RAR #137: Why Your Kids Love Graphic Novels (and which we like best!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A fun tale of friendship and redemption from one of my favorite author/illustrators. Ben Hatke has given us an intergalactic hero we'll never forget in Zita. This is a graphic novel, so pull your kids close so they can see the panels while you read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo and cartoonist Harry Bliss introduce some delightfully doggy dogs in a warm, funny tale of a timid pup who needs a friend.Rosie is a good dog and a faithful companion to her owner, George.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a little girl finds an adorable robot in the woods, she presses a button and accidentally activates him for the first time. Now, she finally has a friend.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Did you know snails build roads like engineers and go undercover in camouflage like spies? Did you know they can be smaller than a seed or bigger than a grown-up’s hand? Kevin McCloskey mixes snail science, art, and hilarity for the newest book in his Giggle and Learn series, praised by The New York Times as “a winning combination of facts and gross-out fun.”

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the midst of a family dinner with her scolding parents, Maya receives an unexpected invitation to dine with the Queen. Suddenly, her messy manners are put to the ultimate test and she begins to improvise her very own set of rules, with uproarious results.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Why won't Benny help? Penny found a dead salamander, but her brother Benny is refusing to help her bury it. Is it silly to hold a service for Little Sallie, or could this tiny salamander mean something more to the siblings? Geisel Award–winner Geoffrey Hayes shares this gentle tale of a child's early encounter with death.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Annemarie and her clever classmates have to draw sets of twelve and use their imagination to come up with creative solutions. Young readers will delight in the counting game while learning the basics of multiplication. Star cartoonist Ivan Brunetti’s ingenious and fun-to-read comic turns everyone into a math whiz!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Go "outside," "elsewhere," and down the "rabbit hole" with this hilarious introduction to compound words. Young readers will fall in love with the English language as they watch star cartoonist Ivan Brunetti put his sly spin on vocabulary. The lesson here? Even "homework" is fun when you let yourself play with the words.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Barnaby Richards lives in London, where he shares a studio with his wife Alice and their cat Mosca. He has been doodling pictures of his little robot in the margins of notebooks and the corners of pictures for many years. Barnaby was inspired to write Blip! when he felt it was time his robot found a friend.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Zita's exploits from her first adventure have made her an intergalactic megastar! But she's about to find out that fame doesn't come without a price. And who can you trust when your true self is being eclipsed by your public persona, and you've got a robot doppelganger wreaking havoc . . . while wearing your face?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Zita the Spacegirl has saved planets, battled monsters, and wrestled with interplanetary fame. But she faces her biggest challenge yet in the third and final installment of the Zita adventures. Wrongfully imprisoned on a penitentiary planet, Zita has to plot the galaxy's greatest jailbreak before the evil prison warden can execute his plan of interstellar domination!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Come wend your way along London’s Thames River to the Globe Theatre, where seven favorite Shakespearean plays are being performed! Marcia Williams brings to life ROMEO AND JULIET, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, JULIUS CAESAR, HAMLET, MACBETH, THE WINTER'S TALE, and THE TEMPESTt, making liberal use of Shakespeare’s rich dialogue.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Grab a seat as Marcia Williams wields her popular comic-book style to bring As You Like It, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, and Richard III vividly to life while evoking the mood, mischief, and manners of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Elizabethan theater. As in her previous volume Tales from Shakespeare, Williams blends her own storytelling skill with Shakespeare's rich dialogue to make these masterpieces accessible to even the most reluctant reader. Bravo!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Travel back to Medieval England and join Chaucer and his band of Canterbury pilgrims in this wonderful introduction to one of Britain's greatest literary legacies. These nine well-loved tales, from a host of colourful characters - the Knight, the Miller, the Reeve, the Wife of Bath, the Summoner, the Clerk, the Franklin, the Pardoner and the Nun's Priest - are brought to life with Marcia Williams' trademark witty, comic-strip art, allowing this classic text to be enjoyed by all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This title presents a comic-strip re-telling of some of Britain's best-loved stories and legends. Aided by the magician Merlin, Arthur draws the sword from the stone to become King of Britain, and Lord of the Knights of the Round Table. Read of their valiant deeds as King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad and other heroic knights rescue maidens, defend Excalibur and search for the Grail. Also publishing this month are "God and His Creations" and "Sindbad the Sailor".

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Told in lively comic-strip style, this book relates eleven colourful action-packed tales about Robin and his merry men. Read how Robin becomes an outlaw, gets a ducking from Little John and encounters a disguised Maid Marian in the forest; enjoy the stories of Much the Miller's Son, Friar Tuck, Allan-a-Dale, Sir Richard of Leigh and the golden arrow. Meet Robin's sworn enemy Sir Guy of Gisborne, witness his visit from King Richard and see Robin fire his final arrow.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Witches, murder, ghosts, and madness — one of Shakespeare’s finest tragedies is also a perfect fit for the graphic novel format. This compelling adaptation depicts every blood-curdling scene in easy-to-follow illustrations, accompanied by Shakespeare’s original text. An illustrated cast of characters reminds readers who’s who, and fascinating background information on Shakespeare and the real Macbeth adds historical context.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This is the entire, unabridged play brought to life as a vivid and engaging full-color graphic novel.With its mix of real people who stumble into a fairy kingdom (with its own problems!) it is little wonder that this play is one of the best loved and most performed of all Shakespeare's masterpieces.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This full-color graphic novel presents the sparkling romantic comedy just as Shakespeare intended: in its original and unabridged format, and in its original setting. As with the other titles in this well-received series, it encourages readers to discover classical literature while staying true to Shakespeare’s vision.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shakespeare’s rousing tale of war and peace between England and France during the reign of Henry V springs to life in this unabridged, full-color graphic adaptation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Placed on countless reading lists, translated into more than forty languages, and made into a feature film, The Giver is the first book in The Giver Quartet that also includes Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son. In this new graphic novel edition, readers experience the haunting story of twelve-year-old Jonas and his seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment, through the brilliant art of P. Craig Russell that truly brings The Giver to life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

in 50 years of publication, the book has never been illustrated. In the graphic novel, Hope Larson takes the classic story to a new level with her vividly imagined interpretations of tessering and favorite characters, like the Happy Medium and Aunt Beast. Perfect for delighting old fans and winning over new ones, this graphic novel adaptation is a must-read.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Schoolyard rivalries. Baking disasters. Puffed sleeves. Explore the violet vales and glorious green of Avonlea in this spirited adaptation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Drawing on the unique historical sites, archives, expertise, and unquestioned authority of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling authors Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colón have created the first authorized and exhaustive graphic biography of Anne Frank.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Iliad tells the story of the war between Greeks and Trojans; the love between Helena and Paris; Achilles and Hector's deadly combat; and the Trojan Horse. "The Odyssey" depicts the perilous voyage home of the Greek warrior Odysseus; his struggles against the one-eyed Cyclops; the terrible Sirens; the dreadful, six-headed Scylla. These classic Greek stories have been retold with lively text and a dramatic cartoon style, making them accessible and fun for young children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

L. Frank Baum's beloved classic gets the Marvel treatment! When Kansas girl Dorothy flies away to the magical Land of Oz, she fatally flattens a Wicked Witch, liberates a living Scarecrow and is hailed by the Munchkin people as a great sorceress...

**Description from Amazon: Classic graphic novels that stand up. Kids will enjoy following TinTin and Snowy on adventures. (Set in the 1940s).

The American Revolution comes to life through this graphic novel by Nathan Hale. Funny, informative, and eye-opening. Your kids need to be able to see the panels while you read this series aloud, so pull them close. (The whole series covers a wide range of historical events, so go see if whatever you're currently learning about is in the series! You can read the series in any order, but it's best to start here before moving on to any others.)

**Description from Amazon: Rapunzel escapes her tower-prison all on her own, only to discover a world beyond what she'd ever known before. Determined to rescue her real mother and to seek revenge on her kidnapper would-be mother, Rapunzel and her very long braids team up with Jack (of Beanstalk fame) and together they perform...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jack might be the only kid in the world who's dreading summer. But he's got a good reason: summer is when his single mom takes a second job and leaves him at home to watch his autistic kid sister, Maddy. It's a lot of responsibility, and it's boring, too, because Maddy doesn't talk. Ever.

FROM SARAH:

A graphic novel that I highly recommend… even if you don’t usually like graphic novels! This one tells the true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's courageous stand during Hitler's rise to power. Recommended for ages 14+. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party is gaining strength and becoming more menacing every day. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor upset by the complacency of the German church toward the suffering around it, forms a breakaway church to speak out against the establishment.

**Description from Amazon: Here’s the most complete picture Bible ever! And it features a captivating, up-to-date artwork style—making it the perfect Bible for today’s visually focused culture. The Action Bible presents 215 fast-paced narratives in chronological order, making it easier to follow the Bible’s historica...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

New York Times Bestseller Araminta Ross was born a slave in Delaware in the early 19th century. Slavery meant that her family could be ripped apart at any time, and that she could be put to work in dangerous places and for abusive people.

Three classic graphic novels in one deluxe hardcover edition: The Broken Ear, The Black Island, and King Ottokar's Sceptre.

**Description from Amazon: The Saints Chronicles bring vividly to life the stories of courageous Christians from the earliest days of Christianity to modern times. All four volumes of this Graphic Novel Series are packed with engaging texts and dramatic images that captivate and inspire readers of all ages.In this first volum...

**Description from Amazon: Like a bolt from the blue, Jack's little sister Maddy is gone―carried into another realm by an ogre.When Jack and Lilly follow Maddy’s captor through the portal, they are ready for anything . . . except what they find waiting for them in the floating crossroads between worlds. Even the power of ...

**Description from Amazon: It's the middle-grade team-up of the century as the heroes of New York Times bestselling author Ben Hatke join forces to save the world in Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl. Jack and Lilly are no strangers to heroics. They’ve befriended dragons, battled giants, and even earned the loyalty of a go...

**Description from Amazon: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden discover that a mystery surrounds the run-down yellow house on Surprise Island. The children find a letter and other clues that could lead them on the trail of a man who vanished from the house. Join The Boxcar Children in their graphic novel adventure to solve...

These gripping texts and dramatic images bring you the exciting stories of some of the Church's greatest saints. Along with them, you'll embark upon the adventure of holiness, learning from their example how to embrace wholeheartedly God's unique mission for your own life.In this spectacular graphic...

Experience the rousing adventures of some of history's greatest saints. Their lives, depicted here in spectacular graphics, demonstrate that living our faith is never dull but demands heroic courage and tireless strength.In these thrilling stories of saintly men and women, you ll meet:St. Willibrord...

Gilbert du Motier became the Marquis de Lafayette at a young age, but he was not satisfied with the comforts of French nobility—he wanted adventure!   A captain at eighteen and a major general by nineteen, he was eager to prove himself in battle. When he heard about the Revolution going on in Ame...

From Nathan Hale, #1 New York Times bestselling author and Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List maker, comes the definitive graphic novel about the Alamo.   Hale relays the facts, politics, military actions, and prominent personalities that defined the Texas Revolution in factual yet humorous scenes ...

In this handsome graphic novel, you'll join some of the world's greatest saints in their inspiring and often exciting and even dangerous quests for holiness. These thrilling stories and stunning images found here will captivate you and fascinate readers of all ages.Here you'll meet:St. Nicholas, the...

Cult graphic novelist Dylan Meconis offers a rich reimagining of history in this beautifully detailed hybrid novel loosely based on the exile of Queen Elizabeth I by her sister, Queen Mary.When her sister seizes the throne, Queen Eleanor of Albion is banished to a tiny island off the coast of her ki...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Filled with activities, Comics: Easy as ABC is a fun way for young readers to effortlessly and playfully start thinking like writers and artists. This simple guide is also aimed at parents, teachers, and librarians: all will enjoy learning the ABCs of this popular and rapidly growing medium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Using simple shapes, Ed Emberley shows would-be artists how to draw over 400 things, such as an airplane, anteater, submarine, train, kangaroo, gondola, and much much more! This classic book is packed with cool things that kids-and not a few adults-really want to draw. Easy and fun, the book provide...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Once upon a time . . . a princess tried to make a comic. And with the help of a magical cartooning elf, she learned how – well enough to draw her way out of an encounter with a dangerous dragon, near-death by drowning, and into her very own adventure! Like the princess, young readers will discover that they already have the drawing and writing skills it takes to make a comic – they just need a little know-how. And Adventures in Cartooning supplies just that.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This gorgeous, fully illustrated handbook tells the story of sketchnotes--why and how you can use them to capture your thinking visually, remember key information more clearly, and share what you've captured with others.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Read This Comic and Start Drawing Today! Nominated for a 2017 Eisner AwardFor the first time ever, drawing instructor and graphic novelist Mark Crilley brings his easy-to-follow artistic instruction to aspiring artists in the form of a comic book, providing you with a one-of-a-kind how-to experience.

From the wonderful Jan Brett, Nicki’s grandmother knits him a mitten that soon gets lost in the snow, but becomes a warm, expanding home for many animals. The preview drawings will enchant kids and help them guess what’s coming next!

Another animal-based tale from Jan Brett, this one about the relationships between animals in Africa.

**Description from Amazon: In Jennifer L. Holm's New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor winning middle grade historical fiction novel, life isn't like the movies. But then again, 11-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple. She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending. After all, it's...

**Description from Amazon: Introducing SQUISH—a new graphic novel series about a comic book-loving, twinkie-eating grade school AMOEBA trying to find his place in the world (or at least trying to make it through a school day). Inspired by his favorite comic book hero, SUPER AMOEBA!, Squish has to navigate school (bullies! d...

FROM SARAH:

This is not a girl book. It's an adventure story. Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. But not so any longer. Action-packed and riveting! Meet Shannon Hale in her Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince will choose his bride from among the village girls.

FROM SARAH:

Not your average princess tale. This one delights my girls and my boys equally. This is the first in a humorous, action-packed series for young readers. Your kids can meet author Shannon Hale at her Author Access video replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when . . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Iliad tells the story of the war between Greeks and Trojans; the love between Helena and Paris; Achilles and Hector's deadly combat; and the Trojan Horse. "The Odyssey" depicts the perilous voyage home of the Greek warrior Odysseus; his struggles against the one-eyed Cyclops; the terrible Sirens; the dreadful, six-headed Scylla. These classic Greek stories have been retold with lively text and a dramatic cartoon style, making them accessible and fun for young children.

**Description from Amazon: When Lisa's woolen stocking flies off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and pokes his nose in. He tries to pull it out, but the stocking gets stuck on his prickles -- and the fun begins.A mother hen comes by, then a noisy goose, a talkative barn cat, a playful farm dog, a mama pig and her piglets, a...

With multiple Children's Choice Awards and over 1.8 million books sold, kids, parents, and teachers agree that Babymouse is perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones, Ivy and Bean, Bad Kitty, and Dork Diaries!Meet Babymouse—Her dreams are big! Her imagination is wild! Her whiskers are ALWAYS a mess! In ...

**Description from Amazon: Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.Gerald and Piggie are best friends.In We Are in a Book! Gerald and Piggie discover the joy of being read. But what will happen when the book ends?Using vocabulary perfect for beginning readers (and vetted by an early-learning s...

**Description from Amazon: The bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, is celebrating its phenomenal success with this beautiful clothbound gift edition that includes a ribbon marker. The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. From Noah ...

**Description from Amazon: Jane Austen’s beloved heroine Lizzy Bennet tells the story of Pride and Prejudice in her own words in an illustrated diary created by Marcia Williams.When Lizzy Bennet’s father gives her a diary, she fancies she will use it to write a novel, as her real life is exceedingly dull. Then the handsom...