Graphic novel roundup- on the lighter side, mostly
Hopefully, I've something
for everyone with this roundup.
Also, I noticed that most of
my recommendations lean slightly to the lighter side which I attribute to the
more typical spring-like temperatures.
In true Canadian fashion, my outlook is connected closely to the
weather. Come on, Spring!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihavh2vw9stxkHqlcAP57MPtkSnk-neswEuVYBSYAQD9GcLGf-NmKsT856nj62eNmUdnoBiWu97Bb2lz8wGS6YDtBaK0fmddKb5AJh_CgNg8gWFwBhwlSWHErkzjZgC799kqCXKv0yM2E/s1600/Binky-Takes-Charge.jpg)
This one is lots of fun
playing on the differing and stereotypical natures of cats and dogs. The illustrations are cleverly done and easy
to follow for early readers. I look
forward to Binky’s next adventure.
Monster On the Hill by Rob Harrell is another fun romp that takes place
in a 1860s fantasy world where being terrorized by monsters is a money-making
venture for every village which has a monster.
Unfortunately, not all monsters are created equal (or at least as
terrifying as the next) and the monster of the village of Stoker-On-Avon
is experiencing a crisis in self-confidence.
What could be worse than a monster that doesn't even show up? Town fathers decide that the only course of
action is to send the discredited Doc Charles Wilkie to ‘fix’ him. Reluctantly, Doc approaches Rayburn, a
self-labelled lame monster to discover that what he needs is a refresher on how
to ‘be’ a monster. A neighbouring,
successful monster, Tentaculor (aka Noodles) a long-time friend of Rayburn,
becomes his tutor. Silly antics and adventure ensues as well as a big battle
with a truly terrifying monster known as Murk.
The humour is perfectly
captured in the illustrations with plenty of colour and cartoony action.
For the next level, grades 9
and up I’m recommending Will & Whit by Laura Lee
Gulledge. Even though the tone of this
graphic novel is not really humorous there is a breeziness to it that really
appealed to me considering some the heavy storylines. Will (short for
Wilhelmina) is a high school student dealing with some fairly significant
issues. She’ll graduate soon and is
figuring out what comes next. There is
an even bigger issue, the death of her parents that gradually unfolds and
resolves itself over the course of the book.
Friends and hurricane Whitney (or Whit) help Will come to terms with
where her life is at. The love that
supports Will keeps this one from becoming too angst-ridden. I liked the mysterious shadows that appear
every now and again that add atmosphere and helps frame the resolution of the story.
Black and white
illustrations work well for this graphic novel especially with the connection to
storms, grief and shadows. This was just a pleasure to read.
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