Recently I received a box of artisan chocolates. This was not your ordinary drug store variety. Each bonbon was a unique creation with a complex blend of flavors. Think burnt caramel, tarragon grapefruit, Piedmont hazelnut.

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World is the literary equivalent to a box of artisan chocolates. The gorgeous case holds a selection of biography bonbons.
Like an assortment of confections, the micro-biographies are presented without regard to chronology, geography or sphere of influence. Entries showcase distinctive details of each woman's life, morsels to be savored.

Pénélope Bagieu has created a fascinating and highly entertaining compendium of female trailblazers. Each vignette consists of an introductory portrait with basic biographical  information.
Most pages follow a six or nine panel-per-page format. Black and white line drawings are punctuated with bright spots of color. A chapter's color pallet is unique to the life and reflects the personality of the highlighted woman. Each entry concludes with a gorgeous two-page full color illustration, celebrating the life of this woman and her contributions to her world.
Emphasis is placed on the circumstances which compelled each to take a stand. Bagieu's adds her own observations and witty asides to the narrative. Sometimes her tone is slightly sardonic. This is not an exhaustive in-depth historical treatise. The author is here to tell the story of rebels. In keeping of her purpose, she at times merely alludes to and occasionally omits historical details.

Shaka Rising: A Legend of the Warrior Prince by Luke W. Molver and Mason O'Connor introduces readers to the early life and ascent to power of the founder of the Zulu Kingdom. 
Shaka was born in the 18th century, during the American Revolution and French Revolution. At that time small clans dotted the continent, vying for supremacy. Some chiefs sold conquered individuals to slave traders. With this practice, the southeast coast became "a wound” on Africa’s coastline.   Shaka temporarily left the Zulu clan to serve as an army commander under the tutelage of King Dingiswayo. Through victorious battles and strategic planning, he defeated his competition and united the warring factions to create the Kingdom of the Zulu.

African society and Shaka receive even-handed treatment. Throughout the narrative, heroic feats contrast with glaring character flaws. This balance adds credibility to the account. Note:  I'm still hurting over Shaka's insistence, despite her objections, that his sister must marry for political gain. 

Several interesting visual devices bring the story to life. Setting the story within the context of a storyteller relating the legend to a group gathered around a fire is an excellent way to reinforce the importance of the African oral tradition.  Hand and facial close-ups inset within the context of sweeping visual backgrounds highlight both the overall result, as well as the personal impact of key events. During intense battle scenes panels depart from the rectangular shape with diagonal frames.

Mbongeni Malaba's Forward places the story in context and provides the legend's academic foundation.  An illustrated "cast of characters" is helpful in identifying key individuals.

Ah, the stuff that fairytales are made of: a handsome young prince, overbearing parents who seek to marry off the heir to the throne, a glittering ballroom filled with all manner of royalty, and a shy young commoner with a heart of gold.
​But wait. Things take an unexpected turn. The prince, it seems, enjoys wearing gorgeous gowns. He covertly employs Frances, a lowly young dressmaker with a flair for the spectacular to create custom creations for him. When she learns the identity of her employer, the dressmaker is nonplussed and continues her work, making stunning works of couture for her client.
Eventually his private passion for dazzling attire becomes public and his parents must come to terms with this aspect of their son's identity. Wang injects a humorous conclusion at the story’s reveal that is fanciful and immensely satisfying.
Cross-dressing is only one aspect of The Prince and the Dressmaker story line. For me, the development of the relationship between the prince and the dressmaker is at its heart.

First Second has done it again. This publisher has its finger on the pulse of young readers' interests, moving beyond the genre traditionally found in comics and exploring fresh concepts to offer in graphic format.  Recent examples: The Science Comics series features a wide array of fascinating nonfiction in panel form. Also consider the brilliant journal/comic book hybrid CiCi's Journal: The Adventures of A Writer-in-Training.
​Now this leaders in children's comics turns its attention to the Maker Movement with a series of graphic novels for young readers featuring Crafty Cat, the fearless alter ego for somewhat timid Birdie.  Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis finds Crafty Cat preparing for Monster Craft Camp.  She has the right tools, plenty of skills and the "crafty feelings" needed to create a winning project.   Best friend Evan, requisite "mean girl" Anya, and a school janitor who serves as craft instructor attend this camp. Each chapter is devoted the escapades surrounding the creation of a monster-related craft. ​Bonus: Birdie's imaginary friend Cloudy. Love this!

I followed the directions for making mini monsters. This is a fun and easy-to-do project. These would be great as place cards. They would also make terrific cards to top a gift. Think fun reminders for table tops too!

My tale begins in another time and another place, Ben Hatke was a young artist breaking into the comic scene with the publication of a charming graphic novel about a spacegirl named Zita. I was to meet Ben at a train station and escort him to an author event held at a public library.
I arrived at the designated station, searching for someone who looked like a cartoonist. As I scanned the arrivals, I could not see anyone who seemed to be seeking a librarian. The train had left the station and few travelers remained on the arrival side of the tracks.
Finally a young man came into view, nimbly working his way around the tracks, appearing to be on a grand adventure. I wondered: could this be the author/artist that I was to scheduled meet?
Bag slung over his should and flashing a winning smile, I soon learned that he was indeed Ben Hatke.

If you have been following comic artist Ben Hatke you know that he has created an impressive body of graphic novels and picture books for young readers. His latest book, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King does not disappoint. This story continues the saga of Jack. As readers will remember, Jack's sister Maddy has been captured and taken to another realm. It is up to Jack and his friend Lilly to use the magic of plants, a healthy dose of courage, and their wits to locate Maddy and bring her safely home.
In true Hatke fashion there are some bizarre characters, high-powered action scenes with plenty of sword-play, and a take-no-prisoners heroine who will leave readers cheering. Careful observation will offer readers glimpses of familiar themes, tropes, and characters.
A hallmark of Hatke's books is his brilliant use of dialog. Each character has his/her/its own distinct speech pattern. The story begs to be read aloud with ample pauses to appreciate the many visual bons mots waiting to be discovered within the pages.
There will be no spoilers from me except this: I gave an audible gasp when I arrived at a certain juncture in the story. Then my eyes filled with tears. How I love his characters and their stories. I Just Love Them

Aileen Leijten has created something so original and fresh that I can't stop marveling over the wonder of Lint Boy. How in the world did she ever come up with the idea? 
A collection of lint located in the clothes dryer is fashioned by heat and motion into a tiny boy doll.  Like Pinocchio, this inanimate object becomes real. Soon a companion emerges, another mass of lint, shaped into a friendly bear, aptly named Lint Bear.
Up to this point, everything seems rosy and charming. I was expecting some simple little story about friendship and being true to oneself.
Not so.   There is evil lurking within the pages of this graphic novel. Mrs. PinchnSqueeze is a deranged old hag who has an obsessive compulsion to perform Frankenstein-esque measures on dolls.  She keeps the captured dolls in cages and practices her own form of bizarre surgery and mutilation on the once cuddly toys.  This woman is so vile that "even moths shrivel up when she looked at them." ​

Here is the lint from a load of heavy white bath mats.  I think I can see Lint Boy potential here. 

Time to raid my button box. Every time I open this tin of assorted buttons, I find treasure. 

Now to rummage through my bag of felt scraps. I like to make my own felt and this texture seemed to fit for Lint Boy.

Coraline 
​by Neil Gaiman

Coraline: Graphic Novel
by Neil Gaiman
adapted by 

Doll Bones
​by Holly Black

Ah, the pain and drama experienced by young girls growing up! The Tween years mark a time of leaving the structure and familiarity of family life and routines. It's a time when a girl is trying to fit in and to simultaneously discover her identity.  Life for these young women can become a minefield loaded with unexpected angst. Girls often find themselves thrust into a world of cliques, bullying, and vicious exclusionary tactics.  Shannon Hale's memoir recounts her pain-filled struggle to find her place in the bizarre world of preadolescence.

Two young friends spent several hours creating braided thread friendship bracelets. After braiding string got boring, it was time to move on to Sunburst wrappers. These adornments were a bit more time-consuming, but the girls decided that they were worth the effort. The bonus is, of course...candy! Try this tutorial to create one bracelet to share and one to keep.

Real Friends
​by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Since childhood, Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends. But that is about to change when Shannon discovers "the group."

War at Ellsmere
​by Faith Erin Hicks
Jun has been awarded a scholarship at a prestigious girls' boarding school. She meets Cassie, who helps her cope with the life at Ellsmere.

​Roller Girl
by Victoria Jamieson

Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole until...  Astrid falls in love with roller derby and Nicole decides that she loves dance. Can their friendship survive their markedly different interests? 

Chiggers
​by Hope Larson​
Abby is back at summer camp. But it's not the same. Her friend Rose is a cabin assistant. The new girl Shasta is different from the others. Can Abby built a friendship with this unusual girl?

Smile
​by Raina Telgemeier

​Life changes for Raina when she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. She must endure a long and painful series of dental procedures as she navigates the bewildering world of middle school. Will she ever smile again?

​Each year during the San Diego Comic-Con, winners of the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are announced. Recognition is awarded to outstanding comics and comic-related materials published during the previous year. Among the many categories, this year's nominees include a stellar group of comics published for early readers.
​Take a look at one of the nominees for this year's award.

Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm introduces readers to the playground antics of two friends: Ape and Armadillo. As Agents of Evil, they devise a scheme to combat the evil forces of the world. However, there is a problem. Armadillo has developed his own special plan. Ape will combat the evil-doers. Armadillo will sweep in afterward, assuming the role of the conquering hero.
This is not working so well for Ape and he objects. It's unfair!
There follows a discussion on the meaning of "unfair" and what is a "good idea" entails. Eventually the friends compromise, negotiating a plan that both agree will work. Engaging characters, sparkling dialog that zings when read aloud, great action scenes which include a space cannon, plenty of gentle humor, and ice cream, make this a sure-fire hit for young readers.
Bonus: There are also dogs. Lots of dogs.
World domination like you've never experienced it.

I have planned a few workshops and storytimes to take place this summer. One workshop will be with a group of teens and a separate storytime will be for children whose ages span a wide range. I plan to use this book along with the comic panel templates and prompts. While the book is specifically geared to younger readers, the concepts translate well with middle grade and teens interested in creating their own comics.

​Thanks James Sturm and Toon Books for this fantastic leveled comic for early readers.

Burt's Way Home
​by James Martz

The Creeps: The Trolls Will Feast
​by ​Chris Schweizer

I'm Grumpy
​by Jennifer L. Holm &
​Matthew Holm

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea
​by Ben Clanton

Cue the music. "You are about to enter Rod Serling's Twilight Zone
​

Meet Addison Merritt, resident of the Spill. Three years ago her town became a no man's land for reasons that are not clear: Maybe a nano outbreak at the local nuclear power plant? Possibly some leakage from another world? Who knows? Addie lives with the remnants of that horrific night. Her parents are gone and her little sister Lexa is now mute.
Gruesome meat puppets, rats, mealy worms, and some type of otherworldly monster now inhabit the town. Addison makes her living by slipping past guards to take striking photos of the Spill. Later she discovers that someone is willing to pay her an obscene amount of money to return to the hospital, located in the Spill sector where her parents died. She need only return to the Spill one last time. However her "one time only" unleashes the wrath of a mutant monster of terrifying proportions.

Westerfeld's narrative includes connections to current events, giving the tale an additional chilling brush with the reader's present reality. Consider: the threat of nuclear destruction "don't mess with the zone’s little projects,' construction of a wall "sooner or later they'll put up a real wall." and ties to North Korea "they know things we don't."

Meet Narwhal and Jelly. Together they form one of the most unlikely friendships that you will ever encounter.
One would think that the fun-loving narwhal would have little in common with a jellyfish. That would be a mistake. They are aquatic friends who share a love for... waffles.
​How Clanton ever came up with the idea of this unlikely friendship escapes me. But it works. Completely and charmingly works.

​Narwhal decides to form a pod: a group of friends to share a love of waffles and ocean adventures.
All that is needed to become a member of this auspicious group is a tusk tooth. Among all the other ocean dwellers, not one has this distinctive feature. Fortunately Narwhal is equipped with a supply of faux horns so that all of his friends may join in the fun.

​Through a series of short stories, told in panel form, readers share in the adventures of Narwhal and his friends. It's the perfect early graphic novel form for young readers, a delightful introduction to some interesting aquatic animals, and an excellent choice for Early Readers.
​
Filled with friendship, puns, and fun. In the words of Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea this book is podtastic!