Made for Each Other (My Boyfriend is a Monster #2)

Title: Made For Each Other (My Boyfriend is a Monster #2)
Author: Paul D. Storrie

Illustrator: Eldon Cowgur
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)

Copyright: 2011

Price: $29.27 ($21.95 for libraries)

ISBN: 978-0-7613-5601-1 (Lib Binding)
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Nothing interesting happens in Persephone Falls (Alaska), although, right from the start we learn Gary Barry, the Guidance Counselor is worried about Maria McBride and how she might react to the recent loss of three of her classmates (who all happened to be cheerleaders and named Erica). She’s fine and with that, she runs into new kid Tom, on her way to class. Mysterious Tom will be joining her in three of her classes. It isn’t until 6^th period that day that Tom finds Maria, alone, practicing her violin. Entranced, Tom sneaks up on her and discovers her amazing talent also goes with her amazing looks. What follows is a crazy story about Tom and Maria’s courtship as they try to navigate the fact that he’s, well, Frankenstein’s Monster’s son.

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Recommended Audience: High School

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Things to be aware of: Mild violence.
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Further Thoughts: Yep. That’s right, this volume tackles Frankenstein’s creation, who in this story is Franklin Stone, the town’s new funeral director. The town suddenly has a rash of accidents that does make the town suspicious of what is going on, because something just isn’t right, especially with Tom B. Stone (yep, you read that right), Franklin’s son. Do the accidents have something to do with Heddy Graves (who was supposed to be Heddy Stone)?

It is quirky bits like the characters’ names that make this volume so enjoyable. My favorite scene in the book is straight from a horror movie spoof. Tom is ripping his shirt off during a loud crack of thunder to show Maria who he is. This panel takes up a full page. On the next page, you see Maria covering her eye and complaining about a button that hit her. The smirk on Tom’s face is ADORABLE, and you know then, that Maria and Tom are meant for each other for sure.

Even though this is number 2, this is the first one I read (cover to cover). From glancing at book one and after reading book 3 (review coming), the art is consistent despite the change in artists. The plot is solid and, for a Graphic Universe title, fantastic. With the zombie, vampire, werewolf crazes going on right now, these books fit right in, and more. There is very little involving technology in this book that won’t make it dated (even fashions are plain enough to withstand time). The outrageous plot is believable enough to enjoy, and it reads like a movie, a spoof and updated horror movie. For a Graphic Universe title, this one deserves shelf space and since it is from a group that markets mostly to libraries, this is a worthwhile title to make room for on your shelf. You might be able to push the classic Frankenstein onto lovers of this book. Knowledge of the book certainly makes this more fun, but even if you haven’t read the classic, it is enjoyable.

Horror, romance, a little comedy and poking fun. Who could ask for more?

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Bonus: Fun little question and answer about dating someone like Frankenstein’s Monster.

Source: Library copy.

Ready for a Treat?

No Sunday review today, but I have a good reason (aside from it is a Holiday). Are you ready to hear it?

This week, I'm giving you a special treat: a week's worth of reviews (rather, 5 days worth). If you've been wondering about the series "My Boyfriend is a Monster" published by Lerner Publishing's Graphic Universe, you'll get to see my take on the series here, all week (rather, the next 5 days). I'll be reviewing all 5 volumes that are out at this point. I will admit though, that the review for volume two will be first, but you'll see why when I review it Monday.

Enjoy!

Meanwhile

Title: Meanwhile
Author: Jason Shiga
Illustrator: Jason Shiga
Publisher: Amulet Books (Abrams)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $15.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8423-3
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: For Jimmy, the story starts with a simple question: should he order chocolate or vanilla ice cream. After this simple choice the reader is launched into a topsy-turvy story as Jimmy discovers a professor and his gadgets. After that, there are even MORE options and story paths to travel. Each variant could take the reader just a minute to read or close to a half an hour to read as you explore options, try something again, or go in circles. Simply put, this is a graphic novel style, Choose Your Own Adventure but on an epic and crazy scale. Fantastic.
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Recommended Audience: Middle school and up.
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Things to be aware of: Cartoon death and destruction.
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Further Thoughts: Oh how do I describe this book? I still think it is something like “Choose Your Own Adventures on steroids.” This is one awesome book and honestly, I think perfect for reluctant readers (if they figure out how it works). The Philosopher Musician and I spent about two hours reading this title after I heard a librarian say she only got 4 pages into it and was proud of herself. I spent two hours reading this book out loud to him and more as I picked it up, followed the story line and decided “I want to do this differently” or “what about this?” The entire time I had this checked out I flipped through it and looked at panels and endings and decided to see if I could land there or just wanted to follow a favorite plot line. Either way, this is a must have and with 3,856 story possibilities, how could you go wrong?
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Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011. Pages are not typical paper. These can handle multiple readings (I bet with 3,856 story lines!).

Source: Library copy.

Manga Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice

Title: Manga Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice
Author: William Shakespeare (Adapter: Richard Appignanesi)
Illustrator: Faye Yong
Publisher: Amulet Books
Copyright: 2011
Price:  $10.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9717-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: I’m not going into a summary on this one. Simply: The Merchant of Venice told in a manga style…with elves. Dark haired and eye lined elves are Jews, blonde haired elves are Christians. This is more confusing and oddly disconcerting compared to seeing the play live (I think).
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Recommended Audience: High School
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Things to be aware of: Shakespeare?
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Further Thoughts: First, I adore the art, aside from what certain people represent. The art is flowy, entertaining and in a lovely manga style which drew me to this title in the first place. Yong does a lovely job representing the story, but it is a shame I was more confused in this story than anything else.

The adaptation is another story. While original Shakespeare language, and I assume lines, were used in the story, there are moments where the flow is interrupted and something is missed. I have not actually seen The Merchant of Venice yet, at all, and oddly, without the background knowledge, this is a confusing story. I understand that so-and-so is in love with so-and-so and this guy (well, the dark haired Jew) is the bad guy. So scary [/sarcasm]. The “opening credits,” in color, illustrated by Yong, easily told me who was who and introduced “the cast.” On the other hand, this is supposed to be a comedy and not a tragedy? Looking at the cover you’d think it was going to end badly.

What is disconcerting to me is how the difference between the Christians and Jews is night and day. I was informed by my mom and The Philosopher Musician that this is an anti-Semitic play. Ok, but why does this have to look like an issue of race?

I know there are better graphic novel adaptations out there and I keep wondering why these (Manga Shakespeare) keep coming out. I don't enjoy them when I read them and I need to learn that these titles are a pass, no matter what the review journals say.
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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Patrick in: A Teddy Bear's Picnic and Other Stories

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.

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.

What's Up. Not Much. The Sky.

I took time to think about it. I took time to look at my new project. I poked around Netgalley for new graphic novels of interest. I read some really (laughably) bad YA novels. I read some intense non-fiction books. I took some time to realize I miss this.

I also took some to talk to my mom about this blog and her thoughts. She reads way more book blogs than I do and I knew I was aiming in the wrong direction. My intent was good, but my writing, not so much. Simply put, she was really helpful and insightful (Hi Mom!).

Basically, I'm back. Regular posts return for just Sundays at the moment unless I feel that some are worthy for you to read much, much sooner. I'm also going to be a lot more honest if I loved or hated the book. I'll also point out whether you should pick it up, or what you'll need to know in order to make the best decision for your collection. Simply, I'm planning to pick up where the review journals and other librarians left off. I'm planning to try to grab titles that for some reason are missed by the review journals.

I have a different perspective on graphic novels and libraries that needs to be heard. I know many librarians love certain graphic novels and I can tell why they do, but I don't love those titles and that's from years and years of reading graphic novels for fun (my favorite example: American Born Chinese sits on many a shelf, collecting dust. I can see why librarians loved it, but honestly, it doesn't appeal to your average teen reader for the most part).

Regarding the challenges this year: HECK WITH IT. I try the challenges every year and I lose sight halfway through the year for other reasons so I'm not even bothering. I just want to give you my take on graphic novels (and other stuff) and what I think.

Enjoy!