Ben Clanton

Old idea, new presentation

Papilio by Ben Clanton, Andy Chou Musser and Corey R. Tabor

December 9, 2024 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

The concept of coming of age is told through the eyes of a butterfly in Papilio. Ben Clanton, Andy Chou Musser, and Corey R. Tabor created a unique read (the coming of age concept) but still is a book about a butterfly and its life cycle. We follow Papilio from the changes they have from egg to a falling (though feels like flying) caterpillar, to an actual flying butterfly. Told in three “chapters” these sections show us the stages of going from caterpillar, to caterpillar […]

Rot, Snot and Squirm

Rot, the Bravest in the World! by Ben Clanton

February 12, 2021 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

I am not a fan of rot. You know, that decaying, moldy and yucky stuff. However, Rot, the Bravest in the World! is not about the kind of rot that is “eeeewww gross!” but about a potato called Rot. And while I have not always been friends with author and illustrator Ben Clanton books (Rot, the Cutest in the World! and Narwhal and Jelly series to name a few), I did enjoy this latest adventure. There is humor in Clanton’s books that is not for […]

It’s a crab! It’s a submarine! It’s SUPER NARWHAL!

Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #2 by Ben Clanton

April 2, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #2) by Ben Clanton is a typical Narwhal and Jelly book. However, Narwhal is not as annoying as they have been in other books. Usually the naivetés of Narwhal borders on the frankly, stupid, and I cannot get pass that “comedy of errors and misunderstandings” (I never thought Abbot and Costello all that amusing) to enjoy the story. This time, even though Narwhal stays true to himself and personality, the story worked much better for me. Our “heroes […]

Narwhal and Jellyfish have delightful adventures – CBR10 Bingo: Award Winner

October 6, 2018 by Dome'Loki 4 Comments

My 6 year old daughter LOVES narwhals and was thrilled when Grandma gave her Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea. It is a Will Eisner award winning graphic novel and marks off the “Award Winner” bingo square! The book is made of three stories in which a happy go lucky narwhal and a no nonsense jellyfish learn about friendship, working together, and the power of imagination. One day a narwhal finds itself in strange waters and encounters a creature it has never seen before, a jellyfish. The […]

Boogie your Wiggle and Wiggle your Boogie

September 8, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

First, I am not a Laurie Berkner fan. Yet, Monster Boogie is a real treat. You do not need the music or a CD of Berkner signing or playing the music for you to enjoy it. As you read out loud you will fall into a natural rhythm of a song. You will love the bounciness to the words and will have fun. Therefore, this is not a before bedtime story. It would be great for a preschool classroom. The illustrations by Ben Clanton are […]

Rot, the Cutest in the World??

July 16, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

When you are a mutant potato that knows he is perfect the way his is, what do you do? Enter a The Cutest in the World Contest! However, Rot soon realizes not everyone thinks he is so cute. What is a poor mutant potato to do? Ben Clanton tells you in Rot, the Cutest in the World! Clanton’s signature style is all over the place. Each page has his less than traditional look and feel. His words are sassy, funny and serious all […]

Tracy on A Quiet Book About Surviving AloneFrom looking at Goodreads, it looks like at least a couple of her other works have been translated.
Singsonggirl on A Quiet Book About Surviving AloneYAAAS! Haushofer is one of my favourite authors ever, it's so cool to see her popping up here! While this novel is good, her real...
BlackRaven on I cried six times while reading this memoir slash podcast slash pop culture book.Thanks for the review! I had wanted to read this, but it sounds like it might not be "my thing". Though I've enjoyed the show...
BlackRaven on Not sure if this was a hit or miss, so guess it’s appropriate for my third cannonballThanks! I'd love to do 12 again this year.... but we'll see.
Malin on Not sure if this was a hit or miss, so guess it’s appropriate for my third cannonballCongratulations on your triple Cannonball! You are a reviewing machine.

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