Book Drops: Graphic Novel Fridays

I am a little late in writing this post because it is the last day before winter break and there are a ton of things to finish up before leaving the library for 2 weeks.

1) need to put the plants in plastic tubs filled with water so they won't die. I used to take them home but that is just too much work.

2) the Library Queen ordered lunch in so you know, i had to be sociable and partake..I just HAD too!

3) there are a lot more cookies and treats that i need to eat so ..yeah, I had to partake in that as well

4) Oh, I also had to drive off campus and pick up the lunch that i had to eat

5) there are books that need to be covered, shelved, and read...

6) I also had to wipe down all counters and surfaces because the kids are super snotty and I AM NOT getting sick before I leave for vacation.

7) Sent 2 of my friends home because 1 was sick and the other is so stubborn he'll stay here and suffer and bleed all over the place before going home...

so here I go:
This week I am featuring Hansel and Gretel: the graphic novel retold by Donald Lemke and Sticks and Stones by Peter Kruper.

I have not read Hansel and Gretel since elementary school so it was great rereading this classic fairy tale. The illustrations are very gothic and from the cover you can tell that the characters have very giant eyes like Margaret Keane paintings but also a bit like some of the characters in Miyazaki's Spirited Away. It was a great retelling and the library binding edition contains a book discussion questions, writing prompts and also a page for an internet site to visit. I am not sure if a little kid would particularly enjoy this version because the images are so dark and it is a frightening tale but it would be fun to use as a read-aloud book.

Book 2 was Sticks and Stones. Peter Kruper is also a political cartoonist some of his works appears in Time and also the Nation. This graphic novel contains absolutely no words but words were not necessary to convey the story. There is commentary on the affects of industry, war, rebellion, power, greed, etc. It was very powerful. There are mixed reviews on this work but I found it very thought provoking and I loved Kruper's illustrations.

Book Drops: "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" by JK Rowling (Childrens/YA) (rated 4 stars)

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition

by J. K. Rowling

“The Tales of Beedle the Bard” by J.K. Rowling is collection of fairy tales that young wizards and witches grew up hearing from the parents. This edition of the Tales is translated by Hermione Granger and contains commentaries from Professor Albus Dumbledore.

This is a highly entertaining read especially if you love the Harry Potter series. These are the stories referenced in the books and movies and it is great having the opportunity to read them. However, one of the tales, “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” is not one for small children. You can read it with your kids or to your nieces and nephews but definitely skip reading “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart.” It is a good story but not for little ears because in the end the Warlock kills the woman he wants to fall in love with. I won’t tell you how he kills her so you will go and read the book.

If you like fairy tales or the Harry Potter series, you should also add this to your collection.

See more about The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition