false 5 53 42 true 5678656 read 1 true 3349365 currently-reading 0 true 3349364 to-read 10 true 3682332 read--waiting-review 11 false 3517721 picture-books 7 false 3517754 graphic-novels 6 false 3517722 early-readers 6 false 3517727 childrens-non-fiction 6 false 3517753 tween-books 4 false 3517714 board-books 4 false 3517718 childrens-fiction 2 false 3517716 music-albums 1 false 3517757 childrens-websites 1 false 3874575 childrens-film http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/37269953 to: One Hundred Demons (Paperback) by Lynda Barry
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Synopsis:NAME THAT DEMON!!! Freaky Boyfriends! Shouting Moms! Innocence betrayed! Rotten things we've done that will haunt us forever! These are some of the pickled demons Lynda Barry's storeis serve up comic-strip style, mixing the true and un-true into something she calles "autobifictionalography." Inspired by a 16th-century Zen monk's painting of a hundred demons chasing each other across a long scroll, and encouraged by a 20th-century editor, Barry's demons jump out of these pages and double-dare you to speak their names.
Review: Yes, it's a pretty intense graphic novel. But, not in the way that I'm used to graphic novels being intense. Part witty humor and part obvious therapy, Lynda Barry bravely addresses her multiple personal demons in one of the most passionate, self-effacing (yet proud) examples of "getting it all out in a creative manner" that I've seen in quite sometime. The great thing about this graphic novel is that while some of the story line will not connect with readers (as School Library Journal notes below) there is bound to be something--and yes, it's a
hideous "demon"--that will. And boy! Does it kind of sting like a glass of ice water tossed in your eyeballs when you see it sitting there in front of you, in full-color on the page. For me personally, the torturous pain of living through the nightmare that was Junior High (and, yes, sometimes Graduate School) just kicks into full gear in this book. Hence, I loved it! The ability to laugh at oneself cannot be too over-rated. Lynda Barry graciously laughs and then has enough energy left over to invite you with a step-by-step tutorial of how she did it. So that you too can create 100 demons all your very own! You'd think 100 would be a pretty large number. I'm finding out that it really isn't.
Critical Reviews:From Publishers Weekly, "simultaneously poignant and hilarious-never one at the expense of the other-and so are her loopy, sure-lined drawings, which make both the kids and the adults look as awkward and scrunched-up as they feel."From School Library Journal, "those who connect with it will come away with a deep appreciation for Barry." I appreciate Lynda Barry.



]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/38978622 to: The Art and Making of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Hardcover) by Jerry Beck
bookshelves: childrens-film
Synopsis: In the highly-anticipated sequel to 'Madagascar,' Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, King Julien, Maurice and the penguins and the chimps find themselves marooned on the distant shores of Madagascar. In the face of this obstacle, the New Yorkers have hatched a plan so crazy it just might work. With military precision, the penguins have repaired an old crashed plane--sort of. Once aloft, this unlikely crew stays airborne just long enough to make it to the wildest place of all--the vast plains of Africa, where the members of our zoo-raised crew encounter species of their own kind for the very first time. Africa seems like a great place...but is it better than their Central Park home?
Review: It took a bit of convincing on my part to get my husband to go to this film with me, let alone pay for it. But, as we began to settle in: hippo butts waddled, giraffe's got pierced and buried up to their necks and the absolutely hilarious Alec Baldwin (never thought I'd say that!) portrated an overweight, past his prime lion villain with a pompadour. My husband was laughing so hard, I knew I'd done a good thing. Who doesn't need a night of goofy humor now and again? And honestly, we were both laughing uncontrollably in spots it was as if someone had turned off the oxygen in the theatre. I was very pleasantly surprised by this film and would recommend it to just about anyone willing to cast off their inhibitions and just enjoy the quick witted humor and (yes, predictable) but, touching story of accidently returning home, making your family proud, saving the day and kicking some serious butt in the process. Children will also have a great time as the humor is on multiple levels and makes for a satisfying night out for everyone. Critical Reviews:Manhola Dargis from the New York Times was a bit of a wet blanket in her review saying, “Escape 2 Africa” is good enough in patches to make its distracting star turns, storybook clichés and stereotypes harder to take than they would be in a less enjoyable movie. I laughed, but honestly, if this country can vote colorblind surely its movie studios can animate colorblind too. (Can’t they?) Sure, but as Roger Ebert points out "while they all belong to separate species, they're comfortable with diversity." Which really is a good lesson for everyone that I don't think can ever be over-stated. Mr. Ebert goes on to say, "So OK, kids, if you liked the first one, this is better. Your parents may like it too." And he is right, I did! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/38978957 to: PBS Kids Website (website) by Public Broadcasting System
bookshelves: childrens-websites
Synopsis:
Review: This website is filled with everything you could possibly want to do on a rainy day. With all levels of entertainment, it can be a bit overwhelming for a newcomer such as myself to decide on the glossy icon of choice. Finally, deciding on Reading Rainbow, I was led through to the "Book of the Week" which featured children giving Skype book reviews of books they'd enjoyed. Amazing! What a great resource for children to connect with others their age and exchange book talks. The diversity of choice on this site is really nice as well. Seeing characters from other nations, backgrounds and even planets makes this site fun for everyone!
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/36252950 to: The Arrival (Hardcover) by Shaun Tan
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Synopsis: In a heartbreaking parting, a man gives his wife and daughter a last kiss and boards a steamship to cross the ocean. He's embarking on the most painful yet important journey of his life - he's leaving home to build a better future for his family. Shaun Tan evokes universal aspects of an immigrant's experience through a singular work of the imagination. He does so using brilliantly clear and mesmerizing images. Because the main character can't communicate in words, the book forgoes them too. But while the reader experiences the main character's isolation, he also shares his ultimate joy.
Review: I never got tired of looking at this graphic novel and once I'd read it, I took it out to my husband and said, "you must take a look at this beautiful representation of literature". He did and also wholeheartedly agreed that it was not merely enough to have seen this book. It must become a part of our collection. It must be purchased, treasured and shared with friends. Friends across the ocean in Japan, friends across the country and friends we are just begining to know. Shaun Tan is one of the many reasons I warmly admit to loving graphic novels whenever the topic of conversation arises. This story reminded me so very much of my own emotions upon leaving my homeland and living abroad for years. Wondering if I would return home. Wordless in form and yet so very, very clear in it's meaning. The sadness, fear, confusion, joy, wonder, bewilderment and hope that is portrayed in this book is what inspires me to keep smiling at strangers on the bus, to keep hoping that they too are simply--on the most basic human level---good. A masterpiece!
Critical Reviews:From School Library Journal
"Young readers will be fascinated by the strange new world the artist creates, complete with floating elevators and unusual creatures, but may not realize the depth of meaning or understand what the man's journey symbolizes." From Booklist, "the story's immediacy and fantasy elements will appeal even to readers younger than the target audience, though they may miss many of the complexities."
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/37805102 to: Doggone Town (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective #13) by Stefan Petrucha
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Synopsis: When Nancy Drew and Ned Nickerson attempt to return a lost dog named “Togo” to its owner in the small town of Nevershare, they stumble onto a much bigger mystery—where did all the people go? The entire population of Nevershare is missing, except for one person, and she’s mean and not very helpful. Will Nancy solve this mystery before she and Ned also disappear?
Review: Graphics are wonderful, storyline is o.k. which is kind of what I expected. This was my very first Nancy Drew story so, I'm not sure where the bar lies. I thought I might be playing limbo with this one and I was pretty much right. The story is kind of hard to believe for old timers like myself. That said I think it's just the thing for a 7-9 year old to really get excited about..at a sleep over with other 7-9 year olds. The high quality of the graphics kept me reading and the over-the-top, high drama that is oozing out from EVERYWHERE does involve a very creepy, greedy old lady. It's a fun little book for car trips and such. I imagine myself at 7 years old, bag of Jolly Ranchers, Hubba Bubba and Pixie Stix just going wild for it.
Critical Reviews: Could not find any reviews on this one. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/36517731 to: The Quest Begins (Seekers, #1) by Erin Hunter
bookshelves: tween-books
Synopsis: Three young bears from different species—black, polar, and grizzly—are separated from their families when they are just young cubs. They find themselves brought together on a perilous journey. Fate is about to change all these bears lives forever, setting their paws on a path toward a future they cannot yet imagine . . .
Review: Having just learned that Erin Hunter is actually a pen name for three seperate writers makes me less jealous of the fact that they were able to not only write this fantastic story but also managed to find time to crank out the equally awesome "Warrior" series without essentially breaking a sweat. So, now that I know, it's not as envy inspiring...but, only ,i>bear</i>ly. Straight off of the top, this book is very touching and it made me teary in a few places--so little ones and sensitive readers should know to be prepared. Natural selection and tragedy are realistically, unapologetically interwoven in this remarkable story. This tale follows three bear cubs (Kallik, Toklo and Lusa--great names!) through their separate journeys as they each struggle with illness, abandonment, death and captivity. It is their individual mythical belief in the protective, gallatic, earth, water and wind bear spirits which provides strength to continue on in the face of natural heart-breaking tragedy. The balance of characterization, natural bear behavior and environmental concerns makes this a really fantastic adventure story. As mentioned, more sensitive readers will need to steel themselves against the realistic portrayal of life in the wild.
Critical Reviews: The reviews I found agreed. "Told with an interesting balance of cute anthropomorphic characterization and realistic attention to bear behaviors and the brutalities of life in the wild." -- ALA Booklist. "Hunter creates a richly sensuous world filled with cruelty, beauty, tenderness, savagery and just enough underlying legendary background to add mystery." -- Kirkus Reviews
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