The adventures of Mal and Chad: the biggest, bestest time ever!

By, Stephen McCranie
(Grades 3-6)
Call Number: J MAL AND CHAD

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be small enough to swim in your kitchen sink or travel back to the time of dinosaurs? Child genius, Malcolm and his talking doggie side-kick, Chad take readers on a fun and action packed ride! To deal with the monotony of his everyday life, doing chores, sitting through class, and admiring his classmate Megan from afar, Malcolm uses his staggering intellect to create anything he can imagine. He invents a rocket ship, jet pack, time machine, and a shrink ray while concealing his genius and creations from everyone around him. His latest homework assignment to write about what he wants to be when he grows up prompts him to use his secret inventions to explore his options while taking Chad along for the ride.

Fans of Calvin and Hobbes will be drawn to this loveable duo and will enjoy following the hi-jinx and misadventures they get themselves into! This graphic novel is full of non-stop adventure and dynamic black and white illustrations that capture the emotion, action, and humor of each scene. The dialogue is funny and quick and the chapters, broken down into smaller manageable parts will keep readers engaged and wanting more!


Check our catalog for this title.

-ML-

Read more »

Posted in: Graphic novels

New Book Review: Amazing Cows

By Sarah Boyton
89 pages
Best for kids ages 6-10 (or all ages up to a hundred and moo)
Call Number: J 818.54 BOY

“Knock knock”
“Whose there”
“Interrupting Cow”
“Interrupt—“
“Moooo!”

Part graphic novel, part joke book Sandra Boyton’s Amazing Cows has everything you (n)ever wanted to know about cows full of cow puns, jokes, stories, graphic novel (the cow version of superman), and many pages of miscellaneous cow related humor fills the pages.

My favorite page shows the “four stages of metamoophosis” for the species: Lepidoptra Bovinae. (spoiler alert: it becomes an “undderfly”).

With quirky pictures and funny puns your little joksters are sure to get their giggle full of all cow related humor imaginable.

It’s amazing what one can find in the non-fiction collection!

Click here to view this title in the catalog.


-JW-

Read more »

Posted in: Graphic novels,New Book Review,Non-Fiction

Graphic Novel Review: Rapunzel's Revenge

By Shannon and Deal Hale

Illustrated by Nathan Hale

Call Number: Juvenile Graphic Novels HAL

Best for Grades 3-7

School doesn't start for another month, but it's not too early to get ready for Battle of the Books! I just read the graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge which is a retelling of the story of Rapunzel (You know the one-- girl locked in a tower, grows her hair out really, really long, and a prince attempts to rescue her by saying "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let down your hair!").

In this version of the old fairy tale, Rapunzel is the one who does the rescuing. She uses her long braids as a lasso to tame wild bests and keep her partner Jack, and their friends safe from bandits. She travels the wilderness to save her mother from the tyranny of Mother Gothel who has used magic to keep the lands in her clutches in a constant drought.

Many other fairy tales make their appearances in the backdrop of the Old West, and readers of all ages and abilities will find suspense, humor, and heart-wrenching emotions in this graphic novel.

To view this title in our catalog click here.

If you like Rapunzel's Revenge be sure to check out the graphic novel about her partner, Calamity Jack.

-JW-

Read more »

Posted in: Graphic novels

Mystery, Mayhem, and Adventure

Three new graphic novels and one great new chapter book featuring detectives, gadgets, sleuthing, a band of secret-agent, crime-fighting librarians, and a bunch of bad guys.

Titles for grades 3-6

The Brixton Brothers and The Case of The Case of Mistaken Identity

By: Mac Barnett

Twelve-year-old Steve Brixton has always been a fan of detective stories, especially The Bailey Brothers series. When Steve is mistaken for a real-life detective he must use the skills he learned reading books to elude the grown-ups as he searches for a very important missing quilt an the mysterious Mr. E.

Find this title in our catalog

Guinea PIg, Pet Shop Private Eye: Hamster and Cheese

By: Colleen Venable

The pet shop is in a flurry when sandwiches begin disappearing from the shop owner's desk. It's a good thing Sasspants, the guinea pig is on the case.

Find this title in our catalog

City of Spies

By: Susan Kim

When Evelyn goes to live with her aunt in 1942 New York City she spends a lot of time alone with her imagination. She soon befriends Tony, the superintendents son, and together they embark on a series of adventures including stumbling upon an actual Nazi plot.

Find this title in our catalog

The Secret Science Alliance

By: Eleanor Davis

Julian Calender hoped that when he changed schools he would be able to leave his nerdy reputation behind him. Instead, he teams up with fellow science whizzes, Greta and Ben, to form an alliance against the evil Dr. Stringer who has stolen one of their gadgets!

Find this title in our catalog

-cm

Read more »

Posted in: Graphic novels,Staff Favorites

A Selection of Graphic Novels for Early Readers

Stinky
By: Eleanor Davis

Stinky the monster is content with his life in the mud, playing with his pet toad, until a young human boy wanders into his swamp. A fun and humorous story about accepting differences and making friends.

Find this title in our catalog


Otto's Orange Day
By: Jay Lynch & Frank Cammuso

Otto loves all things orange and when a genie offers him one wish he decides he wants everything to be orange! Otto quickly realizes, however, that maybe he made a mistake.


Find this title in our catalog


Little Mouse Gets Ready By: Jeff Smith

Little mouse excitedly gets dressed when his mom says it is time to go to the barn. This simple, sweetly illustrated story is one of my favorites of last year.

Find this title in our catalog


Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!
By: Geoffrey Hayes

Benny and Penny are suspicious of their new neighbor and decide to sneak into his backyard even though they know this is a big no-no. A cute story about misunderstandings and friendship.


Find this title in our catalog

-cm-

Read more »

Posted in: Graphic novels,Staff Favorites