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Hotel Strange #1
Wake Up, Spring
The calendar says it's spring, but winter weather won't end. What's happening? The quirky residents of Hotel Strange go on a quest to find out.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 16, 2021
A cute little comic about a hotel for monsters that has problems when Mr. Spring goes missing leaving snow on the ground into March. So the inhabitants of the hotel go on a quest to find him. Kids who like the fantastical will enjoy this.
December 29, 2017
This was a cute little comic! I love all the different monsters and the detailed artwork is fun to look at. My 6 year old daughter enjoyed this one as well, and we’ve already checked out the 3 remaining books in the series.
Also, a fun addition to these books is that there is a footnote in the middle of each story which directs the reader to a recipe at the back of each book. My daughter thought that was pretty cool, so at some point we will try the recipe for a sponge cake included in this first book.
Also, a fun addition to these books is that there is a footnote in the middle of each story which directs the reader to a recipe at the back of each book. My daughter thought that was pretty cool, so at some point we will try the recipe for a sponge cake included in this first book.
February 21, 2017
So cute!!! Loved everything about this quirky and adorable French comic featuring a hotel catering to monsters, spirits and otherworldly creatures! Kiki the purple Uglydoll-lookalike and the ghostly green guestbook Mr. Snarf were my favorites, but all the characters are charming and appealingly drawn with bright fun colors and accents.
It reminded me of a cross between the Hildafolk series mixed with Spirited Away (there are even soot sprites!) but with a charming French flair. There is always a dessert recipe at the end that roughly ties in with the story, and the art is full of wonderful little details from the rustic forest lodge hotel's folksy rosemaling patterns to Celestin the gnome's mushroom hat's antlers made from tree trunks.
I do wish I could find the French originals as it would probably be simple enough for me to follow with my rusty skills and use as practice with my kids. (Plus we'd learn lots of fun French folkloric terms like gnome!)
Funny and cute, Hotel Strange is a series I highly recommend for readers of all ages!
It reminded me of a cross between the Hildafolk series mixed with Spirited Away (there are even soot sprites!) but with a charming French flair. There is always a dessert recipe at the end that roughly ties in with the story, and the art is full of wonderful little details from the rustic forest lodge hotel's folksy rosemaling patterns to Celestin the gnome's mushroom hat's antlers made from tree trunks.
I do wish I could find the French originals as it would probably be simple enough for me to follow with my rusty skills and use as practice with my kids. (Plus we'd learn lots of fun French folkloric terms like gnome!)
Funny and cute, Hotel Strange is a series I highly recommend for readers of all ages!
August 20, 2015
I liked this story. It was strange and yet intriguing. I would read it again, along with other books in the series.
February 26, 2018
Bardzo dobry, grzeczny i ładnie narysowany komiks dla dzieci.
October 13, 2015
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wake Up, Spring is a story about Hotel Strange and the seasons. There is a variety of fun and whimsical characters -- some good and others not so good. The story begins as the staff tries to figure out why Spring hasn't come to send away the snow. The protagonist Marietta and her friends end up on a quest to find Mr. Spring and Mr. Winter to sort out the trouble.
While I enjoyed the story, I don't feel we were properly introduced to the world of Hotel Strange. For a first book in a series, I think the hotel could have used more of a description than it got.
My daughter and I read this together in one sitting. I didn't know from the synopsis that it was a graphic novel, so we had to make that adjustment. She is an early reader (1st grade) and needed more help following the story. However, we were quickly able to get into it.
Overall, this was okay. It's not something we would have bought prior to reviewing; however, it's a story we both enjoyed together. Now that we've read the first installment, we are much more likely to see what comes next.
Wake Up, Spring is a story about Hotel Strange and the seasons. There is a variety of fun and whimsical characters -- some good and others not so good. The story begins as the staff tries to figure out why Spring hasn't come to send away the snow. The protagonist Marietta and her friends end up on a quest to find Mr. Spring and Mr. Winter to sort out the trouble.
While I enjoyed the story, I don't feel we were properly introduced to the world of Hotel Strange. For a first book in a series, I think the hotel could have used more of a description than it got.
My daughter and I read this together in one sitting. I didn't know from the synopsis that it was a graphic novel, so we had to make that adjustment. She is an early reader (1st grade) and needed more help following the story. However, we were quickly able to get into it.
Overall, this was okay. It's not something we would have bought prior to reviewing; however, it's a story we both enjoyed together. Now that we've read the first installment, we are much more likely to see what comes next.
November 12, 2015
Hotel Strange #1: Wake Up. Spring is a children's graphic novel from Florian Ferrier and Katherine Ferrier, and translated by Carol Burrell. The residents of Hotel Strange hibernate for the winter. however, one snowy morning they are awoke by the guests registered for the first day of Spring, but nothing is ready and Spring seems to be missing. the year round residents of the hotel need to find spring, and keep the guests happy despite not having prepared for their arrival.
Hotel Strange #1: Wake Up. Spring is a cute and charming graphic novel with an odd hotel, a quirky cast of characters residing in and running the hotel, and personified seasons. In the search for Mr. Spring the group talks to Mr. Winter and a variety of creatures. The adventure never gets really scary, but counts on the imagined snares from the characters, and the readers, to keep up suspense. It was cute and fun, with characters that are quirky and enjoyable.
Hotel Strange #1: Wake Up. Spring is a cute and charming graphic novel. The story was slightly disjointed at times, but overall I enjoyed it.
Hotel Strange #1: Wake Up. Spring is a cute and charming graphic novel with an odd hotel, a quirky cast of characters residing in and running the hotel, and personified seasons. In the search for Mr. Spring the group talks to Mr. Winter and a variety of creatures. The adventure never gets really scary, but counts on the imagined snares from the characters, and the readers, to keep up suspense. It was cute and fun, with characters that are quirky and enjoyable.
Hotel Strange #1: Wake Up. Spring is a cute and charming graphic novel. The story was slightly disjointed at times, but overall I enjoyed it.
April 26, 2016
It's winter and the staff of Hotel Strange are awakened by a group of visitors ready to check in. They are surprised to learn that despite the snow and cold it is March 21st, which is also the first day of the year that Hotel Strange opens its doors.
Marietta leads a group to find Mr. Spring, the man who brings all things associated with the season. Believing he may have been kidnapped, the group finds Mr. Winter and learns that the two are brothers. He is ready to be done with winter just as much as anyone else and Marietta and company convince Mr. Winter to rest and relax at Hotel Strange, which is where Mr. Spring is eventually found and brings a humorous and simple close to the episode.
This graphic novel from France features a spooky cast that includes friendly monsters and ghosts on staff and humor and action that is timed similarly to a children's television program.
Recommended for fans of Pearson's Hildafolk series grades K-3.
Marietta leads a group to find Mr. Spring, the man who brings all things associated with the season. Believing he may have been kidnapped, the group finds Mr. Winter and learns that the two are brothers. He is ready to be done with winter just as much as anyone else and Marietta and company convince Mr. Winter to rest and relax at Hotel Strange, which is where Mr. Spring is eventually found and brings a humorous and simple close to the episode.
This graphic novel from France features a spooky cast that includes friendly monsters and ghosts on staff and humor and action that is timed similarly to a children's television program.
Recommended for fans of Pearson's Hildafolk series grades K-3.
August 31, 2015
This is a cute graphic novel for the younger set. There is not a lot of dialogue to get them bogged down, but enough to make a good story and the illustrations are great.
Hotel Strange closes in the winter while everyone hibernates. They reopen in the spring each year. This year, they are awakened by the sound of people at their door. When they go to see who is there, they find out it is the beginning of March and the guests have arrived, but Spring has not. Marietta, Kiki, and Mr. Leclair set off to find Spring, and get rid of Winter. With the help of Celestin and some other creatures, they have an adventure and finally "Wake Up Spring."
I recommend this book to early readers who may not want a chapter book but still like a good story and want to move beyond simple picture books.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hotel Strange closes in the winter while everyone hibernates. They reopen in the spring each year. This year, they are awakened by the sound of people at their door. When they go to see who is there, they find out it is the beginning of March and the guests have arrived, but Spring has not. Marietta, Kiki, and Mr. Leclair set off to find Spring, and get rid of Winter. With the help of Celestin and some other creatures, they have an adventure and finally "Wake Up Spring."
I recommend this book to early readers who may not want a chapter book but still like a good story and want to move beyond simple picture books.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2015
Mr. Spring is late so the Hotel Strange staff set out to Mr. Winter's house to find out why he hasn't stopped yet and what has happened to Spring. This is a cute little comic, but I did find the story on the bland side. While it wasn't very exciting I did love the art. The characters are quirky and a creepy cute that I'm particularly attracted to. I'd probably read the next book just because I like the characters so much and hope the story would be better.
November 23, 2015
I loved the illustrations in this graphic novel, and found the characters charming and delightful. When Spring doesn't arrive, the proprietor of Hotel Strange must find him so the snow will melt. This leads to a grand adventure with vast landscapes and strange creatures that all seems to fit neatly into this relatively short package.
I think my favorite was the portrayal of Kiki's grumpy moods.
Looking forward to more in the series.
I think my favorite was the portrayal of Kiki's grumpy moods.
Looking forward to more in the series.
February 18, 2016
This is a pretty good graphic novel choice for young kids (preschool or early elementary) who like folk & fairy tales. There are several monsters in the book, some scary, some not, but the tension never gets too high and the story has a sweet, pat ending.
April 11, 2016
This was a charming comic for youngsters, I'll definitely be picking up the second one to read to my littlest as well.
July 1, 2016
this was a good book!
April 8, 2019
This graphic novel cracked me up! The characters were odd yet lovable. The artwork was great and I can’t wait to read all of the books in the series.
May 11, 2018
My kindergartner and I love this series. It's weird and wonderous and just a little scary. We really like following the included recipe for the treat featured in the story too. The illustrations are cute, which mitigates some of the scare factor. Other parents should know that a creature (not one of the main characters) is saved after being kidnapped and that there are creepy monsters called blood slurpers in the attic of the hotel (they don't hurt anyone but are genuinely scary). One of the kid-like characters also smokes a pipe, which might bother some parents.
I gave four stars instead of five because the translation is pretty awkward in places: many things are litereral translations from French, so some of the humor and the connotations of certain parts of the text are lost. On the other hand, if you're learning French yourself or teaching it to your child, the simple text is easy to translate, and if you order a French copy, it's easy to read the English and French versions side-by-side to check your language skills.
I gave four stars instead of five because the translation is pretty awkward in places: many things are litereral translations from French, so some of the humor and the connotations of certain parts of the text are lost. On the other hand, if you're learning French yourself or teaching it to your child, the simple text is easy to translate, and if you order a French copy, it's easy to read the English and French versions side-by-side to check your language skills.
April 21, 2020
Treściowo jest to mocno przewidywalne i chyba jedynie gra genderowa, brak zwiewnej i uroczej “pani wiosny” a gruby i mikołajopodobny Pan Wiosen grają w mojej duszy na plus dla tej opowiastki. Co innego ilustracje - oczywiście znamy ten styl z bajek dla maluchów i nie jest to dzieło z dużymi ambicjami artystycznymi, ale są to ilustracje ciekawe, pięknie pokolorowane, świetnie grające na kontrastach i ogląda się je przyjemnie.
August 23, 2022
What an adorable little story!! This has me smiling and laughing aloud. Yes, I did audibly laugh with this. It was so cute.
A. Who's ringing our doorbell in the middle of winter.
B. Someone who's going to get whacked with my pillow.
SAME! haha
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
A. Who's ringing our doorbell in the middle of winter.
B. Someone who's going to get whacked with my pillow.
SAME! haha
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
August 1, 2023
Everyone is still sleeping thinking it's still winter when the guests arrive and the hotel has to not only help the guests but find Spring too. This was a fun little adventure and the illustrations helped to tell the story and the words just help describe the story. I really liked all the characters and the resolution was very satisfying.
November 5, 2024
Weird book, but I liked it. It's short and interesting, but a bit strange as the title suggests. Illustrations are cool. The ending made me laugh. I did not expect that when I first heard of the problem.
November 8, 2017
Charming, weird characters and a pleasing visual style make this first volume in the Hotel Strange series fun for elementary age and up.
March 26, 2019
Feels a touch Moomin-esque with its normalcy of strange creatures.
Kiki came off as Bloo-lite in design and temperament, and I didn't care much for him as a character because of that.
Kiki came off as Bloo-lite in design and temperament, and I didn't care much for him as a character because of that.
August 8, 2021
It's adorable.
August 22, 2022
Very cute
September 1, 2022
Adorable! I don’t often read graphic novels for elementary schoolers, but this one was part of Hoopla’s bonus borrows for August and it was adorable. The character designs are cute, the problem is straightforward (Mr. Spring is missing and this bed and breakfast crew set out to find him), and the problems encountered along the way are adventurous!
November 24, 2022
Reminds me of Moomins
January 19, 2023
És molt divertit però que no l'entenc molt i les il·lustracions són súper boniques.
Read
November 18, 2024Trudno się czyta komiks z trzylatkiem.
December 31, 2021
i read this book based on someone's recommendation that it felt like a studio ghibli film, and this definitely delivered! this whimsical and magical children's graphic novel is about some cute creatures who run a hotel and who wake up one day to see that the first guests of the spring have arrived, but it's still winter outside, so they go off in search of mr. spring. i loved the sweet art style and the included recipe at the end was a nice touch. what a perfect short read for a wintry day (:
November 28, 2016
Ferrier, Katherine and Florian Wake up Spring! (Hotel Strange #1) 40 pgs. Graphic Universe, 2015. $7.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G GRAPHIC NOVEL
Marietta and Kiki run Hotel Strange, but its closed for the winter so they can hibernate. When guests show up for the reservations, the pair discover that its spring, well sort of, the weather is still very wintery. So they go in search of Mr. Spring and have some crazy adventures including meeting Mumblers, Grouchies and Mr. Winter.
This was a cute book with large easy to reader pages and adorable illustrations. It’s a bit odd and convoluted for my taste though. I probably wouldn’t add it to my library since Hotel Strange is a bit creepy, with monsters in the basement, and I think the age that would interested in this read would have a difficult time with some of that kind of stuff. Probably a 1st-2nd grade reading level.
EL(K-3) –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Marietta and Kiki run Hotel Strange, but its closed for the winter so they can hibernate. When guests show up for the reservations, the pair discover that its spring, well sort of, the weather is still very wintery. So they go in search of Mr. Spring and have some crazy adventures including meeting Mumblers, Grouchies and Mr. Winter.
This was a cute book with large easy to reader pages and adorable illustrations. It’s a bit odd and convoluted for my taste though. I probably wouldn’t add it to my library since Hotel Strange is a bit creepy, with monsters in the basement, and I think the age that would interested in this read would have a difficult time with some of that kind of stuff. Probably a 1st-2nd grade reading level.
EL(K-3) –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews