Science Comics: Dogs and Science Comics: Flying Machines

Science Comics: Dogs is an engaging combination of fiction and nonfiction, where readers get a detailed look at the origin of the dogs, how their species has changed over time and their inner workings.  Truly fascinating, and an innovative way for kids to consume more science and nonfiction in their reading diet.

Science Comics: Flying Machines takes readers on the Wright Brothers’ journey as they witness their seemingly crazy quest to build a flying machine, as retold by their younger sister Katharine.  Later when it came time to market their airplane, Katharine became their “public relations director” and incidentally was the only one of her five siblings to obtain a college degree.  It’s really well done and we’re impressed by how this graphic novel came together to present one of the most important inventions of all time in a creative mix of history and personal narrative.  An intriguing read.

Kudos to First Second for making science so accessible and enjoyable with this series.  The rest of the books in Science Comics cover the subjects of dinosaurs, volcanoes, coral reefs, bats, plagues  and publishing in March: robots and drones.

Science Comics: Dogs: From Predator to Protector was written and illustrated by Andy Hirsch.  Science Comics: Flying Machines: How the Wright Brothers Soared was written by Alison Wilgus and illustrated by Molly Brooks.  The Science Comics series is published by First Second.

You Belong Here

“And you belong where you love to be,

and after each day is through,

you will always belong right next to me

and I’ll belong next to you.”

This poetic text with its beautifully understated and dreamy, ethereal illustrations tells children that just like animals and other elements of nature, everything has its place and they are right where they belong.  It would make a special gift from parent to child, or to anyone you cherish in your life.

You Belong Here was written by M. H. Clark, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault and published by Compendium.

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel and The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook

All the charm, delight and spirit of Anne in a modern format—a graphic novel.  This well-paced adaptation is a lovely way to introduce young readers to the beloved heroine we’ve known and loved since our own childhoods—with her foibles, stubbornness, penchant for unintended mischief and also her perseverance, zeal, creativity, ingenuity, limitless imagination, steadfast loyalty and her endless search to find beauty in the world—and how that impacted and inspired those around her.  It’s a perfect pairing with a cookbook of recipes based on famous and infamous (ahem, raspberry cordial) foods from the series including some recipes from the kitchen of author Lucy Maud Montgomery.  A plate of ruby tea biscuits, pot of hot tea and steady supply of Anne books sound like the makings of a cozy afternoon, no?

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel was adapted by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Brenna Thummler and published by Amp! Comics for Kids (Andrews McMeel Publishing).

The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook: Charming Recipes From Anne and Her Friends in Avonlea was written by Kate Macdonald (L. M. Montgomery’s granddaughter) and published by Race Point Publishing.

A Walk in the Forest

Maria Dek explores the wonders of the forest with lush, verdant watercolors in every shade of green.  She paints varying perspectives of the woods, zooming in to the smallest of details and pulling back to sweeping panoramic views.  The book exudes such a sense of serenity and quiet reverence for nature that you’ll want to take a slow, deep breath after reading it.  And then go for an amble through the woods.

A Walk in the Forest was written and illustrated by Maria Dek and published by Princeton Architectural Press.

The Terrible Two Go Wild

It’s shaping up to be a terrible weekend.  Insanely hilarious and smartly written, this prankster duo is back.  In the history of funny books, this one is pretty up there.  And I loved the prologue.  Can’t wait to deliver the third installment of The Terrible Two to Avery, who’s been asking for a while now when it will be published.

The Terrible Two Go Wild was written by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell and published by Amulet Books.