I’ve got two very different graphic novels to review today. Both made for enjoyable airplane reading on a recent trip, and they’re both available now, so here ya go. “Relish: My Life in the Kitchen” by Lucy Knisley (FirstSecond): It’s funny that Alison Bechdel has a quote on the cover because her “Fun Home” is … Continue Reading →
Almost two years after the first volume of “Foiled,” Jane Yolen and Make Cavallaro finally return to Aliera Carstairs’ world in First Second’s “Curses! Foiled Again,” out this week at comic shops. Great title aside, it doesn’t seem like prolific YA author Yolen has gotten the hang of the graphic novel form. It’s much better … Continue Reading →
Two recent graphic novels found their way to my desk, and I had to share them. While both are all-ages books, one is definitely more skewed to younger fans. Here’s a look: “Giants Beware!” (First Second) — This is my favorite of the two, a delight from start to finish and a great book for … Continue Reading →
This year has seen a bounty of great graphic novels and trade paperback collections for the “all-ages” group. And in many cases, they truly are for all ages, not just kids. Sure, they’re kid-friendly, but they’re so good, grown ups will enjoy reading them to the tykes in their lives — or maybe just borrowing … Continue Reading →
Anyone who’s a parent has probably read and recited a bajillion nursery rhymes to their kids. It comes with the territory. First Second has breathed new life into many of those classics with their new hardcover “Nursery Rhyme Comics.” So not only do you get a book full of poetry, many I wasn’t familiar with … Continue Reading →
Because of some conflicting release-date information, I’ve been sitting on these reviews of two new books from First Second. Both are enjoyable but could use a bit more polish. “Americus” by MK Reed and Jonathan Hill — “Americus” is one of those great underdog stories and should be read by anyone who celebrates Banned Book … Continue Reading →
A trio of all-ages books is out from First Second press today. Some skew younger than others, and they’ve all got their charms. Here’s a rundown: “Level Up” by Gene Luen Yang and Thien Pham – This is my favorite of the bunch, a whimsical story about serious issues, the biggest being living up to … Continue Reading →