mail carriers

2 Joy-filled New Graphic Novels for Kids

| Tasha

Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbell (9781774885055)

Enter the weird and wonderful world of the Head friends in this graphic novel for elementary-age readers. Cabin Head and Tree Head are good friends and spend a lot of time together. They spend one day saying hello to all the other Heads and then realize the impact their surprise hellos are having on some of the more volatile Heads. In another story, Cabin Head starts doing portraits, first of a taco and then of other Heads who request it, but Tree Head thinks the taco portrait is too delicious to leave alone. There are adventures with holes and treasure maps, and another with the perfect hiding space that fits far too many. The book ends with byes, stories, drawing and a final pool party. 

I just can’t express how delightful this graphic novel is. The concept is bizarre and immensely charming, creating a childlike playfulness that is enticing and great fun. I particularly enjoyed the riff on Jack and the Beanstalk as well as the interaction between the various Heads to solve problems and have fun. 

Laugh-out-loud funny and joyful, this is a must-read for those who enjoy silliness. Appropriate for ages 6-9.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Tundra Books.

The Faraway Forest: Wally’s Route by Debbie Fong, colors by Kayla Catanzaro (9781797230412)

Wally is the mail carrier for Faraway Forest. He and his rabbit friend Bo deliver mail all over the woods. There are tiny envelopes and big heavy packages to deliver. The last house on the route is Mr. Sternbill’s and he’s quite grumpy. But Wally knows that you never know what is weighing on someone’s mind. In four chapters, readers get a tour of Wally’s route, see how a day can become surprisingly long by helping neighbors, see how a big storm impacts Wally’s job, and finally end the book with Wally getting sick and seeing how appreciated he is by his friends, including Mr. Sternbill.

This friendly and cozy graphic novel for elementary age is like a hug. Wally and Bo’s helpfulness shows the impact that someone can have on others in their community. The stories are fast paced and still make time for Wally and Bo to enjoy tea and lunch along the way. The illustrations are large, colorful, and friendly, making the reading more accessible and friendly for newer readers. The book begins with a seek and find for each chapter and ends with tips on how to draw Wally and Bo. 

A welcome cozy delivery for young graphic novel enthusiasts. Appropriate for ages 5-8.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Edelweiss & Chronicle Books.

Review: The Mighty Lalouche by Matthew Olshan

| Tasha

mighty lalouche

The Mighty Lalouche by Matthew Olshan, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Over 100 years ago in Paris, there was a postman named Lalouche who thanks to his job delivering the mail was nimble, strong and fast.  He lived a quiet life with just his pet finch and a view of the Seine River.  When his job was replaced with an electric car, he was forced to turn to boxing to support himself.  At first, he was laughed at because he was so small and slight, but once he got in the ring, he proved that those same postal service skills made him a great boxer.  Soon he was pitted against The Anaconda in a major fight.  What happens when Lalouche finally meets a boxer just as strong, nimble and fast as himself? 

This is going to be one gushing review, since I complete adore this picture book.  Olshan’s writing strikes just the right balance between history and humor.  His text is completely readable and ideal to read aloud to a group.  The names of the wrestlers are delightful: The Piston, The Anaconda, The Grecque.  The story is satisfying and complete, one of those picture books that is all about the tale it is telling, much to its credit.

Blackall is the ideal illustrator for this quirky French picture book.  She plays with proportions and size here, creating wrestlers that dwarf the little Lalouche.  Her cut paper illustrations have a great dimension to them, the layers of paper creating shadows and depth.  I love the warmth of the world she creates in her version of Paris, everything faded, watermarked and somehow familiar.

Highly recommended, this picture book would make a stellar pick to read aloud to elementary classes thanks to its boxing, action and humor.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from copy received from Random House.