My recent vacation time was meant to be reading time. But I had a few adventures and just a lot of “Boy, am I too tired to read anything too serious; but OH LOOK! Two short, cute looking young, graphic novels!”
The first read was Super Turbo Saves the Day by Lee Kirby, George O’Connor and Stan Kirby. It is also the first in the Super Turbo series. This familiar story of classroom pets who take it upon themselves to protect their classrooms when students are away is just fun. Turbo is a hamster who takes things seriously when it comes to protecting his classroom. Even if it can be scary. Along with other classroom pets and a fish (kinda) out of water, our hero and friend save not just the classrooms, but the cafeteria, the school and maybe even the world from some heck-bent-mice (umm sorry rats). The superhero pieces are all here, humor and puns fill the pages and readers (aged 6-7 to 10) will have a blast. The art is simple but not overly simplistic. There are basic, deep colors, what is needed details and even some information about the animals themselves. Overall, this is not a difficult book, but it can keep your reader reading and wondering, “Will our new friends save the day?” Even reluctant readers can get in on the fun as the action is traditional and the story is within their “outside of reading” interests.
I then picked up Pup Detectives V01 The First Case by Feliz Gumpaw (proooobably not their real name) and Glass House Graphics. We have a cute story that is punny. There are clever images, such as if you look close enough you will see a few repeat characters (one is a dog always running in different places but always the same direction) and some hints that lead you to the next step. When a thief keeps stealing the school lunch, the detectives that will later be known as the Pup Detectives, want to solve it. Rider Woofson is a pup-with a mission. He and his new friends (smart, funny, scientifically based, who make mistakes and are hungry) will learn how the clues all fit together and how missing pencils and erasers, loads of bananas and smelly beans all have something in common. This book is if Encyclopedia Brown met Arthur and Gang of TV fame (by Marc Brown) came together for ages 8 to 11. The art is detailed with everything needed and a few extras. The colors are perfect and the story is a delight to read even for adults.
Graphic novels are a fun way to get kids to read, and if you’re an adult who just wants a quick something, these two books fit the bill.
