If you are on the lookout for a fantastically cozy graphic novel with a perfect dash of pumpkins and the supernatural, then ParaNorthern and the Chaos Bunny A-Hop-Calypse is the perfect read. Written by Canadian author Stephanie Cooke, with art by Mari Costa, ParaNorthern follows a young witch named Abby Morgan (the story’s lead), and her close friends in the magical town of North Haven and the unbelievable adventures that await over fall break. The graphic novel opens on a coffee shop owned and operated by Abby’s mom aptly named Witch’s Brew. When Abby- who works at the coffee shop- goes to get more milk, she spots her little sister Ella being bullied out in the back ally. A mysterious burst of energy flies out from Abby as she tries to help her sister…somehow leading to the opening of a portal and an infestation of sweet-looking yet destructive demon bunnies. On her increasingly frantic journey to solve the mystery behind the portal, Abby is joined by her three unforgettable friends: Gita (a fiercely loyal and protective wolf girl), Silas (an introspective pumpkinhead who is angered by folks ordering pumpkin-y food and drink), and Hannah (an optimistic, smiling ghost from another dimension). ParaNorthern and the Chaos Bunny A-Hop-Calyse sets down an excellent foundation for possible future graphic novels (and I sincerely hope there will be more graphic novels featuring these characters!). A magical town cultivated by fantastically realized characters, an intriguing and ancient family history with potentially devastating powers, a friendship-turned-something-more between two main characters, as well as side stories featuring Abby’s little sister and the Morgan family dynamic, all add up to one highly readable and deliciously fun graphic novel (with just a bit of spook!). Readers who have enjoyed Sophie Escabasse’s Witches of Brooklyn, Reimena Yee’s Séance Tea Party, or Emma Steinkellner’s The Okay Witch graphic novels might especially savour this marvellously fun read.

Some folks may be familiar with variations of the Halloween chant/song which begins with ”Trick or treat, smell my feet…”. But have you ever heard or read a rhyming version featuring sweet, smiling bats? In their picture book Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat, author Tracy C. Gold and illustrator Nancy Leschnikoff, bring readers a bat-tastically adorable rhyming version. Opening on a shadowy yet homey cave of darling (I mean, ridiculously adorable!) bats, we follow one endearing little bat from a flock as they take readers on a busy, bug-filled nighttime journey. As our little bat fills up on crickets, flies with round, red eyes, and crunchy beetles- and even potentially stingy wasps!- we are not only treated to Leschnikoff’s exuberant, enchanting art and Gold’s energetic, jaunty rhymes but also to introductory information about bats, echolocation, and their eating habits. For readers who enjoy stories featuring bats and/or for readers looking for a pleasingly bouncy, rhyming story (one that would make for a fun read aloud!) for Halloween, Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat is a great pick. Back matter includes facts about bats (including illustrations and descriptions of bats found in the United States); a concise look at echolocation; as well as reminders of what to do (and what not to do!) should you spot a bat while out on Halloween.

The adorable dinosaur Tiny (from Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck’s The Impossible Hug and The Very Dark Dark) is back for another seasonal adventure in the board book Tiny T. Rex and the Tricks of Treating. In preparation for Halloween, Tiny and his best dinosaur friend Pointy, have ”six tricks of treating” they would like to share readers to help them become the best “Treat-masters” possible. In clearly numbered, cheerful, sweet and brightly illustrated spreads, Tiny and Pointy run down each of the six steps that should lead to an amazing Halloween night. From the how’s of dressing up and ways to prepare for a chill in the air, to the importance of the buddy system and saying thank you, Tiny and Pointy take readers through the steps. While the two friends clearly have candy on their mind (and acknowledge the seriousness of trying all the ”tasty sweets” to ”know which are good, and which are not”), Tricks of Treating is, as Tiny T. Rex stories are, centred around the importance of friendship and how to be a considerate, good friend. A kind end to the story (I will leave this for readers to discover!) warms the heart and makes Tiny T. Rex and the Tricks of Treating a comforting, snuggly read- just right for young ones getting introduced to Halloween and trick-or-treating, or for those who might be feeling a little bit nervous about the holiday!

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“Jop! I think something is wrong with my brain!” 
”Why’s that, Blip?” 
”I’ve been thinking up some really weird questions.” 
”Weird, huh? Like when you asked how far a porcupine can shoot its quills?” …

For readers familiar with the zany, funny work of Jim Benton: get ready for something extra fun in a children’s non-fiction read! And for readers unfamiliar with the zany, funny work of Jim Benton: well, the same applies! Robot friends Jop and Blip have a pretty big undertaking ahead: little robot Blip has quite a lot questions rolling around in his head and is hoping to get Jop’s help in getting to the the bottom of three big questions. In this first series of entry of Jop and Blip Wanna Know: Can You Hear a Penguin Fart on Mars?: And Other Excellent Questions, our two protagonists will find out: the answer to the titular question of whether or not you can hear a penguin fart on mars; whether you can make a dragon sandwich (yes, that’s right, a dragon sandwich!); and lastly, why we need two ears. At just under one hundred pages, the volume is approachable and not intimidating for readers of various comfort levels, while the graphic novel layout is extremely welcoming for readers who enjoy exploring illustrated or unconventional non-fiction. Benton’s sideways humour, use of kooky asides and colourful illustrations- in tandem with scientific facts and scientific explanations- make for lighthearted and informative reading- a win all-around that confirms Jop and Blip’s belief that ”everything is worth knowing!”. Readers who appreciate their informational non-fiction with generous dose of zing and/or humour- along the the lines of the Disgusting Critters series, Science Comics series, Lesser Spotted Animals, or How to Promenade with a Python (And Not Get Eaten)- might especially delight in the learning and laughs to be had with Jop and Blip Wanna Know. I am already looking forward to read about what questions the two friends are going to tackle in the next book!

“Well, this is going to stop! Someone is going to get hurt.” 
”But he’s okay.”
 ”I’m getting tired of this! You should know better…/…I don’t know if it’s on purpose or by accident, but you’re going to hurt him!”

Written by prolific children’s author Charise Mericle Harper and illustrated by Rory Lucey, Bad Sister is a graphic novel memoir that follows the childhood of young Charise from the moment her parents bring home her new baby brother from the hospital. Based on the experiences and memories of Charise Mericle Harper (and her time growing up with her younger brother Daniel), Bad Sister is an intriguing, meaningful story. Charise is an imperfect kid and she is an imperfect big sister- just like siblings can be! She makes errors in judgement, she makes huge mistakes; she is often not very thoughtful and nor considerate about her little brother’s safety; she gets envious and jealous about how thoughtful her little brother can be; and sometimes, her actions lead to her and her little brother getting hurt. But Charise, as she grows up and out of her childhood years, has huge moments of learning, of trying harder to be patient and a good leader to Daniel, and of taking the time to consider what makes a ”bad sister”– and what she might be able to do differently. Charise’s narrative and voice draw readers in immediately, and the quick-pace of the graphic novel, along with Rory Lucey’s bright and clean, retro-feeling artwork make the story’s moments of busy kids’ activity and emotional peaks even more compelling. I do wish the graphic novel has spoken more to Charise’s discovery of having propagnosia (face blindness), as well as the siblings’ parents and their respective personalities- I thought these sections and components of the story were fascinating, but were not covered as deeply as I had hoped. In all, readers who have enjoyed Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters, Jennifer L. Holm’s Sunny series, or Terri Libenson’s Emmie & Friends series might especially enjoy reading Charise’s narrative and the vignette-like dives into the deep complexities of sibling and familial relationships and dynamics. On the receiving end of a starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, Bad Sister will likely be a tremendously popular pick with eager graphic novel readers.

I received a copy of Jop and Blip Wanna Know #1 courtesy of Benton Arts; I received a copy of Bad Sister courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

With affectionate comparisons having been made to Meg Cabot’s blockbuster series The Princess Diaries, Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians series, as well as to Dennie Gordon’s film What A Girl Wants, Emiko Jean’s Tokyo After After (Tokyo Ever After #1) is a lively and fresh thrown-into-the-royal-spotlight contemporary young adult title. Izumi ‘Izzy’ Tanaka has never quite felt at home in her hometown of Mount Shasta, California. As a Japanese-American in a predominantly white town and raised by her single mom (a respected, Harvard-educated professor), Izumi often wondered about the missing parts of her life and her self. And mostly, about her father- someone her mother has never been keen to speak much about or reveal details about. The last few months before her graduation from high school however, the desire and need to know about her father and her Japanese family history grows to a bursting point. Aided by the research and help of her trio of best friends- and by a sneak into her mother’s few mementos- Izumi finds out that her birth father is none other than the Crown Prince of Japan (or, as her friends also refer to him, the Asian George Clooney). Izumi’s life is fundamentally, forever altered. In breakneck pace, Izzy- Crown Princess Izumi- soon finds herself at the airport, ready to say goodbye to her mom and spend two weeks in Japan, getting to know her father. And the rest of the Imperial House of Japan. And everything else that this new, seemingly fairytale twist will bring. What Izumi discovers when she lands in Japan- and not only gets to know her father but also an incredibly dense, almost impenetrable new way of conduct and expectations- are reeling waves of emotions and experiences. As life in this new spotlight and new country begins and swiftly takes off, Izzy navigates some dicey family bonds as well as a serious attraction to the handsome young man assigned to protect her life. Tokyo Ever After is a lovely blend of romance, familial relationships and dynamics, as well as a fascinating dive into the Imperial Family and its inner mechanics. At times, it feels as though the novel teeters a bit- almost taking on too many topics, subplots and tonal shifts- arguably leaving the most captivating elements (that of Izzy’s relationship to the spotlight and crown, her father and mother, and barriers with love interest Akio)- unattended for bursts of time. All in all, however, Tokyo Ever After is a delight; seriously engaging and heartfelt. Izzy is a fascinating, evolving character- chameleon-like and constantly surprising- and it will be a treat to read more of her adventures in a planned second Tokyo Ever After!

Now here’s a quick look at some other YA fiction, YA graphic novels, and adult fiction I’ve read an enjoyed! In no particular order here they are: Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera; Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne; Skim by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki; The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor by Shaenon K. Garrity, illustrated by Christopher J. Baldwin; the very funny, sharp and thrilling Finlay Donovan is Killing It (Finlay Donovan #1) by Elle Cosimano; the wonderfully romantic, sweet, and captivating Get A Life, Chloe Brown (The Brown Sisters #1) by Talia Hibbert; the stunningly written, deeply felt Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson; the completely swoon-worthy, glorious historical romance Bringing Down the Duke (A League of Extraordinary Women #1) by Evie Dunmore; the twisty and surprising Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid; and last but not least, The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow, extraordinarily beautiful Pride & Prejudice story from Mary Bennet’s vantage point.

I received a copy of Tokyo Ever After title courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. All titles featured have been published and are currently available.

“So, what? If someone doesn’t like you instantly, that’s it?” “That’s not what I’m saying, Lucy. I just don’t think that it’s healthy to worry so much about making other people like you”.

The fourth entry in the popular and bestselling middle grade graphic novel series by Kayla Miller, Clash follows protagonist Olive as she and her school friends welcome a new kid into their fold. From previous novels, readers know and love Olive as the kid who is friendly and friends with everyone. In Click, we met Olive as she was trying to figure out her niche and wondering where or how exactly she fit in at school; in Camp, Olive found herself opening up to the possibilities of more friends and new interests (and at odds with her more reticent friend Willow!); and Act sees student council and school politics at the forefront when Olive goes up against friends Trent and Sawyer during a school election. Now, in Clash, Olive finds herself struggling and worrying as a new, seemingly cool and sophisticated sixth-grader named Natasha just…doesn’t seem to like Olive. “I was just thinking about Nat…it’s not like she’s being really mean to me or anything, but I get the feeling…I dunno…that she doesn’t like me?” While Olive does her best to welcome Nat to the school, show her the ropes, and introduce her to all of her friends, Nat seems strangely detached. By asking Olive whether she’s a cheerleader or dating Trent, Nat finds out that Olive is actually friendly with just about everyone– and everyone likes and respects Olive back! As days go by, however, small and hurtful things Nat does push Olive the wrong way: after a volleyball incident in gym class, a lie about hanging out, and belittling Olive’s love of the supposedly juvenile Teen Swamp Creature television series, Olive starts to wonder…What do you do when you think someone doesn’t like you- no matter what you do? A climactic moment and reveals during a Halloween party are so well done, and Miller brings the story to an insightful finale. A thoughtful and heartwarming dive into friendship and all the uncertainties, highs and lows it can bring; as well as touching upon emotions of jealousy and loneliness, Clash is an excellent series entry, likely to be hugely resonant with readers. In an already-fantastic middle grade series, Clash might just be the strongest entry yet and I cannot wait to see where author and illustrator Kayla Miller goes next with Olive’s story. Readers can also look forward to a new graphic novel called Besties: Work It Out, starring Olive’s friends Chanda and Beth. Besties: Work It Out, written by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino, illustrated by Kristina Luu, is set to release in October 2021. Clash’s Extra Credits: Lettering by Micah Myers, Colour by Jess Lome.

Now let’s take a look at some of the other graphic novels (from early reader series to middle grade) I’ve read and would recommend!

In no particular here they are: The Accursed Vampire by Madeline McGrane, a macabre and spooky yet wonderfully tender and clever story starring vampires, a maybe impossible-to-break curse, unexpected found family, and fantastic characters (think along the lines of Reza Farazmand’s City Monsters, for a much younger crowd!); acclaimed author and illustrator Remy Lai (Pie in the Sky) brings readers her graphic novel debut called Pawcasso, a beautifully layered story about the most loveable, incredibly talented dog in town, and a lonely (and wary of other kids!) eleven year old named Jo who accidentally- but maybe also on purpose!- lets other kids in town think that Pawcasso is hers; Ira Marcks’s Shark Summer, a captivating read set on Martha’s Vineyard, featuring local mystery and lore, with very cool movie-nods throughout; the very wacky, very funny Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter by Rich Moyer, which has a 1990s WB and Nickolodean animation style and energy. And yes, it stars a vampire hunting (but-would-rather-be-doing-something-else) pig named Ham! Mike Deas and Nancy Deas’ Otter Lagoon (Sueno Bay Adventures #2) is the exciting and beautifully drawn follow-up to Shadow Island; Georgia Dunn’s Breaking Cat News series continues to seriously delight with Elvis Puffs Out, book four in the series (I also went back to re-read the series recently, it is such a JOY!). In the case of early reader/younger reader graphic novel series: Mika Song’s Apple of My Pie, book two in the Norma and Belly series, is just as sweet and funny as the series opener, with an apple orchard and missing Pops squirrel at its core; Grumpy Monkey: Freshly Squeezed, from Suzanne Lang and Max Lang, brings the orange-squeezing Jim Panzee and friends from the Grumpy Monkey picture books to a delightful graphic novel series opener; and last but not least, friends Pea, Bee, and Jay are back for more adventures in the laugh-out-loud series entry from Brian “Smitty” Smith called Lift Off. Cuteness and giggles abound! Happy reading to you all!

I received a copy of Clash courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. All titles featured here have been published and are currently available.

In no particular order, here are some fantastic and fantastically fun titles I have had the pleasure of reading: King of the Birds (Arlo & Pips #1) by Elise Gravel; Narwhal & Jelly (series) by Ben Clanton; Pea, Bee & Jay (series) by Brian “Smitty” Smith; Bunbun & Bonbon series by Jess Keating; Pizza and Taco (series) by Stephen Shaskan; Donut Feed the Squirrels (Norma and Belly #1) by Mika Song (book two is set to publish June 2021); Fish Feud! (Squidding Around #1) by Kevin Sherry (book two appears set for publication May 2021); Super Detectives (Simon and Chester Book #1) by Cale Atkinson (planned series); Unlikely Friends (Beak & Ally #1) by Norm Feuti; Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli (planned series; book two appears set for publication May 2021); Fox & Rabbit series by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Gergely Dudas; A Crabby Book (series) by Jonathan Fenske; Bumble and Bee (series) by Ross Burach; Cookie and Broccoli: Ready for School! by Bob McMahon (planned series); Unicorn and Yeti (series) by Heather Ayris Burnell, illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla; Puppy Problems (Peanut, Butter & Crackers) by Paige Braddock; Binky the Space Cat (series) and P.U.R.S.T (series) by Ashley Spires; Ashley Spires; Peter & Ernesto (series) by Graham Annable. Fans of Canadian creator Mélanie Watt’s giggly and sweet Scaredy Squirrel picture book series can look forward to a new graphic novel (for younger readers!) set to release May 2021 called Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell! Note: Most all of the titles here, save for Donut Feed the Squirrels and the Peter & Ernesto series are under 100 pages, which seems to be the going page count for younger reader graphic novels. Some of the series listed, such as A Crabby Book, Unicorn and Yeti, and Bumble and Bee, are listed by the publisher as ‘highly illustrated’ early chapter books, but their panel layout is graphic-novel-adjacent and surely may appeal to graphic novel fans!

Happy reading!

I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I hate boys. They’re mean, and scary, and they’re always destroying something or saying something dumb or both. I hate that word. Gay. It makes me feel…unsafe.

It’s the summer between middle school and high school, and Aiden Navarro is away at camp. Everyone’s going through changes—but for Aiden, the stakes feel higher. As he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can’t stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

You may recognize the name of author and illustrator Mike Curator as the creator of the beloved Little Elliot series of picture books, as well as Worm Loves Worm (written by J.J. Austrian). Flamer is not only the debut graphic novel (and YA debut) of Curato’s, but also a title that has been on the receiving end of tremendous acclaim and multiple starred reviews since its fall release. An incredibly powerful, wrenching, beautiful graphic novel that draws on aspects of Curato’s own experiences growing up, Flamer is not to be missed.

Spending the summer at Boy Scouts Camp, fourteen-year-old Aiden Navarro is walking multiple tightropes. Harassed due his being biracial, sensitive about his weight, and troubled by consistent, pressing thoughts and questions about his sexuality (amongst a group of teens and environment where homophobia and homophobic aggressions are depicted as the norm), Aiden feels intense pressure. And confusion. And self-disgust. While attempting to appear ‘normal’- I.e. heterosexual- for his own sanity, and for the benefit of his Scouts troop, Aiden can’t help but think about, wonder about, and dream about his most reliable Scout friend Elias. But…being gay is unacceptable…isn’t it? Aiden can’t be…isn’t gay, right? He can’t be gay if his religion dictates it a sin, right? …So why can’t his thinking about Elias just stop?

A starred review from Booklist noted that Flamer is exemplary in its ‘nuanced’, ‘visual storytelling’, and I wholeheartedly agree. The graphic novel is predominantly in black and white, with unmissable red, orange, fiery tones reserved for the most emotional, combustible moments and scenes. Characters and dialogue are illustrated by thicker defined charcoal-like lines. The rawness of Aiden – his expressions, his drifts into memory and fantasy, his confrontations (with himself and with others), his immediate thoughts, and lengthier dialogues are at the center of the story here.

A story that tells of hatred, of internalized homophobia, of rampant external homophobia, of religious confusion and reckoning, as well as contemplation of death, Flamer is never easy, but it is necessary. It should also be stressed and noted, readers, that Flamer is ultimately a story of finding hope, self-acceptance, and possibility. Sure to affect and long linger in the minds of readers, Flamer is a superb graphic novel. Extras: For more on Flamer, take the time to read this post by Mike Curato. You can also download a discussion guide available via the author-illustrator’s website

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

• Review: The Weirn Books, Vol. 1: Be Wary of the Silent Woods (The Weirn Books #1) by Svetlana Chmakova
• Coloring assistants: Effie Lealand, Melissa McCommon; Inking assistants: Young Kim, Effie Lealand; Lettering: JuYoun Le
• Source: PDF courtesy of JY for Kids/Yen Press. Thank you!
• Publication: June 16, 2020 by JY for Kids

In the Night Realm, vampires, shifters, weirns, and other night things passing for human prowl the streets… but they still have to go to school! Ailis and Na’ya are pretty average students (NOT losers), but when a shadow starts looming and a classmate gets all weird, they are the first to notice. It gets personal, though, when Na’ya’s little brother D’esh disappears – it’s time to confront the secrets of the forbidden mansion in the Silent Woods!

Svetlana Chmakova, the creator behind the hugely successful and lauded Berrybrook Middle School graphic novel series, turns to the fantasy realm with the first entry in a new graphic novel series. The Weirn Books, Vol. 1: Be Wary of the Silent Woods is a fast-paced, hold-on-to-your-seat read that opens up an exciting- often terrifying and chilling- world filled with fantastic characters.

Cousins Ailis, Na’ya live in a New England coastal town called Laitham. Ailis, our narrator, tells readers that Laitham is “home to human and human-passing night things- vampires, shape-shifters, mermaids…and weirns”. Ailis, as we quickly learn, is a weirn: a witch “born with a demon guardian spirit”- called an astral- that is “bound to them for life”. Ailis and Na’ya, along with classmates Jasper, Russ, and nemesis Patricia, attend a middle grade school for Night Things where they learn about things like alchemistry, crytozoology, spell practice, and astral racing. Outside of school, Ailis and Na’ya- and Na’ya’s adorable little brother D’esh- spend time at their grandma’s magic shop. One day, while helping with clean-up, the cousins uncover a decades-old newspaper clipping detailing a tragedy involving missing weirn children and an accused headmistress. A devastating story that reveals itself to have affected their grandma directly, Ailis teams up with Na’ya for some investigative work when unsettling shifts and peculiar events begin to occur in the present-day…events that ramp up to a new level of panic when D’esh suddenly goes missing.

While there are a number of disparate story elements at play here, Chmakova keeps all of the story tangents working together thanks to: a fast introduction of characters and setting; concise backstory; great use of bold and/or sweeping action panels; and character asides. All of these storytelling principles allow for readers to settle right into the story and stay engrossed to the end. Certain facets of the story, for example, Ailis’ apparent crush on a friend, Na’ya’s powers and dragon obsession, or the fact of Ailis’ parents who are just briefly mentioned as being away, leave so many possibilities to be explored in future Weirn books. Add to that the spectacularly creepy and ominous cliffhanger ending and Be Wary of the Silent Woods will likely have readers more than eager to dive back into this very cool and very eerie world.

Overall, The Weirn Books, Vol. 1: Be Wary of the Silent Woods is a terrific, richly atmospheric graphic novel that perfectly balances its quick-moving fantastical plot with solid and immediately likable lead characters, as well as moments of levity and punchy middle-school drama. For readers who have loved and are familiar with Svetlana Chmakova’s recognizable and distinct manga-style of graphic novel presentation à la Awkward, Brave, and Crush, Be Wary of the Silent Woods will likely be a welcome, thrilling romp to dive into (albeit one in a different genre!). Readers who are perhaps unfamiliar with the creator’s previous books but are looking for an adventure-filled, exciting graphic novel series to crack into might find themselves especially enamored with Chmakova’s latest.

Courtesy of the kind folks at JY for Kids/Yen Press, here is a very special sneak peak inside Be Wary of the Silent Woods! I hope you enjoy!

I received a copy of this title courtesy of JY for Kids/Yen Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

A notable YA fantasy graphic novel with a tremendous amount of heart, surprise, and depth, Kat Leyh‘s Snapdragon has been on the receiving end of some stellar reviews. Opening on a dog rescue mission featuring the titular character Snapdragon (also known as Snap), readers are fast taken into a dynamic and eerie world rich with family history and maybe-magic. Middle schooler Snap- animal-lover, caring, curious, and outspoken- finds herself in the company of an older lady (and a supposed witch!) named Jacks, after needing Jacks’ urgent help to save orphaned newborn possums. While in Jacks’ company, Snap not only learns to care for the baby animals, but also takes a interest in helping Jacks with selling the cleaned and complete skeletons of found roadkill. Jacks and Snapdragon form a bond tethered by seeds of respect, which slowly grows when Snap learns about Jacks’ incredibly-lived life, her heartaches, her ties to Snap’s own family history, and yes- the fact that Jacks’ just might, in fact, be a real witch with real powers. Woven within the beautifully detailed and multi-layered story are elements involving Snap’s new and quick-to-grow friendship with schoolmate Lu, as well as Snap’s steady anchor of a relationship with her mom. There are numerous components at play in Snapdragon, and Leyh teases everything out and back together rather gorgeously leading to an ending that readers will likely cheer about. An affecting story, compelling from opening to end, Snapdragon is unusual, wondrous, and feels altogether rooted in and by love. Readers who have enjoyed graphic novels from creators such as Molly Ostertag, Tillie Walden, Jen Wang, or Katie O’Neill, might especially devour and love Snapdragon.

Go to Sleep (I Miss You): Cartoons from the Fog of New Parenthood is the latest from award-winning graphic novel memoirist Lucy Knisley. After having read the excellent Something New and Kid Gloves back-to-back last year, I could not wait to read and see the latest from Knisley. This collection of cartoons from Knisley features the comic artist’s brand of unvarnished honesty and humour readers have come to know and adore from previous works; this time, however, the subject sharing focus with Lucy is her baby boy (who goes by Pal in the cartoons). If you’ve ever read Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott’s early Baby Blues comic strips collections, or Teresa Wong’s Dear Scarlet: The Story of My Postpartum Depression, Go to Sleep (I Miss You) manages to brilliantly walk in and out and among the two: with the humour, sweetness, and the giggles of the former, and with the exploration of the deeply complex corners of motherhood of the latter. From the miracle of only-once-during-the-night wakes, to the intense highs and lows of breastfeeding, from adorable “noisy little milk breaths”, to Knisley’s ingenious inventions for babies, and the pure joy of baby laughs, Go to Sleep (I Miss You) is a real dive into everything new for parents. The contradictions inherent in parenting, the guilt that Knisley feels as a working mom, the unreal throw ups, the unending cycle of pacifier spitting, the milestone of molars, rolling over, and traveling with baby- those are also all there in the pages. There are of course numerous books and cartoons about new parenthood and new motherhood out there- and I’ve read my fair share of them!- so it is worth noting that in Knisley’s hand- with her inimitable artistic style, presentation and voice- her adventures and discoveries with little Pal read as contemporary and comforting (and very funny). Readers already familiar with Knisley’s work, and perhaps those who were riveted by Kid Gloves might be especially interested in reading Go to Sleep (I Miss You); likewise, those new to Lucy Knisley’s work and are looking for thoughtful, raw, and genuinely funny book about new and early parenthood might also find much to enjoy and love here.

Happy reading to you all (and please stay home and safe this long weekend!)

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

Review: Cub by Cynthia L. Copeland

A laugh-out-loud funny and empowering graphic memoir about growing up and finding your voice.

Twelve-year-old Cindy has just dipped a toe into seventh-grade drama—with its complicated friendships, bullies, and cute boys—when she earns an internship as a cub reporter at a local newspaper in the early 1970s. A (rare) young female reporter takes Cindy under her wing, and Cindy soon learns not only how to write a lede, but also how to respectfully question authority, how to assert herself in a world run by men, and—as the Watergate scandal unfolds—how brave reporting and writing can topple a corrupt world leader. Searching for her own scoops, Cindy doesn’t always get it right, on paper or in real life. But whether she’s writing features about ghost hunters, falling off her bicycle and into her first crush, or navigating shifting friendships, Cindy grows wiser and more confident through every awkward and hilarious mistake.

Based on the author-illustrator’s own experiences in the early 1970’s, Cynthia L. Copeland‘s Cub follows twelve-year-old Cindy- seventh grader and aspiring writer- as she makes her way through changing friendships, school bullies, young romance, and a life-changing internship as a cub reporter for her local newspaper in Litchfield, Connecticut.

Reports have a huge responsibility, especially now. Our country is in turmoil: chaos in the White House, a senseless war, environmental crises, women having to fight for equal rights…It’s up to us to make sure everyone has the information needed to make educated decisions.

After encouragement and assistance from her much-admired English teacher, Mrs. Schulz- and after answering all of her parents’ concerns- Cindy is given the opportunity to work as a cub reporter with a young female reporter from their local newspaper, the Torrington Register. Paired with the dedicated and driven Leslie Jacobs- who soon becomes a writing and career mentor- Cindy finds multiple aspects of her life transforming in numerous ways. On the reporting side of things, Cindy gets firsthand experiences in attending board of education meetings, town baking contests, tagging along to interviews, learning more about environmental movements, the fight for women’s rights, as well as getting to write up drafts of articles. As Cindy’s experiences with Leslie and reporting activities broaden, so too do facets of her personal life. Navigating tricky moments in changing friend groups, constant run-ins with an ensemble of spiteful bullies, as well as a sudden blossoming romance with a John Denver look-alike, Cindy’s life is pretty maxed out.

My dad is very protective of me. He wants me to be safe…
But he wants my brothers to be successful.

Copeland does such a fantastic job in Cub of successfully running parallel story lines: following Cindy not only as she becomes stronger and more confidant as a cub reporter and writer, but also simultaneously as young pre-teen/teen who becomes more self-assured, more vocal, who carves out her own friend group, and tackles even more personal aspirations. It makes for even more fascinating reading due to the fact that Cub takes place in the early 1970s, with Cindy and Leslie both witnessing, experiencing, recognizing and attempting to fight back against sexist expectations and the lack of women (and diverse representation in general) in reporting and the field of journalism. As Cub draws towards its end, the thread of empowerment running through the graphic novel gets especially and wonderfully loud, and makes for a truly satisfying finale on many levels. Be sure not to miss ‘Cindy’s 1970s Sketchbook‘ at the book’s end, as well as detailed Author’s Note and Acknowledgements for an even more complete and personal look at Cindy’s story in Cub.

With starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly, as well as  praise from Boston Globe and Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Copeland’s graphic memoir arguably joins the ranks of thoroughly enjoyable, humorous and resonant coming-of-age graphic novels like Guts, Real Friends, Stargazing, All’s Faire in Middle School, and Be Prepared. Readers who cannot get enough of the work of creators such as Victoria Jamieson, and Raina Telgemeier will likely find much to savour, relate to, and appreciate about Copeland’s visually appealing, smart, perceptive and compelling graphic novel.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Thomas Allen & Son in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

Hello lovely readers! In case you are wondering whether the headliner is, in fact, true…IT IS! I had the tremendous and thrilling- and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity- to meet Rainbow Rowell, the New York Times bestselling author of hits such as Fangirl, Eleanor & Park, Carry On, and more! 

Thanks to a generous prize draw courtesy of Raincoast Books and the author, I had a chance to interview Rainbow Rowell before a special author event featuring Rainbow and acclaimed graphic novelist (and Pumpkinheads illustrator!) Faith Erin Hicks took place. Rainbow and Faith were doing an author event on behalf of their graphic novel collaboration Pumpkinheads, which released in August of this year. Rainbow also welcomed the publication of Wayward Son, book two in the Simon Snow series, in late September of this year.

After opening with a congratulations to Rainbow on the release of both Pumpkinheads and Wayward Son, I had to mention that my first introduction to Rainbow’s work was, in fact, her debut novel Attachments -a novel I love very dearly- and one that Rainbow called a ‘sleeper’.

Onto the questions we go, and I hope you all enjoy! 

I would like to extend a mighty thank you to Rainbow Rowell for her time and consideration of my questions, as well as to the kind folks at Raincoast Books for organizing this wonderful opportunity. It was such a fabulous, fun- and happily surreal- experience!