Day: June 12, 2008

Batman: The Story of the Dark Knight

| Tasha

Batman: The Story of the Dark Knight by Ralph Cosentino.

Return to the style and feel of the early Batman comics with this picture book.  It covers all of the basics of who Batman is, how he became a superhero and the many villains he tries to stop.  Cosentino’s text is pure vintage comic book style, simple but explosive.  His art echoes the same, except with more clarity and a child-friendly larger format. 

This is a great book for beginning readers who are reluctant.  There aren’t many comic books that are written at about a 2nd grade level.  This one will fly off the shelves, or use its Batmobile to zoom off them. 

Visit Ralph Cosentino’s website.

I'm the Best Artist in the Ocean

| Tasha

I’m the Best Artist in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry.

All hail the triumphant return of the giant blue squid.  This time he is declaring his status as best artist and demonstrates his great skills over and over again.  The illustrations are as charming as the first book and the text is equally fun and silly.  Sherry continues with his large format, simplicity that manages to capture perfectly the hubris and zest of a toddler or preschooler.

Highly recommended as is the first book.  Perfect for ages 3-6, and a winner for beginning readers as well.