A great way to reboot the silly, gently creepy series for a new generation.
The Bailey School Kids series returns with a graphic-novel adaptation that asks: Is the kids’ new teacher a vampire?
Having tormented their former teacher into quitting, Eddie, the ringleader of the pranksters, thinks he can handle anyone the school can find to replace her. But the replacement is pale Transylvanian Mrs. Jeepers, whose Gothic demeanor, coffin ownership, and accent immediately have the kids thinking of vampires. The accent is depicted visually, with a faintly drippy (but still plenty legible) type set in a green that coordinates with her mystical, glowing brooch. At first Eddie, who presents White, is confident that he can get rid of her, but after he gets in trouble with Mrs. Jeepers for trying to touch Melody’s hair (she is illustrated as Black) without permission, the other kids notice—and taunt him that he’s afraid of Mrs. Jeepers. They challenge Eddie to sneak into Mrs. Jeepers’ basement, open the coffin, and tell them what’s inside—and he challenges Melody to come with him to verify. The mission ends in inconclusive creepiness, further shifting the balance of power in Mrs. Jeepers’ favor in their classroom battle of wills. The new format will be readily received by graphic-novel fans and reluctant readers alike. The full-color illustrations include a character guide at the front that provides names and establishes racial diversity.
A great way to reboot the silly, gently creepy series for a new generation. (Graphic paranormal/comedy. 6-10)Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-338-73660-1
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
Plenty of silly hijinks to keep the pages turning; readers will find this a gas.
After all the kittens in the world are abducted, it’s domesticated animal superheroes to the rescue!
Reluctantly recruited into the eXpets after driving two would-be burglars into nauseated submission with superpowered blasts of doggy gas from both ends, peaceable Bosco finds himself renamed Stanky Dog. Soon, he’s headed on a rescue mission to the moon with tiny but fierce Ginormous Gerbil, Wonder Guppy, and like stars of the S&SCU, or Simon & Schuster Comics Universe (not to be confused with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, if you please). With the innuendo extending even into chapter heads (“Doggie Don’t or Doggie Do?”), Tatulli’s loudly hued panes fill up with frenetic action and rapid-fire repartee as the heroes struggle to prevent archnemesis the Skunk and his tentacled minion, Captain Calamari, from digging up the ancient Collar of Power that would force all humans to become pets and vice versa. Can the furry fighters save the day—not to mention an ocean of wide-eyed, intensely cute kitties who were kidnapped to do lunar excavation? (“It’s actually a giant ball of kitty litter! And who knows more about digging through kitty litter than—kitties?”) Cue the slogan—“eXpets exceed expectations!”—on the way to a triumphant finish featuring a round of parties and parades back on Earth, plus a twist or two to set up future episodes.
Plenty of silly hijinks to keep the pages turning; readers will find this a gas. (Graphic adventure. 7-10)Pub Date: April 30, 2024
ISBN: 9781665914871
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Caitlyn Dlouhy/Atheneum
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024
Overstuffed.
Max and Mindy are back in action and must face old foes and nefarious new look-alikes.
Max Meow, feline resident of Kittyopolis, is secretly the superhero Cat Crusader, and he’s excited to no longer work solo. His BSFF (Best Science Friend Forever), brown-skinned human Mindy, has gained powers and created her own superhero persona, Science Kitty. Problem is, she puts so much pressure on herself to be perfect that she’s too scared to be a hero out in public. When havoc is wreaked at Food Fest, followed by a series of robberies, not only is the world of donut sales in peril, but the whole city is in danger. Old and new villains team up, and Cat Crusader will need Science Kitty’s skills—even if they are imperfect—in order to save the day and the donuts. This book tries to do a lot and isn’t always successful: An overabundance of plot points and characters makes it lack focus and overall cohesion. The more the story progresses, the messier and more jumbled it becomes, bogging down the pace. The lesson about the pitfalls of perfectionism does add some depth, and the brightly colored cartoon art plus the combination of silliness, science, and superpowers make this tale inviting. Fans of the first book may enjoy spending more time with these cool cats, but hopefully their next adventure will be smoother.
Overstuffed. (drawing instructions) (Graphic fantasy. 7-10)Pub Date: April 6, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-12108-5
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2021
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