The Marvels by Brian Selznick

The Marvels
by Brian Selznick

Brian Selznick's masterful illustrations and writing are combined in this beautiful tome which captures your attention immediately with the elaboratly decorated cover and gilded pages. The first part of the story (approximately half of the 665 pages) is told with Selznick's signature style of illustrations, black and white, telling the story of a lone survivor - Billy Marvel - of a shipwreck in 1766. As the story progresses the reader follows the Marvel family through five generations of actors and theater life.

Abruptly the Marvel story ends (as do the pictures) and a new story (in text form) begins in 1990 as Joseph runs away from school to locate his eclectic and estranged Uncle Albert. Joseph finds himself in a home unluck he has never been. 

How are the two stories connected? Who are the Marvels? What connection do they have to Uncle Albert and Joseph? All of the questions will be answered in this marvelous story loosely based on The Dennis Severs House located in Spitalfields, London.

Brian Selznick created a wonderful book trailer for this book. It can be seen on The Marvels website.

I highly recommend reading any and all of Mr. Selznick's other books, such as the following.

• The Houdini Box (1991)
• The Boy of a Thousand Faces (2000)
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2007) - Caldecott Winner
• Wonderstruck (2011)

Inspiration through Graphic Zen

Zen Pencils Volume Two: Dream the Impossible Dream (publication date: 10/13/15) is wonderful book filled with inspirational quotes from an interesting group of people (Maya Angelou, Issac Asimov, Chris Hardwick, Jim Henson, Amy Poehler, and William Shakespeare). Each is presented in a graphic format (like a comic or cartoon for those unfamiliar with this genre). The manner in which Gavin Aung Than represents each of the writer's words forces the reader to alter their personal perception of some of the most memorable lines of inspiration (Kahlil Gibran's "Work is love made visible." and Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players.").

I can see this book being used in a high school English class in order to help student's to visualize required reading assignments. I'm not a believer in requiring students to read certain books (I am all about free choice when it comes to reading), however I know it happens every year. I believe if students were given the task of representing a quote or portion of a reading in a creative manner, it might make the assignment more meaningful and more learning will occur.

Zen Pencils Volume Two:
Dream the Impossible Dream
by Gavin Aung Than

*To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Andrews McMeel Publishing has provide a copy of Zen Pencils Volume Two: Dream the Impossible Dream in eBook format for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the publishing company.

Locke & Key

The other day I received an email from the local public library announcing some of the new titles in their collection. As I was reading through the list, one of the titles caught my eye - Locke & Key: Alpha & Omega by Joe Hill. In the back of my head, I knew the author's name, but I couldn't recall any other titles. Since I could not remember how I knew this author's name, I Googled him, of course. Then it hit me. I knew the name because I read an article about him and his family last summer from The New York Times. Joe Hill is the son of Stephen and Tabitha King. If you are a fan of King's it is a must read article.

When I began to read the recommendation post, I realized, not only was this a book in a series, but it was the last book in a series. Which, if you read my last post, you will remember I like to begin reading a series once it has ended so I don't have to wait for the next book. I love anticipation (that is why Thursday is my favorite day of the week - it is all about the anticipation of Friday), but I don't want to wait too long, especially for an author to finish writing an entire book!

Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft
by Joe Hill
illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez

Any way, once I finished reading the email, I went immediately to the online catalog and placed the books on hold - yes all six volumes. I was able to get Volumes 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 almost immediately. As soon as I got home I started reading the first book Welcome to Lovecraft. Not long after I started reading, I had to leave. So like I always do, I carried the book with me. Once I arrived at my destination, I had some free time, so I continued to read. I got through half of the book before it was actually time for me to get to my appointment. It took a great deal of self control to wait until I got home that evening to finish the book. As soon as I got home though, I sat down and finished it.

Wow! What a great story. I was hooked from the very beginning, even though it was a little difficult for me to follow at first. You see, this is not just any book. This is a graphic novel, which makes it even better, in my opinion because you have the illustrator's images to carry you through the story. Gabriel Rodriguez does a fantastic job of creating a haunting scene that perfectly encompasses Hill's dialogue.

I have read a few graphic novels over the years. I can't say they are my favorite. I was not a big comic book reader as a child. I will, however, say I was grabbed by the action immediately and did not want to put the book down. Now my biggest problem is the second book is still on hold. So, NOW I have to WAIT for the next book. It is driving me crazy!!! I hope it comes in soon. I must find out what happens to the Locke family.

UPDATE...

I finally got the text (and email) from the public library letting me know Volume 2 was ready for me to pick up. I couldn't get to the library quick enough. I spent the weekend with the Locke family and their twisted key adventures. Wow, what a trip. Like I said before the story grabbed me from the start and would not let me go. I was (an remain) fascinated by the variety of magical keys found by the Locke children (Giant key, Head key, Omega key, Shadow key, Mending key, just to name a few). I love the imagination Mr. Hill used in creating each of the keys and the wonderful background story of the keys which is first revealed in Volume 5 - Clockwork. I don't want to give any of the story line away because it is just so wonderful.

If you like Stephen King, you will LOVE his son. The mystery, plot twists, gore, and humor are combined to make a great series. I have to say I was very sad to see the series end. I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel series and look forward to reading more from the Hill & Rodriguez team.

Fairy Tales, In Graphic Format

Fairy Tale Comics
selected by Chris Duffy

I first became familiar with Chris Duffy's work when I received a copy of Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymesf rom 50 Celebrated Cartoonists. I love the book as soon as I read the first few pages. This was back in 2011. I am so glad to see his latest book, which will be released in a few weeks, September 24th, Fairy Tale Comics.

Fairy Tale Comics, selected by Chris Duffy, is exactly what the title implies. It is a wonderful collection of fairy tales illustrated in a graphic format. Duffy spent time reading as many fairy tales as he could and narrowed the selection down to seventeen well known tales. He and his editor did a great job of of choosing a "mix that included a lot of Grimm tales, a majority of well-known stories, a good sampling of non-European traditions, and a balance of boy and girl heroes." I love the fact they made the last balance. So many times boys will not pick up a fairy tale because it is a "girl story". 

The cartoonists selected for this project did a phenomenal job. Each story was illustrated by a different person. 

• "Sweet Porridge" by Bobby London
• "The 12 Dancing Princesses" by Emily Carroll
• "Hansel and Gretel" by Gilbert Hernandez
• "Puss in Boots" by Vanessa Davis
• "Little Red Riding Hood" by Gigi D.G.
• "The Prince and the Tortoise" by Ramona Fradon & Chris Dufy
• "Snow White" by Jaime Hernandez
• "The Boy Who Drew Cats" by Luke Pearson
• "Rumpelstiltskin" by Brett Helquist
• "Rabbit Will Not Help" by Joseph Lambert
• "Rapunzel" by Raina Telemeier
• "The Small Tooth Dog" by Charise Mericle Harper
• "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" by Graham Annable
• "Baba Yaga" by Jillian Tamaki
• "Bremen Town" by Karl Kerschl
• "Give Me the Shudders" by David Mazzucchelli
• "Azzolino's Story Wihtout End" by Craig Thompson

The cover illustration is spot on for a library collection. I believe both girls and boys will want to read this fun book. Boys because it has "Comics" in the title and girls because of the "Fairy Tale". Either way, this is a wonderful collection in a graphic novel format. Over the years, the graphic novel has become an increasingly popular format for all genres. In years past the comic book was not considered "real reading", but more and more libraries are purchasing graphic novels to meet the needs of their patrons.

I would highly recommend this book, as well as Nursery Rhyme Comics, for libraries who serve children. Not only are the stories and illustrations charming, but the graphic novel format is perfect for the upper elementary age readers.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, First Second publishers, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this book for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

More Magic from Sylvie Desrosiers

Hocus Pocus Takes the Train
by Sylvie Desrosiers

I have always loved magic and magicians. Two years ago, when I was serving as the chair of the Texas 2x2 Reading List Committee, I remember opening a box of books from Kids Can Press. Inside was a copy of Desrosiers's first Hocus Pocus book. I fell in love with the adorable blue bunny (Hocus Pocus) and the four legged companion to the magician, a grumpy dog. Hocus Pocus lives in the magicians hat and causes quite a fuss when he spies a carrot in a grocery bag. You will have to read Hocus Pocus to enjoy the hillarity yourself.

The same fun can be had in Sylvie Desrosiers latest book Hocus Pocus Takes the Train. You are in luck because this book was released August 1st, so you don't have to wait to pick up this wonderful new graphic novel (wordless picture book) for young children. Non-readers will have a splendid time "reading" the bright pictures by Remy Simard. Once again Hocus Pocus finds himself in a predicament. The magician has purchased a ticket for the train. He has just enough time to grab a cup of coffee for himself and a bone for his dog before boarding. While the magician and his crumugeon canine enjoy a treat, Hocus Pocus is able to escape from his hat home. He quickly spots a stuffed purple rabbit dropped by a toddler at the next table and his adventure begins. Before he knows it the magician is gone and Hocus Pocus has to figure out how to get aboard the train with his new purple friend.

A heartwarming ending allows young children to see the lost can be found. Not only does this book provide a funny story anyone can read and enjoy, it also provides parents an opportunity to talk to their children about holding hands and staying together when out in public. I'm sure it is not the message Desrosiers intended, but one can never err on the side of safety, especially when it comes to our children.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Kids Can Press, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this book for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

Storytelling and The Storyteller

When my husband and I went back to school to work on our Master's degrees we were fortunate enough to be able to take a few classes together. One of my favorite was a storytelling class. I had been a teacher for about two years and loved reading to my students, but I don't think I ever told them a story until I had this class.

Not only we were responsible for reading a lot of folk and fairy tales, but we were also tasked with telling stories to our fellow classmates. This was the scariest part for me. Growing up I loved to sing. I sang for a number of recitals, solos, competitions and performed at some events for different organizations. However, getting up in front of my peers to tell a story really terrified me. So, I did found stories I could sing. It was the easiest way for me to tell my stories in a manner that not only suited my personality, but also my cultural heritage.

My favorite story that I told (sang) was The Massacre of Glencoe. During the early morning hours of February 13, 1692, in the Highlands of Scotland, specifically Achnacon, Invercoe, and Inverrigan, thirty-eight MacDonalds from the Glencoe Clan of MacDonald were killed in their homes by their own house guests. The reason for the massacre, they had not been prompt in pledging their allegiance to William and Mary. In addition to the thirty-eight slaughtered in their homes, forty women and children died from exposure to the freezing temperatures after their homes were destroyed by fire.

The Old Banjo
by Dennis Haseley

My husband, a very talented musician, chose to tell the story The Old Banjo by Dennis Haseley. It is a wonderful story where a banjo in an old farm house attic reminisces about all of the instruments  and the beautiful music they made together. It is a very moving story that reminds me of the poem by Myra Brooks Welch, "The Touch of the Masters Hand". He masterfully paired the story with beautiful banjo music to enhance the telling of the story and I am mesmerized to this day by his re-telling of this amazing story.

Another assignment given to us during this spring semester class was to attend the Tejas Storytelling Festival in Denton. I don't think we had ever heard of the festival, let alone attended. If I'm not mistaken the festival had only been going on for eight years. We had a wonderful time! I think we would both agree, our favorite storytellers at the event were Donald Davis and Barbara McBride-Smith. They were phenomenal! Every time I see a CD of their storytelling I have to get it. I just love their accents and their way of telling.

Jim Henson's The Storyteller
by 

Well, this all started when I received an eBook edition of Jim Henson's The Storyteller, a graphic novel which was originally released in December of 2011. For those who loved the television series back in the late 1980s you will love the the interaction between the Storyteller and his faithful companion, Dog, at the start of each of the stories. In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, there are nine stories. They include the following:

• "Old Nick and the Peddler", a Scandinavian folk tale, adapted and illustrated by Roger Langridge
• "The Milkmaid and her Pail", an Aesop's Fable, adapted and illustrated by Colleen Coover
• "An Agreement Between Friends" a Romanian folk tale, adapted and illustrated by Chris Eliopoulos
• "Old Fire Dragaman" an Appalachian Jack Tale, adapted by Jeff Parker, and illustrated by Tom Fowler
• "Puss in Boots" a French fairy tale, adapted by Marjorie Liu and illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer
• "The Frog Who Became an Emperor" a Chinese folk tale, adapted by Paul Tobin and illustrated by Evan Shaner
• "Crane Wife" a Japanese folk tale, adapted and illustrated by Katie Cook
• "Momotaro the Peach Boy" a Japanese fairy tale, adapted by Ron Marz and illustrated by Craig Rousseau
• "The Witch Baby" a Russian folk tale, adapted from a screenplay by Anthony Minghella, script by Nate Cosboy, and illustrated by Ronan Cliquet

This graphic novel eBook would make an excellent addition to any library's digital collection, especially because of the variety of tales provided within. I was only familiar with two of the tales ("The Milkmaid and Her Pail" and "Puss in Boots") but I enjoyed reading all of the stories. I believe readers of all ages will not only find the stories entertaining and engaging, but the illustrations by the different artists diverse and intriguing.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Archaia Entertainment, LLC has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this book through NetGalley.com.