Library Journal has a great roundup of graphic novels where either the superhero is gay or the novels feature leading LGBT characters or themes. Though I don’t read a lot of graphic novels, some of my favorites are on the list:
Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki (a great graphic novel from last year)
Pedro and Me by Judd Winick (one of the first graphic novels I ordered in my small library at the time!)
Any of your favorites on the list?
The Hermit Crab by Carter Goodrich
The hermit crab was very shy and enjoyed being just out of sight rather than part of a group. So he was an unlikely hero! One morning a wooden trap descends from above and the fish, crabs and lobster debate about what it is. The hermit crab was off by himself when it arrived and was unaware of the stir. As he looked for food, the hermit crab found the most amazing shell! It had pieces that moved and a torso and a head and a lightning bolt too. Back with the others, the flounder was caught under the trap, but no one would help him because they could get caught too. The hermit crab with his new “shell” in place arrived and remembered he was hungry. He shoved the trap, trying to reach the good smells. All the others could see though was the head and shoulders of the shell he was wearing. They cheered. Suddenly the trap ascended to the top again. Everyone came to congratulate their new hero. What is a shy crab to do when the spotlight is focused on him?
So often we read books about characters who like to be the center of attention or are bossy, pushy, or vain. This book offers the other side of the shell, giving readers a lead character who is shy, reserved and quiet. Even better, the hermit crab doesn’t dream of being the center of attention. He isn’t constrained by his shyness. He is just himself.
Goodrich has written a great character in the hermit crab and surrounded him with a cast of loud, friendly characters to play off of. The writing here is lovely to read aloud with great phrasing and pacing. Goodrich’s illustrations are even more successful as they reveal the open vastness of the sea, the varied colors of underwater, and interesting perspectives on scenes. I particularly enjoy the deep colored emptiness surrounding hermit crab as he looks for food. Not dangerous, not lonely, just alone. Lovely.
Appropriate for ages 4-6, this book is a great addition to any story time about the sea. It could also be nice as a compare/contrast with a louder character-based book. Children should be able to see themselves in both types of character.
Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
Danny the dragon wants to please his father and breathe fire, but he just can’t seem to do it. His father advises him to “think hot thoughts” but that doesn’t work. Delayed by his father’s fire-breathing lesson, Danny has to write his report about the sea on the bus. Though he comes up with a clever but imaginary sea creature, he ends up getting an F but has a chance to redo the assignment. So he and his best friend Wendell, an iguana, head to the Sargasso Sea (which happens to be on the bus route) and meet up with Danny’s cousin Edward, a sea serpent, who takes them on a great tour of the sea complete with adventure, danger and laughs.
This book is a great mix of comic and novel with panels inserted regularly that carry the story forward via cartoons. The story is then picked up again in prose form interspersed with illustrations. This makes it very child-friendly and welcoming for children who enjoy reading on their own but may not be ready for a picture-free book yet. The style of the book also works well with the comics, filled with jokes, humor and lots of laughs. There is a great sarcasm about the dialogue that makes this a book that children throughout elementary school will enjoy.
Danny and Wendell are a great pair of friends. Danny always upbeat and ready for anything (with the exception of breathing fire.) Wendell rather morose and cautious, often the butt of the jokes, but also intelligent. The characterization throughout is nice, never being lost at the expense of the humor or short length of the novel.
Appropriate for ages 7-10, this book makes a great read aloud too. The voices are distinct and lots of fun to portray when reading aloud. That said, this is also a good book to give to reluctant readers. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series with its promise of ninja frogs!
Waking Brain Cells 