Arrival

Biblio Bits The Arrival by Shaun Tan, Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006 (ISBN 9780439895293)

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9+

Genre Science fiction, Graphic Novel

Plot Summary

This is the story of a refugee, told in pictures only. Our protagonist leaves his home, his daughter and wife, to seek a safer alternative in a new country. The illustrations indicate that there is something menacing the city he leaves behind: something big, dark, and with a spiny, tendril-like tail has taken over. We follow our protagonist on his journey across a large body of water, aboard a steam ship, and then into the grand harbor of the new world. Once there, he must be processed and made official; there are lots of lines and waiting, which is reminiscent of pictures from Ellis Island. The new world is as unfamiliar to readers as it is to the protagonist, with strange symbols that must be writing, bizarre and fantastic architecture, unusual animals, implements, and foods. Even shopping for food is different, almost like an old-fashioned automat. Our protagonist finds a place to live and works several jobs in order to save money to bring his family over. Throughout the story we meet other refugees and learn of their stories also, as our protagonist makes friends. This is a singular work that is both evocative and beautifully rendered.

Critical Evaluation

I have read and re-read this book several times and each time I find myself just as astonished and moved by the narrative as the first time I read it. Tan's book is completely unique in many ways. The book design is made to look old or worn, with interior pages that have stains or cracks, and a cover that looks like a weathered, leather album. The illustrations are rendered impeccably in a variety of black, gray, and sepia tones. Some page layouts are comprised of lots of little boxes (like the cloud spread), while others are full-page spreads. There is a soft luminosity in Tan's drawings that makes me think of Old Master etchings. And yet this is only the technical aspect of the work. The sequencing and pacing feels very cinematic: our attention is sometimes focused in on a detail through several frames, or alternatively, we start out close in and then zoom out through several frames, like the movement of a film camera. Tan also manages to convey deep emotions and stir a reader's empathy so that we are no longer reading about a refugee in a strange, new land, we are the refugee.

Reader's Annotation

I really can't tell you about this book, you just have to experience it for yourself. It's the story of a stranger in a strange land, who has come seeking safety. It sounds like a million other books, but I promise this one is different.

Author Information

Shaun Tan was born in 1974 in Australia. His father is a Chinese Malaysian and his mother is Australian, of English and Irish descent. Tan studied fine arts, English literature, and history at the University of Western Australia and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Tan has received many awards for his works and, in 2010, will be the Guest of Honor at the World Science Fiction Convention in Melbourne, Australia, where he currently lives. (Information in this author biography is from Gale's World Literature Today, 2008, and Wikipedia.)

Challenge issues

There are some scary parts of this story and strong emotions that are expressed.

Booktalking Ideas

I think the best way to begin a booktalk on this title would be to talk in some kind of gibberish for the first minute or so, perhaps holding the book and "asking" listeners whether they are familiar with the story (using facial expressions and gestures). Making the switch into English, it would be easy to hook readers in by showing them a few illustrations and asking some pointed questions. Have you ever had to leave your home? Moved to a new country without your family? What if you got there and no one understood you? How would you find food and shelter? It would be an interesting book to include in a themed booktalk on immigrants, mixing fiction and nonfiction, such as Maggie's Door (Giff, 2003), A Step From Heaven (Na, 2000), Letters from Rivka (Hesse, 1992), and others.

Curriculum Ties

This would be a fabulous book to tie into a unit about immigration, in fact I might recommend beginning the unit with this book, perhaps in small groups. For students who have not been an immigrant or refugee, this exercise would offer them a chance to be one. Have students become the protagonist: leaving behind his family in unsafe conditions, his quest for food and shelter, his utter bewilderment in his new surroundings. Perhaps they could also draw an identification page, like the protagonists, with a self-portrait and Tan-inspired symbols/language to represent his status and information (as in, no words in any recognizable alphabet!).

Why this book?
Because it's unlike anything I had ever seen before and I loved the old look of the cover and intriguing cover illustration.

Awards
ALA Notable Children's Books, Older Readers, 2007; Parents' Choice Awards, Fiction, 2007; Booklist Editors' Choice, Books for Older Readers, 2007; Oprah's Kids' Reading Lists, New Releases, Age 12 and up; New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books, 2007; New York Times Notable Books, Children's Books, 2007; School Library Journal Best Books, 2007; USBBY Outstanding International Books, Grades 6-8, 2008; Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the Year for Older Readers.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Cigars of the Pharaoh

Biblio Bits Cigars of the Pharaoh by Herge; Little, Brown, 1975 (ISBN 0316358363) [First published in Belgium as a comic serial between 1932-1934, then as a black-and-white album in 1934, then redrawn in color and published in 1955.]

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9+ (really, All Ages)

Genre Graphic Novel, Adventure

Plot Summary

Tintin and Snowy are relaxing aboard a cruise through Asia, "for a change." Pretty soon, as per usual, the two are embroiled in a new adventure. They meet Professor Sarcophagus on board, who is absent-minded and eccentric, as well as the hot-tempered film tycoon, Rastapopoulos. When unseen evil forces identify the "young journalist" as a nuisance and demand his disposal, the detectives Thomson and Thompson are brought in to arrest him. (This is the first time in the series that we meet this bumbling pair.) Tintin escapes, of course, and follows Sarcophagus into the Port town to the tomb of Kih-Oskh where they are all drugged and disposed of in coffins and set to sea. The adventure unfolds with almost non-stop action from here, including Tintin and Snowy's rescue by a gun-running captain, capture by a vengeful sheik (who is a Tintin fan, we find out), thwarted firing-squad death and burial of Tintin, escape by plane into the Indian jungle, learning elephant language, an evil fakir who is a hypnotist, poison blow darts, etc. Until, finally, Tintin solves the mystery in an intense conclusion, uncovering an international crime ring in the process.

Critical Evaluation

Herge's art is masterful, and in this installment those moments of beauty and clean composition come during the desert and ocean scenes. Cigars of the Pharaoh is one of the earlier stories, so Herge is still pretty tied to the narrative boxes. Sure, as referenced above, the plot is pretty predictable: capture, escape, capture, escape, repeat until Tintin thwarts the evil forces in a stunning conclusion. There are many readers who, especially as they are building their fluency and skills, find Tintin stories accessible and engaging. This is also true for reluctant readers, for the fast pace and simple text. Unlike some comics, Herge's are easy to navigate in terms of the flow of the boxes and text.

Reader's Annotation

Great snakes, it's Tintin! He's on another global adventure with Snowy, on the trail of an international crime ring, that begins in the Middle East and ends up in the jungle of India. (For the Tintinologists out there: What other Tintin adventure is visually referenced in this installment?)

Author Information

The Belgian author/illustrator known as Herge was born Georges Prosper Remi in 1907 and died in 1983. He is best known for his Tintin adventures, but began his career as a journalist and illustrator for the Catholic newspaper Le XXe Siecle. This position soon began to include more illustrative work and then a comic strip called Totor. Herge was the recipient of many awards, both within his lifetime and posthumously, and in 2009 the Herge Museum opened. (Information in this author biography is from Wikipedia and Tintin.com)

Challenge issues

Oh, Tintin, how tweens (and others) still love you, though you are dated in your sexist and racist ideas. Somehow Tintin adventures continue to captivate readers of all ages, though we know these things, and that is what makes this book a classic. Racist: nonwhite people are usually portrayed stereotypically in their features. They are also likely to be "bad guys" or servants and to speak in a simplistic manner. Sexist: Bianca Castafiore is the only female character in the whole series who has any significance. There are also frequent references to drugs and smuggling and some violence.

Booktalking Ideas

Again, another book that won't need a booktalk. But I think any booktalk on graphic novels would be incomplete without some sort of Tintin presence, since Herge is considered the godfather of the graphic novel. Since these are books that are pretty much entirely in the genre of adventure (a little humor!), any Tintin book would also work in an adventure booktalk.

Curriculum Ties

This would be a great series to use to identify stereotypes and bias and to discuss the historical context that created them. Is it still OK to read them today, when we know differently? How might these books be offensive and to whom?

Why this book?
What kind of tween list would this be without Tintin on it? Tintin books are read to death in the library, until their pages are falling out, and they've been repaired until they can't be repaired any more. My twenty-three year-old brother still returns to his collection of Tintins, particularly when he's sick, re-visting stories that he has known since before he could read them himself.

Awards
Herge's awards include Adamson Awards for notable cartoonists, Sweden,1971; Grand Prix Saint-Michel comic award, Belgium, 1973; Hall of Fame, Harvey Awards for notable cartoonists, 1999; Eisner Award, Judge's Choice, 2003; 2007 commemorative coin motif, 20 Euro value, to celebrate the anniversary of Herge's birth.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes. (Volume 1, which includes three adventures.)

Babymouse, Queen of the World (v.1)

Biblio Bits Babymouse, Queen of the World, Vol.1, by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, Random House, 2005 (ISBN 0375832297)

Reading Level/Interest Ages 9-12

Genre Humor

Format Graphic novel

Plot Summary

Babymouse is a middle-school-aged mouse with frizzy whiskers who attends school with lots of other kinds of animals (her teacher is a hippo). Babymouse's best friend is Wilson the weasel, who has been there for her since kindergarten. The queen of the girls is Felicia Furrypaws, who is cool, has smooth whiskers and great clothes. When all the girls except Babymouse get their invitations to Felicia's exclusive sleepover, Babymouse knows she must procure an invitation at all costs. When Felicia asks Babymouse for her homework in exchange for an invitation, and it turns out that Wilson's movie night is happening at the same time, Babymouse must make some difficult choices.

Critical Evaluation

Babymouse is a lovable and fallible hero. The illustrations are perfect: black on a white page, with pink as an accent. Babymouse indulges in some alternative fantasies (in space, as a detective, Babymouse vs. The Squid, etc.) that show us inside her creative mind, similar to Calvin's fantasies (Calvin, of Calvin and Hobbes fame). The story is predictably familiar: the social complexities and attractiveness of the "in-crowd." It's a theme that will never be overdone for middle-schoolers: this is perhaps the most important tween story that can be told, because it's a story that is re-told and re-enacted every day in middle school. The language is simple, the illustrations are engaging, and this would be an excellent selection for younger tweens, particularly girls.

Reader's Annotation

Babymouse wishes for more glamor and adventure in her life, but all she has is "an overdue library book and a locker that stuck." Will she ever get a coveted invitation from Felicia Furrypaws for an exclusive sleep-over party?

Author Information

Jennifer L. Holm was born in California but spent her growing-up years in Pennsylvania with her parents and four brothers. She attended Dickinson College (PA) and moved to New York City to work in television production. Holm received a Newbery Honor book for Our Only May Amelia. She currently lives in the northeastern part of the United States with her husband, son, and cat. This was her first collaboration with her brother, Matthew, who is a freelance writer and graphic designer. (Information in this author biography is from the book jacket, as well as the author's official site.)

Challenge issues

Oh come on! It's a comic about a mouse with common social issues!

Booktalking Ideas

I would definitely focus on Babymouse's character by asking my audience some questions. Have you ever wanted a little more adventure in your life? More glamour? Ice cream for lunch? No homework? Straight whiskers? I would build up their empathy with Babymouse, and then allude to some of the social challenges she faces, such as: How about wanting an invitation to a party that "all the cool kids" are going to?

Curriculum Ties

This would be a really fun study for an art class focusing on comics. The illustrations are deceptively simple and would lend themselves to a lesson on the expressiveness of Babymouse's face. Studying the ways that Matthew Holm shows Babymouse's emotions could be a great way to inspire the aspiring comics illustrators. Students could develop a simple animal character and draw their faces in several moods.

Why this book?
My local YA librarian reported that Babymouse is a hit with tween girls, so I thought I should see what all the hype is about.

Series/Sequel
Yes!

Awards
ALA Notable Children's Books, middle readers' category (2006); Gryphon Award (2006).

Rockport Public Library owns?

No.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Biblio Bits Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale, Bloomsbury, 2008 (ISBN 9781599900704)

Reading Level/Interest Age 500 lexile/ages 10-14

Genre Modern fairy tale; Western

Format Graphic novel

Plot Summary

This graphic novel re-tells the fairy tale of Rapunzel (with a little Jack in the Beanstalk thrown in). When Rapunzel discovers that Mother Gothel stole her as an infant she demands to be returned to her real mother. Mother Gothel, who has some amazing growth magic, imprisons Rapunzel in a tall tree in the middle of the forest where she lives for four years. With the goal of rescuing her real mother from Gothel's mines, Rapunzel escapes and is thrust into a world she doesn't know, a world that has the look and values of the wild west. She quickly realizes it's a cruel place that is ruled by hardship and finds a comrade in Jack, who is on the run from the law himself (a problem with stealing that he is rather vague about). Rapunzel masters her long braids as her weapon-of-choice, and the two set off to find and free her real mother and vanquish the powerful Mother Gothel.

Critical Evaluation

This modern fairy tale places Rapunzel at the center of her own destiny. She is a heroine with a vision of a world that might be different, without the cruel reign of Mother Gothel. The authors have penned an engaging narrative and compelling re-telling of this fairy tale classic. Rapunzel and her sidekick Jack make a fun team; their small exchanges, on their way to friendship, are definitely a highlight of the story. Readers will respond to the pace of the action of the story, not to mention Rapunzel's moral code and sense of honor and humor. Nathan Hale has done a masterful job of bringing life to the story by Dean and Shannon Hale; the vibrant colors and setting, emotions, and humorous parts are thoroughly evoked by Hale's illustrations. The page layouts are relatively easy to navigate, even for novice graphic novel readers.

Reader's Annotation

A braid-wielding redhead who takes no guff is on a mission to vanquish cruel Mother Gothel. Think tall-tale meets fairy tale and you might have a notion of what awaits you in this rollicking adventure!

Author Information

Shannon and Dean Hale live near Salt Lake City, Utah, with their two small children (a boy and a girl), "and their pet, a small, plastic pig." Shannon has written the best-selling young adult series that begins with The Goose Girl, two stand-alone books, and two books for adults. Shannon obtained her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Montana. She was awarded a Newbery Honor for The Princess Academy, one of the stand-alone titles. (Information in this author biography was gleaned from the author's official website.)

Challenge issues

Perhaps staunch Grimms' traditionalists might object to a Western version of this story. But I am stretching it here.

Booktalking Ideas

Perfect in a booktalk on fractured fairy tales, this book might also be at home in an Adventure Tales booktalk, or even Modern Hero/ines. I might adopt a twangy accent and read some of the exchanges between Jack and Rapunzel aloud, or perhaps put my hair in two braids and don a cowgirl hat!

Curriculum Ties

It would be great fun to use this book in a language arts unit, maybe focusing on the idea of taking a classic story and bringing it into a new setting or period. The assignment, perhaps in a group, could be to take a fairy tale of their choosing, re-read it, and then begin to brainstorm a modern take on it. This would probably lead to some research on the time and/or place. Where would the setting be? Time period? Cast of characters? How about a Three Little Pigs set in modern day Manhattan? Cinderella in Australia? The possibilities could be really fun.

Why this book?
Well, this title has been checked out from the library by my two sons probably eight times, so I have seen it floating around quite a lot (in between visits to the book-mender for a recurrently weak spine!). Finally, I figured it was high time I read it myself, especially since it's on the Maine Student Book Award Reading list for 2009-2010, and I was not disappointed!

Series/Sequel

Yes! By visiting the author's website I learned that a sequel, Calamity Jack, is due out in 2010.

Awards
ALA Notable Children's Book, 2009; Maine Student Book Award Reading List 2009-2010.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Ottoline and the Yellow Cat

Biblio Bits Ottoline and the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell, MacMillan Children's Books, 2007 (ISBN 9780061448799)

Reading Level/Interest Age 760 lexile, ages 8-11

Genre Humorous mystery

Plot Summary

Ottoline is a privileged young girl who lives with her Norwegian bog creature, Mr. Munroe (small and hairy, a bit like Cousin Itt from the Addam's Family), while her parents travel the world collecting unusual things and sending postcards. When Ottoline and Mr. Munroe discover that small lapdogs and jewels are disappearing around Big City, they quickly formulate a plan to investigate. They uncover a crime ring headed up by a cat burglar (who is actually a cat) and a tricky plot to steal jewels from unsuspecting wealthy ladies. Mr. Munroe goes undercover and, with the help of Ottoline, the two make a plan to foil the crime ring.

Critical Evaluation
Though not a graphic novel per se, this book has Riddell's illustrations on every page which could be a great hook for reluctant readers. Although the mystery is fairly light and there is not a lot of text, the detailed and funny graphics (maps, postcards, annotations, etc.) enhance and add depth of pacing and emotion to the story.

Reader's Annotation

Thumb through this one and I dare you to not get hooked into the story by the amusing illustrations in black, white, and red. Ottoline and Mr. Munroe are on the case of the missing jewels in Big CIty.

Author Information

Chris Riddell is an award-winning illustrator and political cartoonist who lives in Brighton, England with his wife and three children. He has collaborated with Paul Stewart on the Edge Chronicles and the Far Flung Adventures series for children. (The information for this brief biography was obtained on the author's website on August 22, 2009.)

Challenge issues
Probably none, but I suppose absentee parenting, bears that talk, and mysterious and fantastic creatures from Norway might offend some.

Booktalking Ideas

This book would be great in a booktalk on mysteries, one that highlights books with a graphic component, or nontraditional storytelling methods.

Curriculum Ties

Not a lot of content to work with here, but Ottoline and the Yellow Cat is definitely a story that exhibits creative problem solving skills. One fun option could be to find an action sequence in another book and then "map" it out, similar to the very funny illustration that highlights the action of the climactic capture.

Why this book?
Just the right amount of silly mixed with a mystery along with those fun graphic details makes this book a great choice for a reluctant reader or a low-skills reader. Particularly for a young (emotionally or physically) tween, this title looks and feels like a chapter book without being very challenging in terms of content, complexity, or length.

Series/Sequel
Yes, more Ottoline books to come! Next up: Ottoline Goes to School (2009).

Awards
Maine Student Book Award Reading List 2009-2010

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes