Comic Relief...right off the bookshelf
National Comic Book Day is September 25. Join the celebration and the current comic craze by reading a graphic novel this fall, which may feature animals, kids, teens, or superheroes.
Ages 6 to 9
This Little Piggy: An Owner’s Manual
By Cyndi Marko
What happens when you want a pet really badly, but you have trouble convincing your mom that a pig is the perfect addition to your family? Especially if your mom loves her garden more than any animal in the world? Why, you make lists of things to do that may convince her, of course, and then try them all! After dealing with baths, meals, tricks, and treats, the brother/sister/pig team in this book may find just the perfect way to impress their mom after all. Good job, Snowflake! Aladdin PIX is a new line of books that combine the best part of a picture book (the illustrations tell half the story), an early-reader chapter book (the short chapters and fast-moving story appeal to reluctant and first readers), and a comic book (the speech bubbles, frames, and silly pictures add humor). The instructional, second-person style of writing lets readers put themselves into the story, imagining that they have a pig of their own, with comedic results. The ending comes full circle when this sow saves what mom has sowed. (Aladdin PIX, 2017, hardcover, $14.99)
Ages 9 to 13
Science Comics: Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers
Written by M.K. Reed & Illustrated by Joe Flood
The Industrial Revolution transformed the world not only through great advance
s in manufacturing and power sources, but also through the act of uncovering the first Mesozoic fossils while roads, factories, and more were built. This spawned a great race between British scientists to identify and explain dinosaurs. Spanning from the early 1800s to the present day, this graphic nonfiction volume in the “Science Comics” series combines a fascinating spread of facts (who named the dinosaurs?) with blips of humor (the illustrations of skeletons sometimes talk to the reader). The early paleontologists are discussed as much as the fossils are, serving as the “characters” in this story. Dinosaur fans will appreciate the new angle this book offers. Other volumes in this series include the topics of volcanoes, bats, and plagues, with robots and drones soon to follow. (First Second, 2016, paperback, $9.99)
Ages 15 to 18
Spill Zone
Written by Scott Westerfeld & Illustrated by Alex Puvilland
Three years ago, an unexplained event occurred, contaminating Addison’s hometown of Poughkeepsie. It mutated animals, changed the physics of the landscape, and rendered her little sister mute. Another problem? Addie’s parents have not been seen since. In order to make money to care for her family, she sneaks into the deadly Spill Zone and photographs the bizarre sights and then sells them through a dealer. When she is offered a million-dollar deal to steal something from the Spill Zone hospital, she agrees despite the danger, vowing to make this her last trip into the forbidden territory. Except, of course, something hitches a ride out with her. While some Spill Zone details seem purposefully vague in order to keep up the suspense and get readers to clamor for book two (it works), this does not detract from the dark, atmospheric story, which is enhanced by the cinematic artwork. Fans of I Am Legend, The Walking Dead, creepy dolls, and abandoned hospitals will enjoy this book. Parents, please note: The text is peppered with swear words, which are totally appropriate for a character being chased by mutant rats, but may be too much for some families. (First Second, 2017, hardcover, $22.99)
PICTURE BOOK
Ages 4 to 8
Mr. Particular: The World’s Choosiest Champion!
Written by Jason Kirschner
(Sterling, 2016, hardcover, $14.95)
CHAPTER BOOKS
Ages 5 to 7
Haggis and Tank Unleashed series
Written by Jessica Young & Illustrated by James Burks
(Scholastic Branches, 2015, paperback, $4.99)
Ages 6 to 9
Snail Has Lunch
Written by Mary Peterson
(Aladdin PIX, 2016, hardcover, $12.99)
Ages 6 to 11
Hansel & Gretel & Zombies
Written by Benjamin Harper & Illustrated by Fernando Cano
(Stone Arch Books, 2016, paperback, $5.95)
MIDDLE GRADE
*Ages 8 to 12*
Real Friends
Written by Shannon Hale & Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
(First Second, 2017, paperback, $12.99)
Mighty Jack
Written by Ben Hatke
(First Second, 2016, paperback, $14.99)
Recess Warriors: Hero is a Four-Letter Word
Written by Marcus Emerson
(Roaring Brook Press, 2017, paperback, $12.99)
YOUNG ADULT
*Ages 9 to 15*
Lumberjanes series
Created by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, and Noelle Stevenson
(Boom! Box, 2015, paperback, $14.99)
The Time Museum series
Written by Matthew Loux
(First Second, 2017, paperback, $14.99)
*Ages 12 to 18*
Delilah Dirk series
Written by Tony Cliff
(First Second, 2015, paperback, $17.99)
Goldie Vance series
Written by Hope Larson & Illustrated by Brittney Williams
(Boom! Box, 2016, paperback, $14.99)