Outlandish science fiction fun for the younger set.
In this beginning reader graphic novel, two very different sisters find a common cause.
Math-loving Nera and artistic Lucy live on the Moon, where they’re often at odds. Both have round heads, each with a single antenna protruding from her forehead, though Nera is blue-skinned, while Lucy is green-skinned. Not even a shared eighth birthday present—a tiny Luna Fish they name Moona—can bring them together. At first neither child wants the new pet; then they both fight over it. Eventually, both sisters bond with Moona in their own ways, but Moona quickly outgrows her fishbowl. When the owner of a space aquarium offers to buy Moona and make her a star, Nera wants to sell, but Lucy balks. They flip a coin to decide. Nera wins; an angry Lucy stalks off. But once Nera visits the aquarium and sees how miserable the other animal performers are, she has a change of heart. The aquarium’s owner refuses to release Moona, so Nera and Moona flee, and a high-speed chase across the galaxy ensues. Eventually, the sisters work together to put things right—though it’s only a temporary truce. Bright, blocky artwork created with brush, ink, and Photoshop immerses readers in a fast-paced space-age adventure. A variety of panels, paired with accessible text laced with humor, demonstrate that even the most embattled siblings can unite when necessary.
Outlandish science fiction fun for the younger set. (Graphic early reader. 4-6)Pub Date: June 25, 2024
ISBN: 9780823456369
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: April 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2024
Likable dog Emma charms readers again (Letters from a Desperate Dog, 2006) in her anxiety-driven attempts to save her beloved owner, George, from the supposed clutches of new woman-on-the-scene Loretta. At first Emma believes Loretta is trying to kidnap George—she is holding his hand!—and her fears grow as Loretta spends more time at the house. Will they get married? Will Loretta’s dog Hankie hog the space on the couch? Emma scampers off to e-mail Ask Queenie, an advice column for dogs. Preschool children will relish pointing out when Emma has misunderstood a situation and cringe at her efforts, all involving bad behavior, to get rid of Loretta. But then Queenie contacts both dogs upon realizing that Emma and Hankie share concerns about the owners’ romance. After a chase by the dog catcher, appetizing Dumpster diving and one last bath, harmony is achieved. Christelow’s bright, cartoon-like illustrations in comic-book panels humorously display the antics while dialogue bubbles abet easy reading. Pitch perfect for those children adjusting to a new person in their lives. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-547-24205-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Hayes, the Geisel Award–winning creator of the Benny and Penny stories (Benny and Penny in the Big No-No, 2009, etc.) introduces a new character in this collection of short graphic stories. Patrick, a young bear, goes on a picnic with his mother that ends up taking place inside due to rain, learns to deal with a bully and takes—or doesn't take—a nap. The vocabulary is just right, featuring many of the sight words that kids in kindergarten and first grade are expected to know, and the softly colored cartoon format is appealing. The fact that it's a collection makes it even more accessible—ambitious readers can tackle the whole thing at once; those just starting out can read one at a time. However, the content seems a bit young for the intended audience; those ready to read this are long past naptime, and Patrick's best friend still seems to be his mother, making this perhaps a better choice for kids learning to read at an especially young age rather than the early-elementary crowd. For the most part, though, the format, vocabulary and art work well here to encourage kids to read on their own and have fun doing it. (Graphic early reader. 4-6)
Pub Date: April 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-935179-09-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: TOON/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Feb. 27, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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