When Chris Grine’s “Chickenhare” arrived a few days ago, I was wracking my brains trying to figure out where I’d seen it before. Was I simply reacting to the “Bone” feeling of the art? No, thanks to the handy press release, I found out it was originally published by Dark Horse. Aha! I’d seen it … Continue Reading →
It’s only September, but I’m going to call Raina Telgemeier’s “Drama” from Scholastic the best stand-alone all-ages book of the year. I can’t remember the last time I put a book down and felt so thoroughly satisfied. But I’ve read a lot of great all-ages stuff this year, so I’m not quite ready to declare … 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 →
Think you know everything about Darth Vader? Think again. Scholastic’s “Star Wars: Darth Vader — A 3-D Reconstruction Log” tells you just about anything that could be said about him, right down to his bones. Like the Millennium Falcon book from last year, each heavy cardboard page peels away another layer of Vader’s suit and … Continue Reading →
“Amulet — Book 4: The Last Council” by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastic Graphix) – Well, as long as Kibuishi keeps writing good installments of “Amulet,” I’m just going to keep repeating myself. Kibuishi has created a stunning, imaginative world for his all-ages “Amulet” series. He’s taken the fairly standard reluctant hero story and created something magical. … Continue Reading →
“Bad Island” by Doug TenNapel (Graphix) – Following up his fun graphic novel “Ghostopolis,” TenNapel presents a teen take on “Lost,” with some “Swiss Family Robinson” and aliens thrown in for good measure. It’s not as engrossing or original as “Ghostopolis,” but it’s still a good read. Angsty teen Reese is forced to go on … Continue Reading →
A quick look at two awesome recent books: “Sidekicks” by Dan Santat (Scholastic) – The lighter of the two by far, this all-ages graphic novel is a hoot from start to finish. And I’m not afraid to admit I even got a bit misty at the end. Captain Amazing is an aging superhero who has … Continue Reading →