Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis by Charise Mericle Harper
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! |
Back pages include directions for making each of the six monster crafts described in the text. With great characters, clever dialog, and simple craft projects, Charise Mericle Harper has a created a graphic novel series for young craft and comic enthusiasts.