Reading Response: Graphic Novels

Consent (For Kids): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You

Brian, Rachel. Consent (For Kids): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You. Illustrated by Rachel Brain. Little, Brown Company, 2020. 64 pages. Tr. $15.99, ISBN 9780316457736

Rachel Brian's graphic novel is a fun and clever way to get kids talking about consent and setting boundaries. Organized by chapter, where each chapter discusses a new subject revolving around consent. Some chapter examples include respect, trusting your gut and growing healthy relationships. Brian uses simple drawings to add to the text's message. With fun and easy to understand writing that gets the message of the importance of boundaries and consent. One example in where the images and text worked well together was when a character in the text suggested an alternative of a high five when directed to "Come here! I want to pinch & kiss those cheeks!". This was a valid and relevant issue to include, as children can relate to this situation.  The images are effective but the execution could be better with a wider range of colors. With the use of relatable situations and simple comic images, it is fairly easy for children to follow along and understand the content being displayed. 

This books is not part of a series.

Verdict: Brian creates a simplistic graphic novel that allows children to learn about consent and boundaries while keeping the text interesting and fun! I would have liked to see  a wider broad of color utilization but otherwise, I enjoyed reading this. 

Another Kind 

Bream, Trevor. Illustrated by Cait May. Another Kind. Harper Alley, 2021. 288 pages. Tr. $11.99, ISBN  9780063043534

Trevor Bream utilizes a five-act structure that breaks the story into sections. These sections include exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. While the story can be complex and gives no indication of where its takes place geographically, the images are high quality. The illustrations give life to the story and assists in distracting from the plot hole for lack of some details in the story. While young readers will be able to follow along with the plot of the story, the writing at times make it easier to miss some of the hidden details and this can be a miss opportunity. The characters in the novel are Irish will-o’-the-wisp, an East African Nandi bear, and a Nepali yeti. One character is a reptilian whose family disguises themselves as humans to try to take over the government. This hints at antisemitism, which is concerning.

Another Kind is not apart of a series. 

Verdict: While the illustrations are impressive, the writing at times makes it harder to miss some subtleties.

The Cardboard King

Sell, Chad. The Cardboard King. Illustrated by Chad Sell. Knopf Books, 2018. 288 pages. Tr. $14.29, ISBN  9781524719388

Chad Sell establishes short stories that follow multiple kids on their adventures of understanding their feelings and problems through the imagination of their cardboard boxes. The structure of the text conveys issues that readers will be able to relate to. You will be taken on a journey that makes you face bullies, relationship conflicts and accepting your true self. The illustrations interact well with these themes and make sure to display diverse and unique characters.  Throughout the images we see characters that have diverse and various body types, skin colors and genders. This creates an opportunity for the text and images to work well together and support one another. There are instances where some stories do no even use word and let the images covey the story! You are able to see two full page images, back to back that omit text. These images allows us to see the characters using the cardboard to create something new. Representation is also showcased in various family situations and types being mentioned. However there is no mention of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

This the first book in the series. 

Verdict: This text is a creative and vibrant example of story telling for younger readers! With a colorful palette and powerful story telling, this is a must read!

The Bug Club

Gravel, Elise. The Bug Club. Illustrated by Elise Gravel. Drawn & Quarterly, 2021. 56 pages. Tr. $17.95, ISBN 9781770464155

Told in the first person from the author's point of view, this book is a fun and colorful way to learn more about bugs! The illustrations are entertaining and informative! By giving the bugs faces and expressions, Gravel is able to add a fun element to this informational text of bugs. The writing is simple and instructive with a first person view point. The text uses font and color to highlight relevant information that the author wants to emphasize.  Such as making a certain word(s) a bright color and bold. The images and text work perfectly together to see the readers interested in learning about bugs while focusing on the material. This text is simple to follow and understanding the plot is an easy task.

This book is a followup to her award-winning The Mushroom Fan Club. 

Verdict: This is a must have for readers curious about bugs and slugs! With bright and entertaining images along with dramatic writing, this is a must add to your children's collection.