Planet Fashion by Natasha Slee
This book follows a consistent pattern. It takes a region/cultural group and time period and explores the fashion elements that defined the era. It looks at silhouettes and fabrics. The role of gender and politics. It's largely the "what" of a time period's fashion but there's a fair amount of exploration of "why". This includes not just the clothes but also the culture. Be it bicycles or disco, war or economic surplus, many things have an influence on fashion. Slee looks at a wide variety of locations as well. A fun look at history for young readers.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
There's something about the look of carp kites that I thoroughly enjoy. So I like to portray them whenever I can. In this case, for a card for an upcoming craft fair.
Art Masterclass with Claude Monet by Katie Cotton
Art Masterclass with Gustave Klimt by Lucy Brownridge
Most kids' books about art and artists take one of two approaches: 1) the life of the artist; 2) examples of the the artist's most famous works. Now, both of those things are present in these books but the larger focus is on elements of the artist's style. In both books, we are presented with a painting that exemplifies some element of the art style. Motion, shadow, shape, focus. We look at the element and then experiment with replicating the element. These books allow young artists to experiment and develop their own art styles as well as looking at the artists' work through a new lens.
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Title: Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers
Author: Shauna M. Holyoak
Genre: mystery
Similar books: Charlie & Frog by Karen Kane
The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton
Rating:
 |
| a touch disappointing |
Summary(provided by publisher): When a string of dognappings grips her Denver neighborhood, Kazu Jones vows to track down the culprits. She can't stand to see more dogs go missing-especially once her neighbors' beloved pet is taken because of her gigantic mistake.
With the help of her gang-including her best friend and expert hacker, March; and her ginormous, socially anxious pup, Genki-Kazu uncovers evidence that suggests the dognapping ring is bigger than she ever imagined. But the more she digs, the more dangerous her investigation becomes. The dognappers are getting bolder, and Genki could be next...
My opinion: Mysteries for middle grade readers are tricky territory. These are kids old enough to handle a mystery about actual crime, elements of real danger. At the same time it has to be handled carefully. You don't want to glamorize risky behavior. You want the reader to question the kid's involvement when real crime is involved. Holyoak tries to do that. Kazu gets in trouble every time she investigates. When she puts herself and her friends in real danger they get in trouble with parents and police. That's commendable but Kazu is undeterred. She ends the book still running investigations, implying that she could get involved in another crime in future. The actual mystery is thinly evidenced and without enough reasonable suspects.
More information: Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers releases April 23.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
I'm playing with an idea for peg dolls to sell at craft fairs. I'd love to do a series of famous historical figures with a special focus on women. For a test case, I made Sojourner Truth.
Yasmina and the Potato Eaters by Wauter Mannaert
A little girl encounters mutant potatoes. This sounds like a strange concept for a graphic novel. It is translated from French. That likely raises red flags for a potential reader. In spite of those things, it's a charming story. The sci-fi elements are fairly minimal, to be honest, and take on more the flavor of a classic B-movie. Yasmina is more a story of appreciating food. This is a story of a little girl who loves to cook, who enjoys the process of putting fresh foods together in unique and appealing ways. She appreciates the way that a good meal brings people together. Mannaert brings up organics, processed foods, GMOs, and general ecology. I should note, too, that while the genetic manipulation in this book goes bad, Mannaert doesn't out and out vilify GMOs. Rather, he seems to urge caution and thoughtfulness.
Artistically, it's very stylized. There's a heavy use of contrast more common in European comics. And there are many near wordless passages, so the illustrations are used to their proper effect.
I was frustrated to find that Part 1 cuts off rather suddenly, with no resolution of any sort. Certainly give this series a read but do yourself a favor and wait until you can get both volumes at once.
More information: Part 1 is available now. Part 2 releases April 17.
Advanced Reader copy provided by NetGalley.
Killer Style by Serah-Marie McMahon and Alison Matthews David
With every industry there is value in examining the dark side. Sure, fashion has value. It tells us about culture, can be a vehicle for change. It can also be incredibly dangerous. McMahon and David take us through several examples of the dangers. We see the physical dangers of wearing fashions like restricted movement and fire hazards; dangers in production like industrial poisons and factory conditions; social dangers like sweat shops. The cases span a range of history and are careful to point out any myths connected to each story. It's a fascinating read and would be a good choice for teens and tweens with an interest in fashion or social justice.
More information: Killer Style releases April 15.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
