kids come to pick of their furry friend they can grab some refreshments and watch a slideshow of pictures of the animal's sleepover shenanigans! Read-alikes
Schulz, Charles M. (2014). Charlie Brown and Friends: A Peanuts Collection. Watterson, B. (1996). It's a Magical World: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection. Comic Strip Website: http://www.calvinandhobbes.com/ References Andrews McMeel Publishing. (2017). The Calvin and Hobbes Lazy Sunday Book. Retrieved from http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/catalog/detail?sku=9780836218527 Sparta Public Library. (n.d.). Stuffed animal sleepover. Retrieved from http://www.spartapubliclibrary.com/for-children/childrens-programs/stuffed-animal-sleepover/ Unknown. (n.d.). The calvin and hobbes lazy sunday book [Book Cover]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61jtG5ToAQL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Series BINKY SERIES
Review The Binky series entices young readers with quirky characters and hilarious plots. Sparse text in simple sentences is supported by copious cartoon illustrations that cue young readers. Emergent readers can participate in a read-aloud by sounding out the onomatopoeia in the action words. Ink and watercolor pictures in muted greys and accent colors are entertaining but do not overwhelm. Binky is adorably round, like many indoor cats, and his family (a young boy and his mother) are light-skinned. The book is presented in a comic book style that will attract graphic novel fans and reluctant readers. Themes
Juvenile Graphic Novel; Cats; Family Life; Humor Application Recommend to transitional readers, graphic novel fans, and lovers of space cats. Kids Can Press provides great printable Binky-based graphic novel activity suggestions for use in the classroom or library. These are ideal for applying graphic novels in a Common Core curriculum. Link to Kids Can Press Graphic Novel Activity Suggestions PDF Read-alikes Burks, James. (2012). Bird & Squirrel: On the Run! Clanton, Ben. (2016). Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea. Author/Illustrator Website: https://www.ashleyspires.com/ References ALSC. (2016). Graphic novels reading list – 2016 update. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/graphicnovels2016 Amazon: Binky Book Series. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00YSR5I5I/ref=dp_st_1554534194 Binky the Space Cat [cover image]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51pYoP7VV6L._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg Binky the Space Cat [illustration]. Retrieved from http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzoZEYA1LaM/Tz1APs40DQI/AAAAAAAAC54/3FuKZg5K1-c/s1600/binky+under+pressure+interior+1.jpg Titlewave. Retrieved from http://titlewave.com Review The character choices are really interesting. Much of the book is wordless, so there is an element of letting the characters speak for themselves through their actions. The reader can tell that the dark-skinned little girl doesn’t have many friends and comes from a trailer park and meager means. She’s learned to make the best of it though and has developed the ability to fix machines. In a sense, fixing the robot and the friendship and adventures that take place, thereafter, seems to mend the girl in a sense, as well (Flock, 2017). Themes Friendship, Adventure, Differences, Mending Relationships Application This could be used in a comic book creation program at a library to encourage children to make their own comic about two unlikely characters becoming friends. Read-alikes Clanton, B. (2016). Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea. Richards, B. (2016). Blip! Sturm, J. (2015). Sleepless Knight. Author Official Website: http://www.benhatke.com/ References
Art & Adventure: Ben Hatke’s Blog. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.benhatke.com/ Excerpts: Little Robot [Spread Image]. (2015, August 13). Tor.com. Retrieved from: http://www.tor.com/2015/08/13/excerpts-little-robot-ben-hatke/ Flock, A.C. (2017). Review. Goodreads: Little Robot [Cover Image]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23310721-little-robot Titlewave: Little Robot. [Bib. Info and Read-alikes]. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.titlewave.com
Awards Won Capitol Choices 2016 Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books of 2015, Picture Books The New York Times 2015 Best Illustrated Children’s Books Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books of 2015, Picture Books Kids’ Indie Next List Preview, Winter ALA Notable Books for Children 2016, Older Readers 2015–2016, Top 10 Booklist Lasting Connections, 2015; 100 Notable Titles for Reading and Sharing 2015, Children’s Books Booklist 2016 Top 10 Books for Youth, Graphic Novels 2016 Eisner Award Nomination, Early Readers Review In this magnificent picture book debut, Guojing masterfully captures the deep emotions and wild imagination of a lonely child. The book is drawn as a wordless graphic novel. Black and white pencil drawings capture the melancholy winter landscape and the intimate details of each fantastical character. We see the reflection in the stag’s eye and each hair on his soft body. We can almost feel the worn cotton of the girl’s clothing. Guojing’s skillful use of light and shadow draws us in to the intimate world of this lonely child. Most pages feature comic book style panels but intense moments in the story are portrayed on double-page spreads. The lack of words adds to the feeling of solitude. An author’s note tells us that the story is based on the author’s experience growing up under China’s one-child policy. Themes
Graphic Novel; Wordless Picture Book; China; Fantasy Application Wordless books invite children to provide their own narrative. Ask a child to “read” this book to you. As a classroom or library program project, provide materials so children can draw their own wordless book. Create a wordless book display featuring books for many ages and backgrounds. Read-alikes: Tan, Shaun. (2006). The Arrival Author/Illustrator Website: https://guojingart.tumblr.com/ References: Gilmore, N. (December 11, 2015). Fall 2015 flying starts: Guojing. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/68938-fall-2015-flying-starts-guojing.html Guojing. [illustration]. Retrieved from http://www.creativeauthors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ONLYCHILD_interior_3small.jpg Guojing. [illustration]. Retrieved from http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae277/coolmomphotos/2015-December-Picks/the-only-child-mom-goes-to-work_zps2o7rezko.jpg Hunter, S. (March 15, 2016). Top 10 graphic novels for youth: 2016 [blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-for-Youth/pid=8049686 Junior Library Guild. (n.d.). The only child [bibliographic info] Retrieved from http://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/books/view.dT/9780553497052 Norton, D. E. (2011). Through the eyes of a child: an introduction to children’s literature, 8th edition. Pearson Education, Inc.: Boston, MA. The Only Child [book cover image]. Retrieved from http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1435547303l/23528363.jpg [Random House Kids]. (n.d.). The Only Child Book Trailer. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO4NNSd8x70 Titlewave. Retrieved from http://www.titlewave.com Review The story conveyed in pictures alone is great fun for younger children, who are not yet reading, as well as, older children, who can write their own stories. Publisher’s Weekly (2009) declares, “French artist, Faller, creates another inventive, wordless story revealed in panel art, although more modest in scope than its predecessors.”
Read Alikes
Beder, A. (2013). Journey. Idle, M. S. (2013). Flora and the Flamingo. References Barnes & Noble: Adventures of Polo Series. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Adventures%20of%20Polo%20Series%22?Ntk=P_Series_Title&Ns=P_Series_Number&Ntx=mode+matchall Goodreads. (2017). Polo and Lily [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6362118-polo-and-lily?from_search=true Le Veteran. (2010). Polo: Polo and Lili [Page Images]. Retrieved from http://www.bedetheque.com/BD-Polo-Tome-4-Polo-et-Lili-160158.html NoveList. (2017). Polo and Lily. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.catalog.sjlibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=njh&tg=UI&an=321472&site=novpk8-live Publisher’s Weekly. (2009). Polo and Lily. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-59643-496-7
Review Little Mouse Gets Ready provides early readers with a simple narrative supported by fun illustrations. Jeff Smith tells of how Little Mouse prepares for a trip with his family, something many children can relate to. Hilarious antics ensure as he tries to get dressed, putting on underwear, buttoning a shirt and lacing his shoes. Darienne Stewart (n.d.) notes that “The surprise ending bowls over Little Mouse -- and readers.” Smith makes an activity that children do everyday into a fun and enjoyable graphic book for readers of all ages. Themes Growing Up Getting Ready Clothes Series Information TOON BOOK (Website: http://www.toon-books.com/) Select titles:
Application This book can help adults talk to children about getting ready for a big trip or just for the day. Teachers can have students create their own comic about how they get ready. Toon Books supplies a lesson plan for teachers on their website to help with creating comics. Read Along Book Official Website: http://www.toon-books.com/little-mouse-gets-ready.html Interactive Toon Books: http://www.toon-books.com/toon-readers.html Toon Books Lesson: http://www.toon-books.com/uploads/1/2/5/6/12564774/lmo.cc.lp.as.pdf References Gutierrez, P. (2012). Lesson plan for Little Mouse Gets Ready. RAW Junior, LLC. Retrieved from http://www.toon-books.com/uploads/1/2/5/6/12564774/lmo.cc.lp.as.pdf Stewart, D. (n.d.). Little Mouse Gets Ready. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/little-mouse-gets-ready Toonbooks.com. (2014). New Releases. Retrieved from http://toon-books.com/videothumbs/lmo_thumb-hover.png Toonbooks.com. (2014). Little Mouse Gets Ready [Cover Image]. Retrieved from http://www.toon-books.com/little-mouse-gets-ready.html [TOONBooks]. (2013, March 18). Little Mouse Gets Ready-a read along TOON Book [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMEoFllFQ3E
Review This is an interesting take on nursery rhymes. Every rhyme is treated differently. Many of the artists took liberties with the rhyme’s content, adding speech bubbles and nuance through their interpretive illustrations. It actually makes some of the more nonsensical rhymes make a little more sense sometimes, as well (Flock, 2017). Themes Nursery Rhymes Read-alikes Duffy, C. (Ed.) (2013). Fairy Tale Comics. Hammill, E. (Ed.) (2014). Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. Application This could be used in a library program to inspire kids to create their own comic book style nursery rhyme. Reading Group Guide: http://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/discusion-guides/9781596436008DG.pdf Discussion Guide: http://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/discusion-guides/9781596436008DG.pdf References
Goodreads: Nursery Rhyme Comics [Cover Image]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10397757-nursery-rhyme-comics NoveList Plus. (2017). Retrieved from: http://lili.org Nursery Rhyme Comics [Awards]. (2017). The Comic Book Database. Retrieved from: http://www.comicbookdb.com/title.php?ID=36662 Nursery Rhyme Comics [Spread Images & Resources]. (2017). Macmillan Publishers. Retrieved from: http://us.macmillan.com/nurseryrhymecomics/variousvariousauthors/9781596436008 Titlewave: Nursery Rhyme Comics [Bib. Info and one Read-alike]. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.titlewave.com |
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