Review: Magic Pickle

By: Scott Morse

Scholastic; 2008; 112 Pages

Graphic Novel

Grades: Second-Seventh

ISBN: 978-0-439-87995-8

Agent Kosher is a radiated pickle who was put into a cryogenic sleep until the Brotherhood of Evil Produce came out of hiding. When he re-emerges he finds that his lab is now below JoJo, a little girl's, bedroom...and nothing is going to keep her from joining him on his escapades!

My Thoughts:
This graphic novel has a very unique premise...super powered produce. It also has engaging text and illustrations that are a great introduction to the graphic novel genre. I appreciated how, when there are multiple speakers in a frame, the speech bubbles were different colors in addition to pointing toward the speaker. This is a good way for newer readers to learn how speech bubbles work, and minimizes confusion. The text itself is hilarious. Morse uses LOTS of puns, many of which are more for parental benefit than children. It introduces concepts that kids may want to explore later, like communism and cryogenics, as well.

The characters in this book definitely have personality. JoJo is quick thinking, independent, and inquisitive...all characteristics that children will want to emulate. (Plus, she wears footie pajamas!) The Magic Pickle, Agent Kosher, seems to dismiss JoJo as just a little girl. This is a reaction that a lot of kids may experience. JoJo's handling of the situation, her insistance of being respected and included, may empower young readers. The fact that they take down the Romaine Gladiator (via a garbage disposal) is just the icing on the cake!

The Thoughts of Others:
Library School Journal's Elizabeth Bird reviewed the graphic novel in March. 2008. She seemed as enamored with it as I am. She noted that "Morse’s drawing style is this elastic, energetic series of shifting panels and inserts. Images are constantly overlapping or going panel-less for maximum effect."

Kirkus Reviews utilized Morse's own punning sense when they called the book "diverting and dill-ectable." They felt that it was well executed, and that the story and characters were engaging.

Review: Sticky Burr

By: John Lechner
Candlewick Press, 2007; unpaged

Graphic Novel; Hardcover

Ages: 6-10

ISBN:978-0-7636-3054-6

Sticky Burr lives in Burrwood Forest, with all the other burrs. However, he does not like doing very burr-ish things. He loves to paint, fly with his dragonfly friend, and play his ukulele rather than annoy, argue, and stick to things. The other burrs decide that Sticky Burr has got to go...that is, until his friendly attitude and willingness to help others saves the day!

My Thoughts:

I thought that this was a delightful book. Thematically, it encourages children not only to be helpful, but to be themselves. The plot was not overworked, but at the same time it was not very involved. It is easy to follow, and would hold the interest of an early elementary school student, but may bore older students. Still, it is a great introduction into the graphic novel genre, and I believe would serve as an enticement to a reluctant reader.(See...who said that graphic novels couldn't be teaching tools!)
The artwork, while simple stylistically, is well-done and engaging. I really liked the definition and journal pages that are superimposed over a hand-made paper background. Also, the text is clear and full of interesting tidbits. There is even a song at the end, complete with music. Internet-savvy kids can also go to the official web page and explore. (The book started out as an online comic...so the page is very well done.)

The Thoughts of Others:

Booklist's Gillian Engberg reviewed the book, and was enchanted by it. Her only criticism was that "the messages about triumphing over bullies are overt."

It was also reviewed by School Library Journal, which in addition to praising the art, lauded "the lively and sometimes punny dialogue."