Harmless fun that neither rocks the boat nor swings for the fences.
The Wimpy Kid series marches on.
Greg Heffley's diary continues with the 10th entry in the popular franchise. This volume revolves around several loosely connected plot threads, the most prominent of which is Greg's grandfather’s coming to live with the Heffley clan and the hilarity that ensues. Other plots involve Rodrick's first job, Mrs. Heffley's determination to turn the town into an electronics-free zone, and a trip to Hardscrabble Farms, the traditional field trip location for the seventh-grade class. The novel definitely lacks focus, but how many seventh-grader's diaries come with a complex narrative arc? Greg’s rambling, irreverent musings coupled with his doodles maintain their charm even after so many years, and at this point fans of the series know what they're getting. The novel delivers the series' trademark family dynamics and absurdist comic stylings. Fans will chortle at the Heffley's pet pig, which wears pants, and smile as Greg and his dad come to an understanding over the pitfalls of camp life. By novel's end the characters have returned to their status quo and are ready for further comic mishaps. These diaries continue to be solid steppingstones into the literary world for any reluctant reader.
Harmless fun that neither rocks the boat nor swings for the fences. (Graphic/fiction hybrid. 8-12)Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1701-7
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Amulet/Abrams
Review Posted Online: Dec. 17, 2015
An entertaining and enjoyable read for dance fans and graphic-novel devotees.
Ballet, three BFFs, one frenemy and a handsome hip-hop teacher share the stage in this inviting graphic novel.
The girls, along with one boy, take ballet class, try their hands, hips and heads at hip-hop and prepare for a student production of The Sleeping Beauty. Humor abounds as two of the friends try to prevent the third of their trio from feeding her sweet tooth. Even the frenemy’s efforts to sabotage casting backfire with amusing results. Family issues find their way into the story when the girls tell white lies to their parents in order to attend a party, but it’s handled gently and ably. Béka (a pseudonym for a writing duo) keeps the action flying while Crip’s cartoon illustrations provide comical details and distinctive personalities for all the characters. Especially appealing is the inventive manner in which ballet movements find their way into school, home and boy-girl relationships. The grand performance of Beauty is a resounding success, albeit with its share of mishaps and more than one case of the jitters. And the girl who loves to nosh? She happily dances the role of Little Red Riding Hood, from the Act III variations, complete with a basket of goodies.
An entertaining and enjoyable read for dance fans and graphic-novel devotees. (Graphic novel. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-59707-254-0
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Papercutz
Review Posted Online: Jan. 29, 2012
A charming balance of cartoon and natural kitty-ness in full-color, eight-panel pages, this cat's-eye view of life will...
Miss Annie might just be a kitten, but she’s ready for adventure.
Four-month-old Miss Annie lives with The Dad, The Mom and young mistress Sarah—all of whom readers only see from the thighs down. Miss Annie defends her territory against potted plants and ventures on to The Dad’s desk despite stern warnings because pens and erasers are amusing. After all, there is little that a roll on the back and a purr can’t fix where humans are concerned. Miss Annie’s fondest wish is to go outside despite her mouse friend Keshia’s warnings of danger. When a window’s accidentally left open, Miss Annie leaps at the opportunity and meets old Zeno and beautiful Persian Rostropovna, who teach her about dogs and cars and invite her out to run the rooftops at night. Prolific French cartoonist Le Gall teams with debut graphic-novel illustrator Balthazar and colorist Doo for this first of two simultaneously published urban kitty adventures. In Rooftop Cat, Miss Annie gets a cat door, participates in a neighborhood cat fight with unfortunate results for Zeno and finds a male “friend” for Keshia.
A charming balance of cartoon and natural kitty-ness in full-color, eight-panel pages, this cat's-eye view of life will induce purrs in feline fans everywhere. (Graphic fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7613-8546-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Graphic Universe
Review Posted Online: Jan. 3, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2012
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