Get A Kick Out of Comics

In the early stages of my reading career, I got a lot of enjoyment from “Archie’s Double Digest” and collections of “Garfield” and “Peanuts” comics. Back then, comics were comics and the term “graphic novel” was new and mostly described long-format comic books that were much too mature for children. Nowadays, the term is used to describe a great variety of illustrated stories for people of all ages.

Call them what you will, comics remain a great way to get new readers to do more reading on their own. The format is always inviting; the text does not intimidate and the drawings propel the story while providing context clues for more sophisticated vocabulary. All levels of readers can enjoy them.

Here are a few titles that your family should try:

Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit 

Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Random House

Ages 6-12

The Breakfast Bunch is hot on the trail of the dastardly crook who stole the bake sale goodies. The stakes are high; if they can’t solve this mystery, they won’t be able to go on a field trip.

Luckily, Lunch Lady is there to save the day! With the help of her serving-line sidekick Betty, Lunch Lady collects clues using nifty cafeteria gadgets like a cookie camera and spork phone to track down the culprit.

This is the fifth installment in the hilarious “Lunch Lady” series. Boys and girls will get a kick out of this action-packed comic filled with fights, explosions, and a transforming school bus. With clean lines and a traditional format, this graphic novel is also a lot easier on the eyes than many others.

Babymouse #13: Cupcake Tycoon 

Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

Random House

Ages 6-12

For young girls, this is a nice introduction to the graphic novel. Babymouse is an earnest, slightly neurotic, elementary school-age character whose unstoppable energy propels her through all kinds of wacky adventures.

Caught up in another daydream, Babymouse accidentally destroys her favorite place: the school library. A cupcake fundraiser is held to replace the books. Will Babymouse sell the most books and win the special prize?

The “Babymouse” series illustrations are black and white drawings with pink highlights. A bold pink wash lets readers know when Babymouse is daydreaming. The pink is a turn-off to my young sons, but I have spotted them reading this one on the sly.

Zombiekins 

Kevin Bolger

Razorbill

Ages 9 and up

Not a true graphic novel, this book is categorized as an “illustrated novel,” or a “novel in cartoons.” Regardless, it follows our formula of being inviting and using illustrations to actuate the story, so I’m including it here.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. You should see all the “ha ha” notes I wrote in the margins. It is the story of a boy named Stanley who “was not the kind of boy who liked to take chances.” He’s more of an under-the-radar kind of guy until he makes the mistake of bringing a zombie doll home from a yard sale.

In the typical male style, Stanley throws away the directions for the doll without ever reading them which results in the zombification of nearly the entire school. Stanley and his good friend Miranda are left to deal with the consequences. In doing so, Stanley finds courage he never knew he had.

Though simple to read, the text is filled with puns, word play, and tongue-in-cheek humor. There’s even the occasional exciting vocabulary word (revivified) thrown in to please the English teacher in me. The illustrations are appropriately icky and sometimes contradict the text in amusing ways. For instance, while the opening of chapter four says Stanley is doing his homework, we see him in the middle of his bedroom floor exerting himself at a videogame while his cobweb-covered schoolbooks sit unopened.

This is a book that your boys will love. It is quick to read, clever, and very silly. I find it far more entertaining than the popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series.

At the library and online, you can find children’s graphic novels about such things as the sinking of the Titanic and the lives of the saints, as well as expurgated classics by Dickens, Poe and Shakespeare.

By the way, did you know that they are still making “Archie” comics?  President Barak Obama paid a visit to Riverdale in “Archie “ # 616, and Sarah Palin makes her “Archie “ debut in #617 this month.

Classic Choice

The Adventures of Tintin 

Herge

Little Brown

You may have a little wait getting these popular comic books from the library. Originally published between 1930 and 1976, “The Adventures of Tintin” are full-color comics that encompass mystery, espionage, and swashbuckling adventure.

Tintin is a young Belgian reporter who finds himself taking to the high seas, surviving the burning sands of the desert, narrowly escaping kidnappings, and even blasting off to the moon.

Tintin is joined on his adventures by his faithful dog, Snowy, and good friend, Captain Haddock. Haddock is a salty sea captain who brings a great dose of humor to the stories with his short temper and penchant for whisky and colorful interjections like, “Blistering blue barnacles!”

Also in the cast of characters are the ever-bumbling detectives Thompson and Thompson, and the brilliant Professor Calculus whose hearing-impairment is a constant source of humor for the reader and frustration for Captain Haddock.

Young readers will probably want these read aloud to them until they get a sense of the characters and vocabulary. These stories are perfectly appropriate for the young, and are highly entertaining for teens and adults.

M. D. Clark has been reading since 1975.

Jon Scieszka's "Guys Read" is Not a Good Read

Parents share the instinct that reading is important, even if unable to spell out exactly why. Teachers profess that reading builds vocabulary and fluency. Historians argue that knowing something about the past will strengthen our future. Theologians assert that reading lifts the human spirit. And literati agree that reading brings us all into, what Mortimer Adler calls, the Great Conversation.

They are all, of course, absolutely correct. But most of us don’t spend a lot of time asking why; we merely follow our instinct that we should be readers and that our children should be readers, too. So, what should we read?

Again, instincts can go a long way in helping to choose books that are appropriate for our children. For the unsure, classics are the best place to start. There are very good reasons why some books, such as the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, or C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, have been loved for generations.

Just the other day, I was thinking of my young sons and wondering what sorts of books will capture their attention. Browsing past the snot and underwear titles that populate the young readers shelves at the local bookstore, a paperback caught my eye. The book, Guys Read: Funny Business, edited by Jon Scieszka (Walden Pond Press, 2010), is the first in a planned series of short story collections for boys ages 8 – 12.

I am NOT recommending the book; too many of the stories appeal to the lowest appetites, with conniving, defiant narrators who never redeem themselves. They are a kind of literary junk food, and I’m looking for meat and vegetables. But I find the book useful for two reasons: one, to point out that parents should stay keenly aware of not only TV and computer use, but also the books being marketed to our kids; and two, this book actually offers a jumping off point to better reading.

Out of the ten stories, I liked three. But, in school lingo, that’s an F. 

One of the worthwhile stories is “Artemis Begins,” by Eoin Colfer - a clever piece of writing in a rather sophisticated style. Colfer, the author of the well-known "Artemis Fowl" series, recounts this tale of how the seeds of his future writing career were planted as he and his brothers worked together to keep mom from going “DEFCON four” over a broken trophy.

Donal was torn. One the one hand there is nothing a big brother likes better than seeing his little brother up to his neck in trouble, especially when that little brother is such a cutie that trouble usually slides off him. But on the other hand his professional curiosity was aroused. Could he get Niall off the hook for such an extreme crime? If he managed it, the name Donal would become legendary around the estates.

It’s a funny story and it brought to my mind the “Great Brain” series by John D. Fitzgerald. Published in the late 1960s and early 70s, the stories are narrated by the younger brother of Tom, the title character, whose penchant for mischief is legendary. They’re smart books and are great to read aloud to the whole family.

There’s also a wonderful story by Kate DiCamillo and Jon Scieszka called, “Your Question For Author Here.” In it, a student named Joe Jones - under the duress of a school assignment - writes a friendly letter (rather rudely) to author Maureen O’Toole, asking for “a bunch of author stuff so we can get this over with.” The resulting exchange of letters helps a bored, self-obsessed, lunkhead of a boy reveal the insightful and interesting young man he will become.  Would that we all had such a pen pal to encourage us to find ourselves in a good book.

The last story I liked was "Will" by Adam Rex, which humorously yawns at stereotypical super hero stories and at the same time uses comic book cliches in original ways. It is snarky without being rude and it reads like a running gag. Will, a boy who attends a private school for kids with super-hero potential, has, through an act of will, become "super" without knowing it. The irony in the final line makes the story a great one for discussion:

"Sucks about you not getting powers," said Aidan.
"I know," Will sighed. "I'll never be a hero."

Overall, “Guys Read” is not a good read, but there is great potential in the editor’s desire to help boys find books to enjoy. To that end, Scieszka has developed a website, http://guysread.com, offering reading suggestions for preschoolers through teens.

The site rates books and has lists of several authors’ favorite reads. Books are arranged in interesting categories such as: How To Build Stuff, People Being Transformed Into Animals, and Classics That Actually Hold Up.

Browse the lists and you’ll find great authors like Herge, the Brothers Grimm, E. B. White, Gary Paulsen, and Ray Bradbury. You might find a few stinkers, but that’s just more encouragement to stay involved in what your child reads.

It’s a nice site to explore and it may remind you of a favorite book from your growing-up that you can share with your child.

Classic Choice

The Great Brain

John D. Fitzgerald

Puffin

Ages 8 and up

Entertaining from the get-go, the adventures of the Fitzgerald brothers are a delightful look into what life was like for boys growing up in the Midwest at the turn of the 19^th century.

Tom’s “great brain” is adept at swindling pennies from his friends and making trouble for the new teacher, but he never goes too far before Papa and Mama make him set things right. And when he puts his mind to helping out Peg-leg Andy or rescuing two boys lost in a cave, his accomplishments become the stuff of legend.

Tom is so much more than your run-of-the-mill mischief-maker. He has an understanding of human behavior far beyond his ten years. His little brother J.D. narrates the story with a quiet awe of his brother’s cleverness. Together, they manage to learn many important lessons a boy should know: lessons in tolerance, bravery, and the importance of a man’s good name.

Read this book aloud to your children and it will be nearly impossible for them to resist going to the library to read more. There they will find six more Great Brain titles to savor.

Read With A Child - It Makes A Great Gift!

The only gift is a portion of thyself.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This holiday, choose a book you cherish and read it to someone you love. Point out the details in the pictures. Gasp and growl at the appropriate places. Laugh and cry when the story moves you. The only gift that truly lasts is the time you spend together.

Beauty and the Beast

Robert Sabuda

Little Simon

Ages 3 and up

Forget the silly glasses and craning your neck to see the screen; you can get great 3-D entertainment by opening this book.

Robert Sabuda’s pop-up adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” is a treasure chest that creaks open to reveal astounding cut-paper riches. Each page is a multi-faceted gem beautifully illustrating the classic fairy tale of a girl called Beauty who overcomes greed and violence through self-sacrifice and love.

The book is sturdy, though, like any jewel, it should be handled with care and may not be suitable for the very young. The story is lengthy but easy to follow, because each section of text reveals yet another pop-up illustration. The intricate paper sculptures and rich colors combine to create a stunning work of fairy tale magic that children will treasure.

Old Bear and His Cub

Olivier Dunrea

Philomel Books

Ages 2-8

Little Cub is no longer a baby. He is testing rules and gently asserting his will. Old Bear firmly guides his cub with patience and love.

Little Cub climbed to the top of a craggy rock.
“Be careful not to fall, Little Cub,” said Old Bear.
“I won’t,” said Little Cub.
“Yes, you will,” said Old Bear.
“No I won’t,” said Little Cub.
Old Bear stared hard at Little Cub. Little Cub slowly climbed down. All the way.

The subtle dynamic between Little Cub and Old Bear is recognizable to any father and son. It is a mixture of defiance and obedience, with a healthy helping of love and respect.

Olivier Dunrea’s charming illustrations help characterize these two. The grizzled Old Bear is masculine but not menacing. Little Cub is tiny and darling in his jaunty red scarf.

A sweet winter bedtime story, this one is sure to become a favorite way to say goodnight to your little cub.

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion

Mo Willems

Hyperion

Ages 3-7

Trixie and her stuffed bunny are back for the third and final book in the Knuffle Bunny series.  And what a treat!

Trixie and her family fly to Holland to visit her grandparents. Of course, Knuffle Bunny comes along. Or does he? Though the conflict is familiar, the touching conclusion may surprise “Knuffle Bunny” fans.

Mo Willems draws his bright characters onto a background of black and white photographs. This technique grounds the story in reality and gives you the feeling that you might actually know these people. Looking at the facial expressions, you might think you are these people.

“Knuffle Bunny Free” is a great gift choice for a special young person who is already familiar with the other two books.  Best bet – give the complete trilogy. It is sure to be read again and again.

  

Beautiful Oops!

Barney Saltzberg

Workman Publishing

Ages 3 and up

This chunky little book is a great gift for preschoolers or anyone on your list who may need a gentle reminder that every oops! can be made beautiful with just a bit of imagination.

Artistic opportunities abound when paint drips and paper tears. Spills and smudges become happy surprises on each brightly colored page. The right attitude can turn, “I messed up,” into, “Wow!”

Small hands will enjoy exploring the foldouts, pop-ups, holes and rips. Older readers will appreciate the book’s simple message: life is full of mistakes – embrace them!

Mummy Mazes: A Monumental Book   

Elizabeth Carpenter

Workman Publishing

Ages 7-14

“Cool!” is the exclamation uttered most often by pre-teens when they see this book.  When opened, it unfolds to reveal poster-sized drawings of ancient Egyptian artifacts inlaid with mazes. Readers take an imaginary expedition through temples and tombs, learning history and archaeology along the way.

Do these mazes look simple to you, young friend? Think again. You’ll need a strong stomach to work your way through the surprises embedded in this page!

Professor Archie Ologist is the engaging narrator who leads readers through Elizabeth Carpenter’s incredibly detailed drawings. Along the way, fascinating facts and stories from Egyptian mythology are revealed. The journey ends at the heart of a tomb where readers must decipher a secret message written in hieroglyphics.

State SOLs require that students learn some Egyptian history. This book can reinforce what children have learned in school and build on to their prior learning. Carpenter’s intriguing history lessons are presented in small bites, making this an especially good choice for reluctant readers.

Man Gave Names to All the Animals

Bob Dylan

Illustrated by Jim Arnosky

Sterling

Ages 2-10

Not a storybook, by any means, this one is more like a visit to the zoo. Inspired by the catchy Bob Dylan song of the same title, Jim Arnosky creates a vivid Eden in acrylic paint and fills it with more than 170 animals and insects.

Creatures of the sea, land and sky mingle on each lush page. A yawning black bear shows his powerful jaws while monarch butterflies dance at the feet of a mountain sheep. A cheetah, heron and zebra mix at the swirling water’s edge, watching sailfish leap past salmon and a toothy tiger shark.

Together, parents and children can play endless games of “I spy with my little eye” while reading this book. Children can also savor it alone by listening to the enclosed CD recording of Dylan’s song.

Classic Choice

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Tomie dePaola

The Putnam & Grosset Group

All ages

A book that has become a family favorite for sharing at Christmas is Tomie DePaola’s beautiful rendition of this captivating Mexican legend. A young girl, Lucida, is dismayed to find that she has no gift to give to the Christ Child at the Christmas Eve procession. Just when she is about to give up hope, an old woman reminds her:

Any gift is beautiful because it is given. Whatever you give, the Baby Jesus will love, because it comes from you.

Lucida scoops up the only thing she can find – a bunch of green weeds. When she presents her humble gift, a miracle occurs.

DePaola’s sublime illustrations glow with the warmth of the Christmas season. His concise retelling will capture your imagination. The lesson Lucia learns is important for readers of any age.

Once your family has spent some time with dePaola’s book, take them to see the story as performed by The Latin Ballet of Virginia. The Latin Ballet’s extraordinary show is a celebration of traditional song and dance and spiritual reverence.  Their joyful interpretation of the legend is abounding in graceful energy, whirling motion and vivid color. This is a must-see for young and old.

Read this wonderful story and then extend your holiday into the New Year by taking the whole family to experience this legend. Performances are January 7-9. Visit latinballet.com for tickets and details.

M.D. Clark has three children: one devours books, one nibbles at them, and one can’t read. Her husband prefers car magazines.