Chase the clouds away with Sesame Street: I Is For Imagination as Sesame Street, the most beloved and long-running children's property, comes to comics for the FIRST TIME!
Join Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Bert & Ernie, Cookie Monster, and all of your favorites in this special volume featuring art by Amy Mebberson (The Muppet Show, Strawberry Shortcake), James Silvani (Muppet King Arthur, Darkwing Duck), and more!
New York Times best selling author Jason M. Burns made the leap into the comic book industry in 2004 after being asked to write a short story for Dead@17: Rough Cut. Since that time he has written and created a number of critically-acclaimed and commercially-successful comic book series, including A Dummy’s Guide to Danger, Curse of the Were-Woman, and The Expendable One, which is being developed into a major motion picture by Intrepid Pictures. Burns has also spent time writing for such recognizable brands as Sesame Street, Shrek, Megamind, Jericho, Pocket God, Kung Fu Panda, Riche Rich, and Fraggle Rock, while working with on-screen talent as well, including Law & Order: SVU’s Christopher Meloni.
Most recently Burns wrote, directed, and produced the live action web series Adults Only, which stars Danny Nucci, Vincent Pastore, Brian Austin Green, Sebastian Bach, and others.
Burns was born and raised in Massachusetts where he began his career as an entertainment journalist and public relations professional.
Title: I is for Imagination Authors: Amy Mebberson and Jason Burns Publisher: Diamond Back Distributors Release Date: May 7, 2013
I have been privileged to receive an early edition of the first in an upcoming comic book series to be released by the creators of Sesame Street called "I is for Imagination." Mom Says: From its inception, Sesame Street's mission has been to provide our children with education and entertainment. The first strip in this comic book does exactly that. Elmo is sad because he does not have "real" superpowers such as the ability to fly. Yet, Grover teaches him that the power to be a superhero lies in one's heart through every day accomplishments such as helping someone cross the street or opening the door for someone. This first segment of the book stays true to Sesame Street's goals and the expectations we have. The second strip does not have an overt "message" like the first one did. The Cookie Monster is gazing at the moon and imagines it is a cookie which he can dunk in the Milky Way Galaxy. While there is no clear message here, this strip stills shows the concept of imagination, which is the actual title and purpose of the book. The third and final strip of this edition is a little disappointing. It features Oscar the Grouch's musings about how much he loves trash. There is no message nor is there any use of imagination here. Also, the way Oscar the Grouch is drawn seems to be a bit darker than he usually appears, almost like how the Batman comics are drawn. Some parts of it are funny however, especially when you look closely at the details, such as how the Grouch family dog looks exactly like Oscar, but in dog form, and for "Grumpsgiving", the family eats "Yuckberry Pie." Compared to the first two, this segment is anti-climactic and I felt does not live up to what Sesame Street has sought out to accomplish.
Kid Says: Then there is the verdict of my 4 year old son, whose opinion matters most of all. He was engaged in the first story with Elmo and enjoyed the illustrations. He enjoyed identifying the acts of heroism shown in the last few slides, such as a school crossing guard helping children crossing the street and a lady helping an elderly man. After this strip, however, he was not impressed. The last 2 stories did not hold his attention. So what's the verdict? Bookshelf, Library Bag, or Donation Box? I would go with Library Bag. The first two stories made it a worthwhile read for me, while only the first story did make the book a worthwhile read for my son. I am looking forward to seeing the next comic books to be released by Sesame Street.
I must admit that I've never been sent an ELMO book for review purposes, but when I saw this adorable little Sesame Street comic book... I just KNEW I couldn't resist, right?
Now, I don't have a kid by my side to provide a useful perspective on how much your own child might enjoy this book, but I can give you a grown-up's viewpoint at least.. for whatever that's worth.
This comic has three separate little stories, the first of which is sure to be everybody's favorite... not only because it stars the loveable little Elmo but also because it has the most beautiful illustrations and the most heartwarming message. Elmo feels sad because he has no superhero powers, but he learns a valuable lesson about the identity of the REAL heroes of the world (which, in turn, helps Elmo find his own inner powers -- so sweet!)
The second story is about Cookie Monster, in which he imagines the moon as dessert and teaches us not only about the power of imagination but also that desserts aren't foods that we get to enjoy ALL of the time. The art here was whimsical and cute, although not as childlike and innocent as the first section.
Now, the third story is the one that totally threw me off. The art in this section seemed a little menacing almost -- as if it was intended to look more comic book-ish, whatever THAT means. Oscar wanted to find the town stink and contain it for himself, which I'm sure is something that Oscar would indeed do... it just lacked the charm of the first two sections.
The Elmo story alone will make this one a keeper, though. Who can resist a comic book about a sweet little red monster?
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me a copy of this e-book for the purposes of providing an honest review!
Presenting the very first adventure of everybody's soon-to-be-favorite hero, the monster who is more red than a tomato, more adorable than a basket of kittens, and funnier than a knock knock joke...It's SUPER ELMO!
My daughter loved this book. She is four years old and has never really bothered either way for Sesame Street but likes Elmo well enough. She loved the pictures and the story about Elmo the Super Hero, the Cookie Monster in space, and Oscar the Grouch and laundry day.
The Cookie Monster was her favorite of the three. Although, I must say, my different character voices were absolutely spectacular (cough!).
So, why is this good for your kids... We learn about how being a hero begins in the heart. we learn that the Cookie Monster loves cookies and milk (smile). We learn about Oscar and his love for bad smells as he helps Telly help leila with wet socks from the laundromat. Most important is the Hero story, the other two are just for fun.