Title: Patrick in A Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Other Stories
Author: Geoffrey Hayes
Illustrator: Geoffrey Hayes
Publisher: Toon Books (Candlewick Press)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-93579-09-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Patrick is a young bear who enjoys having fun and being with his Ma, but he also has problems, such as naptime (which doesn’t make sense to him), and a bully named Big Bear. The first story tells of Patrick and his Ma as they go out on a picnic. Things don’t seem to go well for him after he has a run-in with Big Bear, and the day only gets worse. Ma is there though to cheer him up and give him a reassuring hug. Other, really short stories include Patrick avoiding naptime by faking it, which I’m sure young children can relate to, along with another run in with Big Bear. Will Patrick ever be able to stand up to Big Bear? A visual treat with timeless art that speaks to an older generation, stories that speak to a younger generation, and simple visual fun throughout, this is a strong graphic novel for young children and their parents. An added bonus: reading levels and tips on reading the graphic novel together (which look very similar to general reading tips).
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Recommended Audience: Ages 4-8 (beginning readers)
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Things to be aware of: Nothing!
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Further Thoughts: I adore this. It is a simple story with simple, child friendly art that speaks of a quieter, more innocent, happy time. I enjoyed Patrick as he enjoyed the rain, in the first story, to his lack of understanding the logic of naptime. In my library, with a high population of grandparents, this is a great title to pass along and suggest as something to read together or a “safe” graphic novel. Overall, the stories relate very well to the younger half of the suggested age, although, children older than 6 or 7 may be beyond nap time by the time they pick this up. A great pick for young children starting to discover graphic novels.
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Bonus: Tips on reading with children and GN; Level ratings.
Source: Library copy.
Showing posts with label Toon-books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toon-books. Show all posts
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Benny and Penny In Just Pretend
Title: Benny and Penny In Just Pretend
Author: Geoffrey Hayes
Illustrator: Geoffrey Hayes
Publisher: Toon Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-9799238-6-9
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Benny and Penny reflects a bygone era where children played in the backyard pretending to be pirates and princesses. Benny is a brave pirate, while Penny is an annoying little sister. She wants to join him. He wants to be alone. Typical sibling behavior ensues until Benny comes up with the perfect plan to get Penny to leave him alone. He convinces her to hide somewhere, but after some time passes he worries about her. Typical sibling drama combined with timeless, classic style art come together to make a charming graphic novel for young readers.
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Recommended Audience: Ages 5 to 8 (early readers)
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Things to be aware of: Nothing!
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Further Thoughts: What an entertaining story of two mouse children as they go through the adventures of pretending! The story of Benny and Penny is very traditional since the big brother doesn’t want to play with the little sister, but something about her princess outfit, her determination, and his surprising (or not surprising) fear make this a great graphic novel for young children. Parents and grandparents will enjoy sharing this with children and feel safe letting them read this comic book.
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Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
Author: Geoffrey Hayes
Illustrator: Geoffrey Hayes
Publisher: Toon Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-9799238-6-9
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Benny and Penny reflects a bygone era where children played in the backyard pretending to be pirates and princesses. Benny is a brave pirate, while Penny is an annoying little sister. She wants to join him. He wants to be alone. Typical sibling behavior ensues until Benny comes up with the perfect plan to get Penny to leave him alone. He convinces her to hide somewhere, but after some time passes he worries about her. Typical sibling drama combined with timeless, classic style art come together to make a charming graphic novel for young readers.
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Recommended Audience: Ages 5 to 8 (early readers)
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Things to be aware of: Nothing!
----------
Further Thoughts: What an entertaining story of two mouse children as they go through the adventures of pretending! The story of Benny and Penny is very traditional since the big brother doesn’t want to play with the little sister, but something about her princess outfit, her determination, and his surprising (or not surprising) fear make this a great graphic novel for young children. Parents and grandparents will enjoy sharing this with children and feel safe letting them read this comic book.
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Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Stinky
Title: Stinky
Author: Eleanor Davis
Illustrator: Eleanor Davis
Publisher: Toon Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-1-935179-06-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Stinky loves to stink and stinky loves his swamp. He hates kids because they like baths and being clean. One day, Nick, a real live kid, comes to Stinky’s swamp and builds a tree house. Stinky will do whatever it takes to make the kid leave. Can Stinky learn to make a friend and share his swamp?
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Recommended Audience: Ages 6 to 8
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts: If you’re looking for a story about making friends, sharing, and caring, this is the story and in graphic novel format to boot. Stinky faces the lesson of learning as all monsters do: reluctantly. What is even more entertaining is that Stinky learns his preconceptions about kids might be wrong, and Nick’s preconceptions of monsters could be wrong too. The cartoonish illustrations are enjoyable, bright, and fun. There is something to look for in every panel and certain panels help the reader focus on exactly what he/she needs to focus on. According to the cover of the paperback version, the book is a “Geisel Honor,” “Booklist Notable,” and a “Bank Street Best.” Well deserved.
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Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
Author: Eleanor Davis
Illustrator: Eleanor Davis
Publisher: Toon Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-1-935179-06-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Stinky loves to stink and stinky loves his swamp. He hates kids because they like baths and being clean. One day, Nick, a real live kid, comes to Stinky’s swamp and builds a tree house. Stinky will do whatever it takes to make the kid leave. Can Stinky learn to make a friend and share his swamp?
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Recommended Audience: Ages 6 to 8
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts: If you’re looking for a story about making friends, sharing, and caring, this is the story and in graphic novel format to boot. Stinky faces the lesson of learning as all monsters do: reluctantly. What is even more entertaining is that Stinky learns his preconceptions about kids might be wrong, and Nick’s preconceptions of monsters could be wrong too. The cartoonish illustrations are enjoyable, bright, and fun. There is something to look for in every panel and certain panels help the reader focus on exactly what he/she needs to focus on. According to the cover of the paperback version, the book is a “Geisel Honor,” “Booklist Notable,” and a “Bank Street Best.” Well deserved.
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Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
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