The Great Big Boom is the third instalment of the Hilo graphic novel series. Judd Winick continues the same humor (one mention of repeat business, along with the usual puns, action and more), illustrations (bright, bold, with the comic book/graphic novel style) and adventures of the first two (battling the baddies). This time our heroes Hilo and DJ must save Gina from the portal she was sucked into at the end of our last adventure. But portal travel is tricky (so tricky in fact Hilo needs the nations army to help them), and not to mention that the new enemies they face are tricky, too. When they are not eating rocks (the enemies, not Hilo and DJ). Old friends and new come together to show what being brave is all about.
These books are not rocket science, even if robots are being made. They are great for the 7- to 10-year-old. Yes, they tend to be “boy books” but anyone can find something to enjoy. There are diverse characters with nobody being all “hero” or all “damsel in distress.” There is a nice mix of fun and a message. And nothing is preachy, just there to entertain. The classic science fiction/fantasy world comes to life on the pages.
I have been reading these one at a time, with large gaps between them. Since the entire series is currently out, I recommend buying all at once so you, your child or classroom, can pick them up as soon as you/they are finished with the last one. And since there is a fun addition at the end of this book that makes me wonder about something (inquiring minds need to know what happens next) I need to read the other books I borrowed from the library and try and get the rest of the series myself.
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