Book review - Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea

Title: Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea
Author: Ben Clanton
Genre: graphic novel/humor
Similar books: Sleepless Knight by James Sturm
                     Claude in the City by Alex T Smith

Rating:

a silly good time

Summary (provided by publisher): Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.
A wonderfully silly early graphic novel series featuring three stories. In the first, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever -- even though it doesn't have any words...or pictures!
Ben Clanton showcases the joys of friendship, the benefits of working together and the power of imagination in the delightful Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea.

My opinion: If you like ridiculous stories, this is the book for you. It's out there, but in the best possible way. Like Mo Willems and Bob Shea did for picture books, so Clanton does for graphic novels. The stories are simple and rely on a truly absurd brand of humor. This means, though, that they can be appreciated by a broad audience. They are straightforward, so don't expect to be mulling them over even minutes after finishing but for sheer entertainment value this book gets a great big thumbs up from me.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review - Light

Title: Light
Author: Rob Cham
Genre: graphic novel
Similar books: Robot Dreams by Sarah Varon
                     The Tiger by Frederic Brremaud
Rating:

interesting but not my first pick

Summary (provided by publisher): Light is a silent graphic novel that follows a pair of adventurers on an epic quest to collect five magic gems from deep inside the earth and bring them to the surface to return color to the world. On the way they carry fire-lit torches through secret places and endless passages, swim in crystal-clear waters, encounter strange beasts and creatures, and meet strange mysterious hermits! Writer/Artist Rob Cham creates beautiful vivid illustrations that gradually evolve from black and white subterranean worlds to vivid bright colorscapes. This inspiring all-ages story recalls retro video-game vibes and role playing games, creating a one-of-a-kind mythos of magic lands and mischievous critters.

My opinion: Wordless graphic novels are risky. Your images must be distinct and expressive so the reader can clearly follow the plot. This one isn't quite there. Cham does some really cool things with his selective use of color and the interplay between light and shadow. The plot, though, gets a bit muddled at times. Could be interesting to discuss in a group setting, though.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

It started out with good intentions

I have a small sketch book I use to plot out some of my craft projects. I had a vague idea of doing a cow themed project but no clear ideas so I started doodling in hopes of gaining some direction. Instead it went of the rails into increasingly unhelpful doodles. The cow project has been shelved for now. I kind of like the doodles, though.

This one is definitely the turning point. Elvis cow pretty much guaranteed that I was done being productive

 

Graphic Novel Spotlight - Monster Motors

Monster Motors by Brian Lynch

While retelling classic monster stories with cars wouldn't be my first choice, it plays out well in graphic novel format. The illustrations are stylized, allowing the monster cars to have personality and menace instead of holding rigidly to representing reality. Lynch also blends several classic monster stories, Dracula and Frankenstein being the major elements. There is a heavy dose of humor, keeping the story from becoming maudlin. A good choice for teen graphic novel fan looking for a mildly spooky story for Halloween.

Non-fiction book review - Monster Science

Monster Science by Helaine Becker

I'll be honest - the cover of this book is a bit of a turn off. But it belies a fantastic interior. The approach is great. Using a monster as a starting point to introduce a variety of historical, scientific, cultural, and ethic issues is genius. While none of these concepts are explored in any depth, its a great way to pique a child's interest. I don't love the illustrations but the content is good enough to give the design flaws a pass.

Book review - The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes

Title: The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes
Author: Wade Albert White
Genre: fantasy
Similar books: The Voyage to Magical North by Claire Fayres
                     The Goblin's Puzzle by Andrew S. Chilton
Rating:

clever, quirky fun

Summary (provided by publisher): A thrilling debut novel where fantasy and science fiction meet, dragons aren't as innocent as they look, and nothing is quite what it seems.
Anne has spent most of her thirteen years dreaming of the day she and her best friend Penelope will finally leave Saint Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children. When the big day arrives, a series of very curious happenings lead to Anne being charged with an epic quest. Anne, Penelope, and new questing partner Hiro have only days to travel to strange new locales, solve myriad riddles, and triumph over monstrous foes--or face the horrible consequences.

My opinion: I didn't have particularly high expectations going into this one so I was pleasantly surprised by the execution. On the surface it's a fairly standard fantasy adventure. An unlikely team thrown together by circumstance. A menacing villain, a series of enigmatic tasks. Its somewhat predictable. What makes it shine is that White know and acknowledges this predictability and he plays with it. The characters must draw role cards for their quest, roles that include betrayer. Its all very tongue in cheek, keeping it light and entertaining. It helps that he characters are well-presented, complex and dynamic. I like the sci-fi elements as well. A great first volume. I'll be interested to see how the series progresses.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Not quite Jaws

I've been toying with the idea of a shark puppet for a while. When I found this blue sock among my puppet supplies everything seemed to come together. He turned out a little more silly than menacing but I think I like it. He's got character.