Andre the Giant: Life and Legend

"Are there rocks ahead?"
"If there are, we'll all be dead!"
"No more rhymes now, I mean it!
"Anybody want a peanut?"

Andre the Giant was a definitive part of my childhood, if only through The Princess Bride (my poor husband still doesn't get why I love the movie so much...and he hadn't seen it til we were engaged...sad buckets!)  I was never big into wrestling, but my uncle collected plastic figurines of Hulk Hogan and the like...so I'm sure he was in there somewhere.

Box Brown's fantastic graphic novel Andre the Giant: Life and Legend gives a glimpse into Andre's sad, sometimes angry, but still amazing, life.  

Andre Roussimoff was a pretty normal guy...except he ended up being almost 7 1/2 feet tall, and weighed 600 pounds.  This book looks at Andre's life- his rise to wrestling fame, his immortalized performance in The Princess Bride, and the situations that resulted because of his size.

This is such a well-done biography.  For those who only know Andre as Fezzik, it was great to learn about his wrestling career.  Those who are fans of wrestling will appreciate the stories, and the history of the WWF, Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, etc.  Actually, it's interesting to those who don't have a real tie to wrestling, too.  Just reading about his on-the-road stories...craziness ensues.

The novel explains wrestling terms, and really puts in perspective the "good old days"- teens will be interested in large sporting events before pay-per-view.  Like, bars would charge a fee and people could watch there, or small theaters would be rented out to broadcast the event.

Looking also at the struggles he had because of his size.  Emotional AND medical...some of the situations he had were incredibly sad; but! some were also amazing, charming.  The brief look at The Princess Bride took me back to an episode of Biography, where I'd heard some of those stories told by Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin.  Seeing how the man handled a flight from Japan to the US, being unable to fit into the tiny, airplane restroom...riveting.

Done in black and white, the pictures are simple, but tell Andre's story well.  It's crazy how a couple of pen-strokes can convey so much emotion.

There are some adult themes, situations, language, humor...but look at the world he was living in!  I would say probably best for 13+...maybe older...parental call on that one.  That said, it all has a point...I mean, it's the guy's life!

This is one that could definitely bring in your reluctant readers, and your "guys"- I've lost count of how many times I've been asked for books on pro wrestling by my kiddo patrons. 

Crazy good biography about a man who was larger than life.




Andre the Giant: Life and Legend is published by :01 First Second.  Review copy graciously provided by the publisher.
Release Date: 05.06.2014

Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust

Some of my favorite stories growing up were the ones my grandfather told about when he was a boy.  He grew up in Milwaukee in the 20s and 30s, and we got to hear about getting ice from the ice truck- or the butcher for whom they delivered sausages, who offered two salami slices as payment (instead of the usual one).  He then took the one slice, and cut it in half.  Much can be said about what we learn listening to these stories.

A sad, beautiful look at the Holocaust from the perspective of young Dounia.  Hidden, by Loic Dauvillier, Marc Lizano & Greg Salsedo, starts with a young girl listening to her grandmother's story (a story the girl's father, Dounia's son, has never heard).

Dounia was a young Jewish girl in Paris.  As Nazis moved in, Dounia hid.  A series of neighbors and friends kept her alive, as her family was taken away to the concentration camps.

I think that's the shortest summary I've ever written, and while the story seems simple from what I just wrote (and it's a mere 88 pages)- it's so much more.  

The pictures give such an innocent, confused perspective.  It's almost as if you're peeking in on Dounia's life. The warm colors throughout, the glow of a candle or a fire in a dark room, also give the feel you're privy to something quiet and important.

The characters themselves are simply drawn- circles, lines, and dots.  Similar to those a child would draw, telling a story.  This adds to the childlike atmosphere of the book.

Dounia's family and friends are so scared, so brave.  It was heartbreaking from the beginning, when Dounia's father gives her her yellow star.  He tells her that they are playing; that they are a family of sheriffs.  It was reminiscent of Roberto Benigni's Life Is Beautiful.

The escape to the farm was symbolic more than just being free- as farms are about growth and new life.  It is there that Dounia also gets a chance at a new life.

Speaking of Dounia's new life, the ending is happy.  I'll say that much.  But it is also sad.  When someone has been through something this terrible, this life-altering...it is so hard to keep it inside.  It is hard for the person who won't, or can't, share.  And it is hard for those around them, who know there is something more.  Who want to help ease that burden, or see where the person is coming from.

This graphic novel is so touching, so beautiful.  It shows the Holocaust in France (which, sadly, I tend to forget about France), and shows it in a way that's accessible to young readers.  It could open a lot of conversation about that whole period.  

I highly recommend this.  Read it by yourself, read it with your child...read it with tissues.  

*Hidden is being released in April as a tribute to Holocaust Remembrance Week.






Hidden is published by :01 First Second Books.  Review Copy graciously provided by the publisher.
Release Date: 04.01.2014

The Olympians (The First 6 Books)

By the Beard of Zeus!  George O'Connor's Olympians series is...amazing.

http://abcreads.blogspot.com/2013/07/george-oconnors-olympians.html

And the newest in the series:

I don't know why it took me so long to read these- no lie, they've been on my desk for almost 3 months.  I am FLOORED by how well-done this series is!

I was a Classical Studies minor, spent a summer in Greece when I was in high school, memorized Edith Hamilton's Mythology, and in my younger years wore out a Mickey Mouse mythology book.  The picture of Medusa with her snakey hair and dripping, body-less neck have stuck with me. I tried to find a picture to post here, but it seems it's been a long time defunct :-(  If anyone can help a girl out- it had a white cover, Mickey, Myths...(oh the irony of the librarian giving that description).

***

Update: Oh my goodness, I found it! Thank goodness for eBay! Now to convince my husband our house needs more books...

***

I won't go book-by-book, because I have a feeling it would be a lot of repetition of how much I love Olympians. So, I will do a general overview.

O'Connor uses beautiful language- his narrative reads like an epic poem, but is more approachable to younger (or reluctant) readers.  I would recommend starting with Zeus, but the books don't have to be read in order.  I just think Zeus and the whole creation story are a great kick-off (plus, there's an amazing illustration of the Titans that is haunting and powerful.)  

The bold colors and illustrations sweep you up, and before you know it, you're halfway (or all the way) through the book.  Actually, I had a stack of these in front of me at work for this review.  As I was reading one, one of our regular boys (a bit of a reluctant reader) came and sat across from me.  I told him he could look at them if he wanted.  He sat there for an hour, and read three of the books.  He said he loved the stories and the illustrations, and I was excited to tell him that there are more coming!

Each book focuses on an Olympian, but also on those involved with their stories.  For example, we learn about Hera, but also Heracles/Hercules.  We learn about Athena, but also Arachne and Medusa.  We learn about Poseidon, but also Odysseus and Minos.  

The books also include notes about the writing process, a glossary with translations, information on characters, discussion questions (like, "Zeus's dad tries to eat him.  Has your dad ever tried to eat you?")  As well as a bibliography and recommended reading for different age groups.

I especially enjoyed O'Connor's takes on certain situations, and even more enjoyed that he is trying to tell the women's stories, too.  "For when the men of ancient Greece wrote down their stories, they did not think to ask the women theirs." (Hera, p. 65)  This, of course, gives a deeper appreciation and understanding of the goddesses, and other female characters.  There are things I had overlooked or never thought of before, in my mythology reading/classes, and I love that this is a medium for a new take, a new perspective on such ancient stories.  Bravo, George.  Bravo.

Honestly, if the next six books are anything like the first- I will be getting the entire collection for my department, and for my home.  

I would recommend this series to all ages.  Anyone interested in mythology or folklore, Greek history/culture, superheroes (cuz really, these are the first superheroes), comic books...just...so much awesome!  Annnd...stay tuned for a special post in a couple of weeks!  In the meantime, you can follow the Blog Tour for Aphrodite here.

The Olympians series is published by :01 First Second. Copies provided by my awesome Public Library System/Consortium.  

The Cute Girl Network

I loved this!  It was like Zits for the post-college crowd.  Absolutely get your hands on a copy of The Cute Girl Network by Greg Means, MK Reed, and Joe Flood.

Skater girl Jane is new in town.  When she falls (literally) for kind, funny, absent-minded Jack, her roommates call the underground network of girls in the area: The Cute Girl Network.  Jack's dating history is a bit, um, colorful, and they want to make sure she doesn't make the same mistakes other girls did with dating him.  Will Jane be scared off by Jack's dating history, or will Jack win her over?

Oh goodness, I loved this.  I connected so much with the characters (I'm assuming this is because I'm not too far gone from that period in my life).  The Cute Girl Network was fresh and funny.  Great for twenty-somethings.

There's a Twilight parody book group, with Jane and her roommates.  O...M...G...I laughed so hard.  Then went back and read it again.  The characters are developed well-I loved Jane's roommate Wendy (who's making a documentary about girls and how they interact while playing).  The dialogue between Jack and his roommates, and Jane and hers, is so familiar.  As in, I have had those conversations and behaved that way with friends.

The artwork is black and white, somewhat reminiscent of Craig Thompson.  The details in the larger scenes were astounding.  I kept going back to just stare.  There's a vending machine graveyard, and all I could think was "I want to go to there."  

I may categorize it as a YA book, but it will definitely resonate with those in their 20s and 30s. It's a great story, with captivating artwork.   It makes you question: at what point do you stop listening to others, and start listening to yourself?





The Cute Girl Network is published by :01 First Second (a division of Macmillan).  Review copy graciously provided by the publisher.
Release Date: 11.12.2013

Hello Kitty: Fashion Music Wonderland

I was late to the Hello Kitty party.  Like...just within the past year.  And while I own some HK apparel, it is all pajamas and workout gear so I don't feel quite so weird about being near-30 and sporting the awesomely cute little cartoon.  I also get to play it off a bit with my friend's daughters who LOVE that adorable feline.

That being said, I would totally go to the Hello Kitty cafe in Seoul.  I wouldn't even try to come up with an excuse.

Now, this summer at ALA Annual, I went to the Viz Media Book Buzz and was really impressed with what they are doing with their children's publishing.  One of the things is a new series of Hello Kitty: Here We Go graphic novels!  I got to meet Jacob Chabot, one of the illustrators, and Traci N. Todd (editor) and got an autographed poster...which is now hanging in my office.  I'm a children's librarian.  I can play that one off ;-)

Viz sent me a review copy of a Hello Kitty graphic novel (I don't think it's from the Here We Go series, though) and, as is expected, it's ridiculously cute.

Hello Kitty: Fashion Music Wonderland is created by Jacob Chabot, Victoria Maderna and Ian McGinty.  It's wordless and contains three short stories about, um, fashion...music...and Wonderland! The first story takes place at a fashion show, and explains how Hello Kitty gets her adorable pink-pigtailed wig.  The second is a story of HK's rise to fame- from karaoke to famous star, and her relationship with Dear Daniel.  The final is a HK take on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Bright, cute, and uber-girly, Fashion Music Wonderland makes me want to get my hands on all forthcoming GNs in this series...and all things pink.  The stories are great for young ones, promoting kindness, helping, and friendship.  "Wonderland" has an especially friendly twist ending.

I liked how the pigtail wig gives Hello Kitty a Jem-like alter-ego.  This is particularly true in "High Note," the second story about music.  However, the wig also helps her in the other two stories.

The details throughout the book are great, but I especially liked a two-page spread in "Wonderland" where HK is helping Dear Daniel find some items.  It promotes interaction with the reader, and something new always catches your eye.

The book also includes paper doll cut-outs and love note templates.  I, of course, couldn't bring myself to cut them out (*cringe*)- but, maybe the reader could get two copies of the book? (I'm sure Viz would be okay with that).  

All in all, an adorable, wordless graphic novel.  I look forward to telling many little girls I know about it...and seeing Hello Kitty's other adventures in Hello Kitty: Here We Go!

Hello Kitty: Fashion Music Wonderland is published by Viz Media.  Review copy graciously provided by the publisher.
Release Date: 11.05.2013 (the day before my birthday!)

Fairy Tale Comics

As has (I hope) become apparent- I love fairy tales.  And graphic novels.  Particularly :01 First Second's graphic novels (which currently make up about 90% of my graphic novel collection...cuz they're freakin' awesome).

I received a copy of Fairy Tale Comics (edited by Chris Duffy) awhile ago, and am psyched that I got the chance to review it!  I reviewed The Storyteller GN awhile back, and while this is similar...it's so. much. better.

Fairy Tale Comics is a collection of fairy tales, re-imagined (and re-imaged) by various cartoonists- Raina Telgemeier (Smile), Craig Thompson (Blankets), and Brett Helquist (A Series of Unfortunate Events) to name a few.

The tales span from Grimm's Fairy Tales to Russian and Japanese folktales to Bre'r Rabbit tales from the South.  The variety of illustrations is amazing, each with its own qualities.  Some are narrative, some are mainly dialogue, some are wordless. Speaking of dialogue, "Hansel & Gretel"- illustrated by Gilbert 'Beto' Hernandez- is hilarious...at least I thought it was.  It was...I don't quite know how to explain it.  The only way I can think of is, like, overdramatic overacting.  LOVED it!  Luke Pearson's "The Boy Who Drew Cats" also had me chuckling- in a more adorable "Bartleby the Scribner" kind of way.

I went in not knowing much about certain cartoonists.  When I got to "The Prince and the Tortoise" I thought "this is really similar to classic comics- like Prince Valiant or something."  Turns out Ramona Fradon illustrated Aquaman in Super Friends.  The same happened with the story "Sweet Porridge."  "Hmmm...this is kind of nostalgic cartooning...reminds me of Popeye."  Again, Bobby London illustrated the Popeye comic strip from the mid-80s to early 90s.  I'm actually both proud and ashamed of myself for placing (yet not placing) these cartoonists.  There's a great list of contributors in the back which is helpful for both recognizing artists, and noting future works of theirs to look into.

One of my favorites was Gigi D.G.'s interpretation of "Little Red Riding Hood."  The artwork was beautiful and adorable.  Like, in the event of future Little Sare-endipities...I'd love to do a nursery in this style.  There was also some girl power in this version, which I am always happy about!  I won't give the twist away, though!  The same with Raina Telgemeier's "Rapunzel" [cue Spice Girls!]

The range of stories, the range of artistic styles and talent, the range of humor...this has something for everyone.  If you love fairytales and folktales, bright colors, humor, and pure awesomeness- get this graphic novel.  I have a feeling this will become as treasured as my Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales (and has much better illustrations!)

Fairy Tale Comics is published by :01 First Second.  Review Copy graciously provided by the publisher.

Release Date: 09.24.2013

Uglydoll: Goin' Places

I remember the first time I saw an Uglydoll.  November of 2006; I had just flown into LAX, and my friend who picked me up took me to Chinatown to walk around.  One of the stores we went into had this, well, ugly doll.  Sadly, I can't remember which one it was- I think it was Little Ugly Big Toe.  Anyhoo, I wandered around the store clutching it and, remembering my scant budget, had to put it back before leaving.

Now!  Fast forward a few years, I'm at ALA 2013 in Chicago, and Viz Media is having a Book Buzz session on their Children's Publishing!  I geeked out a bit, because, of course, all the manga I read is through them!  One of the new products?  Uglydoll graphic novels!

The running theme for all the vignettes in the graphic novel is..."goin' places!"  Which would have worked so well for our "Have Book, Will Travel" summer reading theme!  Their adventures lead them to the sea, into space, back in time...and to a library!

The first thing you notice is the bright, fun colors.  And the kooky characters. They instantly draw you in!  There are many talented authors and illustrators- Sun-Min Kim & David Horvath, Travis Nichols, Phillip Jacobson, Ian McGinty, James Kochalka and Mike LM Kelly.  They provide so many little details and jokes throughout the stories that you may not catch the first time. 

The stories are great.  I was chuckling reading the whole GN...actually I think a few guffaws made it in there ("We're SO bats right now!" did me in...I ended up reading it out loud to my husband after).  Two of my favorites were "Get Lost" and "We're So Bats Right Now."  Babo was just adorable, trying not to lose his stuffed bear when he traveled, and Ice Bat & Ninja Batty Shogun were hilarious, honing their radar (oops, I mean sonar) skills. [sidenote: as I'm typing this there's a bat outside my window chittering EXTREMELY loud.]  Babo's postcards are super-cute, too.  

Annnnd...in trying to remember the first Uglydoll I saw, I went to the website.  Um...guys? I don't care if I'm almost 30, I would be stoked to get either of these:

http://www.uglydolls.com/p/ice-bat-hello-kitty

http://www.uglydolls.com/p/babo-bear

[the mugs are pretty cool, too!]

I'd recommend this to anyone who likes these dolls- young and old alike.  As I mentioned before, there are lots of jokes that will appeal to all ages.  The colors are fun, and the Uglydolls are adorable.  Definitely planning on getting this for the library.  It would also be good for those who enjoy humor and adventure.

Uglydoll: Goin' Places is published by Viz Media.  Review copy graciously provided by the publisher.

Released: 07.02.2013

Jim Henson's The Storyteller

I briefly mentioned The Storyteller Jim Henson TV series in my review post of far far away. I watched that show when I was pretty young (4 years old, to be exact)...and will absolutely admit The Soldier and Death episode left me a bit scarred.  As I got older, I got over the flying red demons and purchased the DVD of the series.  It's pretty awesome. I mean, Sean Bean (The True Bride) when he's super young?  Yes, please! Plus, John Hurt as the Storyteller, Brian Henson as The Dog...it's just a great introduction to folktales from around the world.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic to get to review the new paperback edition of the graphic novel (published in 2011).

Now, "beginning as I do at the beginning and starting as I must at the start..."

Jim Henson's The Storyteller  includes 9 stories- some well known to us, like Puss In Boots; others are a bit more obscure, like The Frog Who Became An Emperor.  Each tale is prefaced with some interaction between the Storyteller and his dog, because something has to remind him of one of his stories!

Different artists tackle different tales- the Old Fire Dragaman story had the illustrations I was expecting, while the bluish hues of Puss in Boots really brought out its fairy tale-ness.  My all-time favorite of the illustrations, though, were those in The Crane Wife.  I liked the story, too- kind of a play on the Cupid & Psyche story.

The Witch Baby was most like the TV series- the way it wove in and out of the Storyteller's narration and being in the story.  It is told by Tarot cards, and kind of a breaking of the fourth wall.  I later found that The Witch Baby was an unproduced episode from the teleplay (which explains a lot).  Honestly, I'm kind of glad it wasn't produced.  It was just...weird.  Disturbing. 

This is a rare occasion where I'll say I liked the movie (or in this case, TV series) better.  There's something about the oral/aural tradition that goes along with folklore. I did like the graphic novel, but I'm holding it to a high storytelling standard that's been in my mind for a quarter of a century.  I didn't care for some of the illustrations, but some were amazing.  Given the variety in the novel, though, I do think there would be something for everyone.

I would recommend this to those who liked the original series (folks who have seen The Labyrinth [starring David Bowie's, um...package] will recognize the dog's voice as Hoggle's!)  I'd also recommend it to those who like folklore in general, and graphic novels.


"All stories are true to someone."- The Storyteller






Jim Henson's The Storyteller is published by Archaia.  Digital ARC provided by NetGalley.
Release Date (of paperback edition): 08.13.2013

Star Wars: Jedi Academy

Star Wars: Jedi Academy was so fun!  I ran into a couple at ALA who had gotten a copy, and gotten it signed/illustrated by Jeffrey Brown.  They were so geeked out about meeting him, I HAD to look into it more.

Told from the perspective of artistic young Roan, we see the galactic universe through the eyes of a middle-school boy from Tatooine.  Roan wants to get into Pilot Academy, like his Dad and older brother Davin.  However, he is rejected.  Resigned to attending the local Agricultural School, he is surprised to get an acceptance letter from Master Yoda to...Jedi Academy!  Through entries in Roan's journal, and graphic panels, we see Padawan Roan hone his skills in light-sabering and using The Force (as well as dealing with bullies, his first crush, and trying to understand Master Yoda!)

I love how Brown used so many mediums to tell this story.  There are the journal entries, and the panels...but there are also bits from the student newspaper, Jedi Academy FAQs, yearbook-esque staff pictures, report cards, sign-up sheets...it's like a journal-scrapbook (instructions on how to make your own at the end!)  It was kind of like...Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, but still its very own thing.

And it's funny!  There are so many little quips, and especially drawings that made me snicker.  There was something about algebra being used in real life (I hate math, so I liked that one).  And the light saber teacher is also the Home Ec teacher. There are lots of Ewoks...and pictures of Endor.  I have a bit of an Ewok obsession, so that made me happy.  And the Librarian is Librarian Lackbar (sadly, no "It's a TRAP!" exclamations, though).

I can already think of about 20 middle-grade boys I'll be recommending this to- as well as a few adults. Brown has two other graphic novels out, too, that I need to check out now: Darth Vader and Son, and Vader's Little Princess.

Also, I dare you to read it without getting this stuck in your head:

I'd recommend this to middle-grade (and younger...and up) guys, fans of Star Wars, and those who'd like to learn a bit about Star Wars' more obscure characters.





Star Wars: Jedi Academy is published by Scholastic.  Digital ARC provided by NetGalley.
Release Date: 08.27.13

Boxers & Saints (Part II)

Saints is Gene Yang's graphic novel that parallels Boxers.

It is the story of Four Girl- the fourth daughter born, on the fourth day of the fourth month, and the only one of her mother's children to live past a year.  Her grandfather refuses to give her a name, because "four" is a homonym for "death."  She is unwanted in her home, and finds solace (and food) from the Christian missionaries and converts.  She takes the saintly name Vibiana, and begins working at an orphanage in a Christian compound.  Throughout the novel, she sees visions of Joan of Arc.  Guided by Saint Joan, she becomes a maiden warrior, fighting for her faith against the Boxers.  

This graphic novel, as with its companion, is very well done.  It takes the alternate perspective- that of the Christians converts and foreigners- and contrasts it with those fighting to free China from them.  The book also does particularly well with highlighting symbolism in Chinese numerology, as well as showing the place of females in that society.  

The colors are mainly sepia, with visions of Joan of Arc in bright gold.  The gold gave a very ethereal feel, and more purposeful than ghastly.  Like "pay attention to me- I'm not haunting you, I'm actually showing you something very important."

One thing that really caught me was a layout-ish difference between the two novels.  In Boxers, the chapters are titled by years- in Saints, by Vibiana's age.  This was kind of a punch-in-the-gut for me, as I hadn't realized how young these characters were.  While reading Boxers I had assumed the characters were in their twenties.  I was wrong.

Maybe it's because I'm a girl, but I connected more with Saints.  However, I can't really compare the two volumes separately.  Together they tell the story of an important time in history, from two perspectives, and they do it in a way that is accessible- but still heart-wrenching.  They weave together the society, history, traditions, religions, arts and symbolism of that period in China.  The illustrations are fantastic.  

All in all, a perfect recipe for reaching kids and adults alike.  Boxers & Saints gets two thumbs up from this librarian!


For my review on Boxers, click here.



Saints is published by :01 First Second.  Digital ARC provided by NetGalley.
Release Date: 09.10.13

Boxers & Saints (Part I)

Confession- when I get excited, I do this with my hands:

And this is exactly what happened when I got my hands on the review copies of Gene Luen Yang's Boxers & Saints two-volume graphic novel.  

When I was getting my MLIS, Mr. Yang's American Born Chinese was required for my YA lit class.  I read it twice in as many days.  I still grab it when I see it on the shelf at the library, and flip through at my desk or on breaks.  I just love the way this man writes and illustrates.

Boxers is the first in a two-volume graphic novel series about the Boxer Rebellion.  It is the story of Little Bao, a young man in 1898 China, who has had enough of missionaries and foreign soldiers hurting those he cares about.  A major breaking point leads him to form a band of common villagers. He trains them in kung fu- they are called Boxers (or "The Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists").  They make their way to Peking, fighting to free China from the "foreign devils."

Little Bao's journey is one side of this historical uprising.  Yang's narration and drawing is...magical.  I had actually never heard of the Boxer Rebellion.  Well, I may have heard of it, but hadn't looked into it at all.  I loved the way this graphic novel wove together history, folklore, religion, and traditional arts.  The overlying colors are incredibly neutral, and then Chinese Gods and Goddesses, opera characters, and puppets come out in shockingly bright, beautiful colors.  It's this awesome punch that really shows what Little Bao is feeling.  There is laughter and heartbreak, all told beautifully.  It makes a pretty rough topic accessible to young adults.

Plus, there's a climactic library scene.

The main character's name has a place in my heart as well.  My sister spent a few months in China, and every morning went to the same bakery and ordered the same thing: Gai Mei Bao.  To the point where the ladies started calling her Bao (it is also one of the few things I can actually order in Chinese [and the extent of my Chinese is absolutely just food]).

I can't speak enough praise about this graphic novel.  I enjoy anything that makes me want to learn more about...anything.  Like how Mirror, Mirror made me go on a Borgia stint.  I have a feeling I will be researching this for the next few weeks.

I'll be reviewing Boxers' parallel novel, Saints, next.




Boxers is published by :01 First Second.  Digital Copy provided by NetGalley.
Release Date:  09.10.13

Primates

Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birutė Galdikas

Written by Jim Ottaviani; Illustrated by Maris Wicks

Okay, I admit...I judged this book by its cover.  The colors and lines really jumped out at me.  I also admit, I only knew about Jane Goodall before reading this graphic novel.

Primates chronicles three female scientists who were all recruited by anthropologist Louis Leakey (whom I'd also never heard of- ah well).  Evenly paneled story-boards take us through this fantastic journey of primatological study.  We start with Jane Goodall, and her study of chimpanzees. We then join Dian Fossey in her fight for the safety of mountain gorillas.  Eventually, Birutė Galdikas swoops in and rehabilitates orphaned orangutans.  I laughed more than once, as each had humorous/strange/unbelievable interactions and experiences with the primates and new environments.

As I said before, I had only heard of Jane Goodall before reading this.  I was so very impressed with each woman's story, and her contributions to this area of study.

The artwork is bright, very eye-catching.  I don't want to say it is simple, but the panels are not overcrowded.  The narration is informal- a mix of exposition and dialogue.   It feels voyeuristic (in a non-creepy sense)- like you're a fly on the wall, experiencing all these little moments with Jane, Dian and Birutė.  

All-in-all, an enjoyable triple biography.  I would recommend this to anyone interested in anthropology, strong, smart women, and travel.  I could even see some boys interested, due to some very funny (though probably not at the time), embarrassing situations.

Thank you for the chance to review, :01 First Second!