An addition to the Bone corpus sure to delight fans new and old.
Two whimsical adventures in the Bone universe are scaled for newcomers in this picture book with a graphic-novel feel.
In Smith’s newest addition to his ever expanding oeuvre, the adorable Bone boys are back for two new escapades. The first, “Finders Keepers,” features the tall and goofy Smiley Bone, sly and suspendered Phoney Bone, and earnest Fone Bone as they debate how to spend an unexpected windfall. Phoney and Smiley want to spend the money frivolously while Fone Bone presents a more sensible option. When they cannot come to a consensus, the trio finds themselves with nothing to show, gently emphasizing the importance of teamwork and cooperation. In the second tale, “Smiley’s Dream Book” (originally published as a stand-alone in 2018), Smiley has a wondrous reverie, counting birds with bespoke hats and scarves, until a fierce hawk threatens the fun. Fear not, Smiley will save the day, and his bravery is sure to elicit giggles from even the most stoic reader. Each full-color page (tints courtesy of Gaadt) is laid out as one framed panel with large, bright artwork, largely wordless action sequences, and easy-to-read, economically worded speech balloons. With its emphasis on sharing and counting, this is certainly slanted toward emerging readers, but older readers already familiar with the Bones should enjoy spending time with well-loved characters. All three characters present as male.
An addition to the Bone corpus sure to delight fans new and old. (Picture book. 4-9)Pub Date: May 5, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-338-62068-9
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
Both colorful and high spirited, this title will give new readers a good run for their money.
In cartoon format and awash with voice and thought bubbles, kids and canines make a day of it at the dog park.
The Super-Duper Dog Park that is. Here our pooch pals can do everything from playing badminton to riding an old-fashioned bicycle, swim underwater, climb trees and howl at the rain. Steinke’s text is geared to be easy reading, but it is not without cleverness: snatches of rhyme or onomatopoeic devices that give a good taste of sound. Sometimes the text can feel almost surreal—while a girl is crying out, “We can bounce!” she is also thinking, “Dogs in the bounce house!” Sometimes there appear to be role-reversals, as when a boy is thinking “Food! Food! I want food!” just as readers might imagine a dog thinks about hunger. The artwork follows the text’s accessible engagement. It's as visually plain-speaking as a Nancy comic strip but also active and varied; the drive to the dog park—kids and dogs only, dog behind the wheel—passes through verdant fields, parched desert and snow-capped alpine ridges.
Both colorful and high spirited, this title will give new readers a good run for their money. (Graphic early reader. 6-9)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60905-093-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Blue Apple
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2011
Quietly thoughtful and emotionally on-point
A wordless graphic offering conveys the fun and frustration of playing with friends.
In a bright, sunny room, white, carrot-topped Andrew draws a picture of his favorite three-horned purple monster. Suddenly, Andrew senses a presence at the window and discovers his purple friend peeking in at him. Quick as a flash, the young hero grabs his pith helmet and butterfly net, and the chase is on throughout an unthreatening, earth-toned forest. However, the violet creature continually manages to elude Andrew, and the boy’s frustration mounts until, in a moment of palpable vexation, he throws down his gear, ends the game, and storms off back home. After a good night of sleep and some time to ruminate, will Andrew take up the chase again, or will his emotions get the better of him? Nordling and Roberts’ take on childhood frustration is adroitly captured through big, clean, vibrant panels. The friendly-looking monster seems to enjoy the chase but doesn’t understand that he’s angering his friend. Andrew’s irritation at constantly being outwitted nearly vibrates off the pages, and watching his emotions cycle from angry back to calm should certainly resonate with younger readers. Andrew will appear in sequels featuring team games, though not as the main character.
Quietly thoughtful and emotionally on-point . (Graphic adventure. 4-8)Pub Date: April 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-5124-1330-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Graphic Universe
Review Posted Online: Jan. 16, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2017
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