Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel by James Howe & Andrew Donkin

What worked:

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve read the “Bunnicula” novel but this graphic version seems to follow the gist of the plot. The bunny is discovered at a theater when the Monroe family visits to watch the movie “Dracula”. Combine bunny with Dracula and you get Bunnicula. Bunnicula is the topic of the plot but he doesn’t speak and doesn’t do much of anything besides sleep. The lack of a discernable personality adds to the mystique of this character. The less information readers know about a character the more possibilities they can imagine about him. Even at the end of the book, the author never clarifies Bunnicula’s character and it’s left to readers to decide if they agree with the family cat’s point of view.

The story is narrated by the Monroes’ pet dog Harold with additional insight provided by the family cat named Chester. Chester loves to read books and he has a special interest in the supernatural. Combine this with his vivid imagination and all kinds of strange ideas swirl in his mind. Harold’s narration shares eerie events occurring around the house although he’s unable to explain them. Maybe the family is right and the white vegetables are the result of chemicals used by farmers. Buy organic. Harold also includes his doggie thoughts of munching snacks with Toby Monroe or the ideal treat of cupcakes with cream filling. Navigating the life of pets with an investigation into the secrets of the new bunny result in an amusing, entertaining adventure.

The colorful illustrations mostly accompany the text rather than replace it. Boxes and voice bubbles are used to differentiate Harold’s narration from the characters’ dialogue. This technique is a fine example for young readers to learn how an author uses the first-person point of view to tell a story. Young readers can easily connect with dog and cat characters and Chester’s various moods are clearly depicted in the graphics. The scenes with Chester impersonating a vampire and battling a tossed salad are especially humorous.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot is very simple and lacks a major conflict. The whole story tries to uncover the mystery of Bunnicula but the bunny isn’t much of a problem. Unless you believe Chester. However, the book is a cute tale of family pets learning to get along.

The Final Verdict:

This graphic novel can be read before or after the novel with equal enjoyment. Using Harold’s voice to tell the story, having a cat with an over-active imagination, and utilizing descriptive illustrations create a new version of an old children’s favorite. I recommend you give this graphic version of “Bunnicula” a shot.

The Outcasts (Brotherband Chronicles #1) by John Flanagan

What worked:

In some ways, the book unfolds almost like separate short stories. It opens with a flashback of the death of a Skandian and the subsequent loss of a hand by his crewmate named Thorn. Thorn swears to protect Hal and his mother but the loss of his hand causes Thorn to fall into years of drunkenness. Thorn begins to recover once he finds purpose in his life again and he mentors Hal in the ways of being a Skandian. Hal and other boys his age must go through the Brotherband training where they’ll learn to become Skandian, seafaring warriors. Hal’s brotherband is comprised of boys no one else wanted, hence the label of outcasts. The trials are a time of team-building, learning to use weapons, developing strength and agility, and sailing wolfships as united crews. Hal is also forced to battle a self-absorbed bully until others follow Hal’s example.

Readers are inside Hal’s mind as he struggles to overcome adversity and prove himself to his fellow Skandians. His mother was an Araluen slave so he’s not as large as other Skandians and finds it challenging to be accepted. Despite his size, Hal’s crewmates make him their skirl which identifies him as their leader. Hal reluctantly accepts but readers will share his mental skirmishes as he tries to manage personalities and expectations. The incessant bickering between Ulf and Wulf causes frequent headaches. Hal’s superior thinking and creativity are highlighted as he comes up with innovative designs for the ship he’s built, unexpected strategies during team assessments, and oversees his teammates. While maybe not totally accepted, Hal’s methods are slowly appreciated by the other Skandians.

The Skandian culture is similar to the ancient Vikings as their heritage is founded on sailing and ruling the seas. They wear furs for warmth, carry huge axes in battle, and horned helmets are awarded at the end of brotherband training. Their ships are equipped with large, square sails for capturing the wind and oars can be wielded when needed. Nautical terms are used throughout the book and a glossary is provided in the opening pages. These words are used to describe parts of the ship, directions on board, and sailing strategies such as tacking and running. Readers should review the glossary as it will be an immense help in understanding critical moments of the plot.

The Final Verdict:

This book is the first one in a Ranger’s Apprentice spin-off series. It has emotional relationships between characters (both good and bad), tense moments of conflict, and a build-up to a dramatic climax. The book’s resolution leads right into a sequel where Hal’s brotherband heads out on a dangerous quest to regain their tarnished reputations. I highly recommend you give this book, series, and related series a shot.

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

What worked:

This book is related to a Netflix series of the same name. The story is told by Jack Sullivan, thirteen years old and alone fighting monsters that have invaded the world. Jack narrates by speaking directly to readers so they can inform future readers about his life immediately after the onset of the Monster Apocalypse. After all, he’s a “zombie-fighting, monster-slaying tornado of cool”. This strategy helps draw readers into the story by making them Jack’s partner and confidante. Readers can also connect with Jack as he treats life as a video game full of quests and brave deeds. He’s even assigned himself tasks called “Feats of Apocalyptic Success”. These challenges include Mad Hatter (stealing hats off five zombies), Make it to Quint’s House Without Dying (self-explanatory), and Damsel in Distress where Jack dreams of saving his crush, June Del Toro, if she hasn’t already been turned into a zombie.

The story is accompanied by sketches of characters and monsters encountered along the way. Illustrations of a Blarg, Dozers, and Winged Wretches help to visualize the imaginary monsters that Jack names and battles as needed. Virtually every page includes pictures that augment the experience for readers who might benefit from graphic “deets”. Seeing Jack’s tree fortress and fun house, the streets teeming with zombies, and Jack’s pet monster named Rover makes these mental images clearer and more effective. The illustrations mesh with the story and often are used to replace words and narrative. This technique helps the flow and pace of the adventure so it never gets stagnant.

At its essence, the book addresses Jack’s need for family and home. He’s an orphan who’s moved to many different foster homes across the country, always moving before he can become close to anyone. Little information is given about his real parents and no one has taken the time to bond with him until he meets Quint. Quint is his best, and only, friend, and Jack is relieved when he discovers Quint isn’t dead or undead. The boys have similar interests although Quint’s special interest and talent is for experimenting and inventing. Jack’s need for stability and home becomes very distinct when he’s willing to defend his treehouse against an overwhelming, formidable enemy. It’s amazing to see what he’s willing to do to protect the most stable home he’s ever known. Too bad it’s in the middle of a monster apocalypse.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot is kept simple and playful so experienced readers will probably want more depth to the story. The conflicts center on rescuing June and defeating Blarg once a for all and Jack’s hilarious antics lead to the book’s final conclusion. If you’re looking for serious literature then this book isn’t for you. If you’re looking for amusement then it’s right up your alley.

The Final Verdict:

This book will satisfy those readers looking for a fun, goofy adventure of friendship and monster-slaying. The humor of the whole situation and Jack’s determination to save June Del Toro and complete his Feats of Apocalyptic Success” will entertain everyone. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Bookwanderers (Pages and Co. #1) by Anna James

What worked:

Readers make personal connections with book characters all the time and they may even imagine what it might be like to meet them. Tilly’s dream comes true when she finds herself in the company of Anne from Anne of Green Gables and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. Tilly and her friend Oskar wonder how it’s possible and the author doesn’t offer an explanation right off the bat. Readers are left to wonder and enjoy the possibilities as Tilly visits Alice’s tea party and Anne’s school in Avonlea. Alice and Anne are aware they’re fictional book characters but that doesn’t stop them from being real. Got it? More information about what may be going on is provided when Tilly and Oskar meet the Librarian but questions surrounding Tilly’s situation remain. She’s able to do things that don’t follow the established rules for bookwandering.

The question as to how book characters can come to life is puzzling enough but there’s more mystery to be found in the Pages and Co. bookstore. Tilly knows nothing about her father and her grandparents don’t seem to know much more. Tilly’s mother left when she was little so Tilly’s thoughts and feelings about her come from pictures and stories she’s told. Readers should always be attentive when characters disappear under puzzling circumstances. A disgruntled employee of the Underlibrary has the personality of a sour grape so readers will assume he must be up to no good. Tilly wonders why he keeps showing up in the same places as her so readers will question his motives. Something nefarious is afoot.

The story is based on the passion readers can have for books as they become absorbed in the make-believe worlds and characters. Books can come to life in our imaginations and this story considers what it might be like if the make-believe worlds were real. This explains how Tilly is able to interact with Alice and Anne and how she observes Sherlock Holmes talking with her grandfather. It makes the atmosphere inside the Pages and Co. bookstore enchanting and magical where impossible things are possible. The conclusion to this story takes creativity a step further and opens unexpected twists. The sequel is sure to have even more drama.

What didn’t work as well:

References are made to other books and it will help if readers have some concept of their stories. The Little Princess plays a large role in the plot but it may not be familiar to most people. I haven’t read it and find myself wishing I understood the characters more. It’s not a large problem and young readers should still be able to fully enjoy the plot.

The Final Verdict:

This story makes readers think about books in a new way that is creative and thought-provoking. What is real? The journey into fictional worlds will enchant middle-grade book lovers and I recommend you give this one a shot.

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting by Roseanne Brown

What worked:

The first page finds Serwa receiving her birthday wish to practice with a magical battle-axe. Then, vampires called adze attack her family of Slayers inside a powerfully-protected safe haven, a place adzes shouldn’t have been able to enter. The exciting opening pages are sure to draw kids into reading the rest of the book. The plot transitions to middle-school drama as Serwa is left with a relative and her daughter Roxy who are living in a remote, supposedly nonmagical part of the country. Serwa has issues with a couple of classmates and they predictably end up forming a team to fight an adze in the school. Serwa breaks numerous rules governing Slayers in the process and the bottom line is that she’s the only one with any training for fighting the creatures of black magic. However, there’s an unexplained energy building up inside Serwa that’s becoming more difficult to control. Readers will anxiously anticipate the inevitable eruption of power.

Serwa’s family heritage is from Ghana which is not commonly found in middle-grade novels. Twi vocabulary is shared but it’s not disruptive and makes sense in the story. Translations are included if the author feels they’re needed. Serwa’s relative mentions she’s heard her husband say some of the words although he’s stuck back in Ghana due to immigration red tape. Ghanaian deities are worshipped and prayed to and a couple make an appearance during the story. Serwa shops in a small store with ethnic foods and ingredients from Africa. Family heritage is important to Serwa and the author includes cultural details when possible to enhance the plot and conflict.

The issues of slavery and prejudice are incorporated into the plot as the quiet haven where Serwa ends up is built atop a former slave plantation. Slaves came from various parts of Africa, including Ghana, and Serwa considers the possibility of slavery having something to do with the new abilities being demonstrated by the adzes. Roxy’s father was deported for an immigration violation while a white woman wasn’t punished at all for her involvement. Serwa and her friends find themselves singled out for punishment while other white classmates get away with similar infractions. One teacher is especially hard on Serwa while insisting she can’t possibly be prejudiced. The unfairness bothers Serwa’s group and it’s frustrating when they’re forced to deal with it.

What didn’t work as well:

It’s a normal occurrence in these types of books, but it can be tiring to read about another powerful, middle-grade character ignoring advice and becoming self-absorbed in her own drama. However, it results in new complications leading to new conflicts that helped to increase the suspense. The plot’s climax and resolution are surprising and entertaining as readers will want to jump right into the sequel. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been published yet at the time of this post.

The Final Verdict:

Middle-grade superheroes are usually big hits and Serwa’s battles with vampires and her own family heritage are exciting and intriguing. Using Ghana as a cultural influence adds a twist and results in a novel perspective of a “common” problem in this genre. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Healer and Witch by Nancy Werlin

What worked:

In the opening pages, Sylvie’s healing magic works by seeing into people’s minds but there’s no one in her village who can train her to use it safely. Sylvie must leave home after rashly stretching her ability and realizing the harm she’s capable of inflicting on others. Her venture into the world takes her to larger French cities where she begins to learn how life works outside her small village. Sylvie visits actual cities like Lyon and Marseilles to keep things realistic and characters move about on foot, horseback, or wagon. The setting contrasts with the witchcraft practiced by several characters but don’t expect anything especially super magical to happen. It’s not a story full of spells and hexes as the magic is more subtle.

The plot tells of Sylvie’s journey to discover herself. She wants to use her abilities for healing as her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother have done before. The mistake Sylvie makes causes her to doubt herself and become reluctant to use her power. The search for a mentor finds her hiding her talents from others as some people will view her ability as a gift from God while others are more judgmental and will persecute her as a witch. The conflict with religion is a large part of the plot, which is ironic due to Sylvie’s devout belief in God. Sylvie is overly concerned with others’ opinions so perhaps her real quest is to reflect on herself and determine her own, true intentions.

The story is artfully written as the author is able to paint vivid images and evoke a myriad of feelings. “The chubby palm, graven across by a peculiarly long lifeline.” “There was no air, and Sylvie was a fistful of earth again, and the Hands that grasped her had clenched viciously.” The sentence structure and vocabulary are the author’s special talents as she crafts her enchanting. Much of the story develops within Sylvie’s mind so it’s important for readers to experience her complex thoughts and emotions.

What didn’t work as well:

I wish the author had shared more about Martin. The young boy accompanies Sylvie across France and offers different opinions and insights along the way. He’s leaving an abusive home situation and is excited by the idea of seeing the world. I expect there’s more going on inside his head but I wish I knew more about what makes him tick.

The Final Verdict:

This story shares Sylvie’s development as a witch and her hope to do good and heal others. There aren’t any evil spells cast but a contrast in witchy perspectives is shown between Sylvie and another witch. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Lords of Night (Shadow Bruja 1) by J.C. Cervantes

What worked:

The story incorporates elements from Latino, Mayan, and Aztec cultures in developing the supernatural conflict. Ren is the main character and she’s a shadow bruja; bruja is a Spanish word for a witch. Other Spanish words are blended into the dialogue and narrative and readers should be able to easily use context to understand their meanings. Gods from different cultures are both allies and enemies although most of the allies have limited or lost powers. One of Ren’s closest friends is the god of death named Ah Puch which seems like a strange alliance for a book’s protagonist. The author makes him almost human as he displays emotions and feelings for Ren; caring and empathy are not qualities readers normally find in godly characters.

Similar to the related series, the author creates uncertainty and mystery as Ren tries to stop some ancient gods from being awakened. She hears a voice at times saying he knows her but she has no idea who he is or how he always knows where to find her. Ren’s teamed up with two other characters she’s only just met so she really doesn’t know much about them. She begins to think they’re actually a dream team but fate may present more of a challenge than they’re ready for. A prophecy arises that makes Ren question her past and future as she may be forced to turn against her friends. Suspense is created as the number of awakening gods counts down to the end of the prophecy. The book’s conclusion is quite shocking.

What makes this story of a young heroine with powers unique? Ren’s character has tremendous abilities but she’s full of unpredictability. She’s able to manipulate shadows as weapons and the shadows sometimes act on their own to protect her. However, Ren encounters situations where they no longer obey her commands and are out of her control. She also wields a time rope but she hasn’t learned to use it to its full potential. It comes in handy as a weapon but she hasn’t mastered how to manipulate time. In addition to her iffy powers, Ren has self-doubts and may be overly concerned about others. Her enemies are aware of these weaknesses and use them to play with Ren’s mind. She’s more apt to remain with her friends in dangerous situations even when it undermines their mission. Ren is the main character and hero but readers can’t always tell how she will behave as the plot moves along.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is a spin-off from the Storm Runner series that starred Zan Obispo. References are made to past events and characters that are related, but different, to what’s happening in this book. It’s not necessary to read the other series but it adds background knowledge to the relationships and experiences found in this one.

The Final Verdict:

The tone is very much like the Storm Runner books and lovers of folklore should easily connect with this story. The adventure of this supernatural protagonist checks off many boxes for entertaining middle-grade novels. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Rat Queen by Pete Hautman

What worked:

I pay attention to how authors create hooks to encourage readers into finishing the books. This story opens simply but includes some incidents that will pique interest. Annie has nightmares about something with teeth and claws haunting her sleep. She watches the neighbor’s cat being attacked by something in a hole but discovers the hole has disappeared only moments later. Annie’s father reads her a story from an old, ratty book about a changeling being tricked by a girl named Annike, Annie’s given name. Annie’s father is from a tiny country that doesn’t appear on most maps of the world. He tells her magic exists and shares the family secret which she must tell no one. He retires to his study every day after work, looking worn and weak, but reappears an hour later seemingly refreshed. All of these details create eerie questions and prod readers to uncover the mystifying truths.

Several Litvanian fairy tales are told throughout the book and readers will need to consider their connections to Annie’s story. Annie hears one about a queen’s seventh son and how he rids the castle of rats only to have his plans end in disaster. The story of the Rat Queen is shared about halfway into the book and tells of how a man makes a deal to remain young. Annie hears another tale about a queen who would make herself feel better each day by giving away her regrets and things that make her feel bad. Annie’s father has been telling her to do the same thing by writing her daily misgivings on pieces of paper although he’s never told her why. Our consciences tell us good from the bad so maybe we should remember and regret things that make us feel uncomfortable and uneasy. Other stories are shared with Annie and readers that may remind them of connections to their lives and past remorse.

The author has an innovative plot that flows smoothly but keeps readers wondering throughout. The conflict clearly has something to do with rats, Annie, her father, and Litvania but the true nature of the problem isn’t revealed until later. Astute readers may deduce the gist of the issue earlier than others. The rats play an important part in the plot although they don’t appear in most of the scenes. Annie’s father behaves strangely and unexpectedly as events unfold so the motives of his character are uncertain. Several characters visit Annie from Litvania to teach and care for her with each providing different stories and knowledge from their home country. Readers must connect the various clues and puzzle pieces to fully understand the problem and potential solutions.

What didn’t work as well:

The ambiguous conflict keeps readers wondering but it’s not clear where the story is headed. There isn’t a dramatic climax and the resolution will leave readers with mixed thoughts. These concerns can also be viewed as positives depending on the reader. I guess you’ll need to decide for yourself.

The Final Verdict:

The story is novel and creative as it offers a creative problem with many complications. Readers will be sympathetic to Annie’s character and they will enjoy thinking about the different anecdotes from Litvania. Who can say if they’re true or fairy tales? I recommend you give this book a shot. 

Map of Flames (The Forgotten Five #1) By Lisa McMann

What worked:

The story is based on uncommon scenarios to generate interest and drama. Birdie is the main character and her parents along with the parents of her supernatural friends were criminals and fugitives from Estero City. All of the adults have now left or died so the kids must fend for themselves. The children possess unique powers such as communicating with animals and camouflage that makes one of them almost invisible. A letter from Birdie’s father creates uncertainty in her mind as she’s not sure who can be trusted with the new information. Traveling to Estero presents new mysteries as Birdie and Tenner notice strange coincidences and find a city much different from what they expect. They try to remain anonymous among the citizens but they’re unaware that they’re being spied on. Readers will ponder the identity of the stealthy people hiding among the shadows. Something’s not right between the president and the supernaturals.

The author creates a rift among the five children in a couple of ways. Returning to Estero is a debatable action and three of them don’t think it’s a good idea. Birdie and Seven are best friends, maybe more, but Seven isn’t willing to leave with her until he learns she’s been keeping a secret about their parents’ stolen stash. Birdie leaves with Tenner instead and he’d like to become a closer friend to her. The potential for conflict is created with both boys liking Birdie plus she’s not aware of Tenner’s feelings. Also, one set of parents was mean and dishonest and another set treated their son cruelly. The sons struggle to disassociate themselves from their parents’ stigma as they feel guilty by association for their parents’ evilness. The other characters try to be kind but they’re sometimes unsure how to speak to the boys.

A fun part of the book occurs when Birdie and Seven arrive in Estero and encounter modern conveniences they’ve never seen before. How are you supposed to know there are male and female restrooms if you’ve never seen them before? How are they to know signs show girls represented as triangles and boys displayed as sticks? What is the procedure for ordering food in a restaurant or buying clothes in a store if you never knew these places existed? How are you to understand taking books from a library without paying or the need for ID’s? The kids don’t understand why buildings are so tall and how people are able to reach the top since they’ve never heard of an elevator. Readers will enjoy watching the kids try to navigate these new experiences while trying to not stand out from everyone else.

What didn’t work as well:

This book seems like a stepping stone to a sequel as the main goal is to find Birdie’s mother. Other issues dealing with the president, supernatural thefts committed across multiple countries, and finding a hidden treasure take a back seat and are left for later. The objective of finding the treasure is mentioned throughout the story and isn’t brought to a satisfactory resolution in this book.

The Final Verdict:

Overall, this book is a very entertaining start to a new series as the supernatural characters experience the normal worries of young children while trying to resolve grown-up problems. Their abilities come with problems that aren’t always easily resolved. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury of Complete Nonsense by Jon Scieszka

What worked:

Scieszka is known for twisting familiar stories into unexpected, hilarious retellings and this book is written in the same spirit. It’s similar to The Stinky Cheese Man in that it creates new variations of many tales although it’s more directed at upper elementary students. The author doesn’t necessarily change the stories overall but he presents them in different formats. Humpty Dumpty is retold using Morse Code, computer language translations, and in other ways. Old Mother Hubbard is presented in reverse, with new verb alternatives, and without vowels. The end result is a collection of amusing fairy tales and nursery rhymes that are sure to entertain.

At the back of the book, readers will find useful, non-fiction references related to nonsense created by playing with familiar stories. One rhyme is modified using the military alphabet and is probably not familiar to young readers. The military uses the alphabet to clarify radio transmissions by spelling words with established terms to represent letters. Star is presented as Sierra for the letter S, Tango for T, Alpha for A, and Romeo for R. Other pages explain background information related to writing styles like haikus, spoonerisms, Jabberwocky, and something called N+7. Other pages describe how to write messages using simple codes.

The pages are enhanced by colorful, illustrations drawn by Julia Rothman. Unusual images are created from Scieszka’s zany interpretations so the pictures help to visualize what’s happening. References to Old Mother Luvven and hickory, dickory, dolphin become easier to imagine using their accompanying graphics. The different illustrations for the different versions of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” are clearer when able to see the rebus, anagrams, and scientific description. The author’s hilarious retellings of familiar nursery rhymes are even better when displayed with the beautiful pictures.

What didn’t work as well:

The humor in this book differs from the author’s previous books so reader expectations need to be flexible. As mentioned, the wittiness comes from twisting how the stories are written more so than modifying the stories themselves. The book may tickle new funny bones, but it’s still very charming and comical.

The Final Verdict:

Once again, the author proves he’s a master of nonsense as he fractures familiar, beloved fairy tales for readers’ amusement. The book is sure to please young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.