Of The Hunt

He was an archer, fashioning his own arrows and customizing his bows.  Each autumn he would enter the woods before daybreak, waiting and watching.  Once I was old enough I would walk with him.  Before we got to our spot, light permitting, he taught me the names of trees and plants and their possible uses.  He was a man who appreciated nature, learning to understand the signs she offers.

This is why for years, as a sport, I would practice with due diligence at straw bales in our back yard, taking the stance, nocking the arrow and pulling back the bow string, steady and sure before the release.  Artemis: Wild Goddess Of The Hunt (A Neal Porter Book, First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, January 31, 2017) written and illustrated by George O'Connor is the ninth volume in his continuing series Olympians.  This entry, like the others, will have you turning pages faster than you thought possible; spellbinding from beginning to end.  It might have you wanting to begin or continue archery skills.

My son has the muses to sing his praises and paeans.  Who shall do so for Artemis?

That honor falls to her mother to begin.

Leto, mother of twins, Apollo and Artemis, begins by telling of her love for Zeus, the treachery of Hera, queen of the gods and the birth of the children.  When the children are older, Zeus asks them to come to Mount Olympus to live.  Not shy in the least of her royal father, Artemis, when asked what she desires, names specific qualities in her bow and arrows, numbers an entourage of people in her hunting party and to attend her, a group of hunting dogs, a chariot, a large portion of land, mountains, and the ability to hunt animals which dwell there.  In addition she asks for those traits which place her as a guardian of girls, women in childbirth and ruler of beasts.  She concludes by requesting Zeus to promise she will never marry or have children.  And so it is.

Artemis and Apollo are very protective of their mother, knowing living on Mount Olympus is not easy.  They shield her from earthly enemies.  When a mortal, Queen of Thebes, disregards Leto, it is a deadly mistake for her fourteen children.  It is Leto who eases her pain.  You can still see her if you venture into present day Turkey.

If you are a hunter who looks upon Artemis when you should not, you might become the hunted.  If you are the twin sons of Poseidon, Otus and Ephialtes, continuing to court Hera and Artemis, regardless of Zeus throwing you off the mountain year after year, your days are numbered.  One of the most tragic stories of Artemis is of her relationship with Orion.

Orion is a giant hunter of great skill whose birth is unusual. (I'll let you read it.)  Orion hunted throughout the world worshiping Artemis, hoping to gain her attention.  This he finally does and the two become hunting partners.  Orion believes their relationship is more but when Artemis explains this cannot be and even tells him a story similar to theirs, he is furious vowing to slaughter all the animals.  Leto, Apollo and Artemis all know what needs to be done.  Only one succeeds.


When George O'Connor writes about the Olympians he presents them to readers revealing their strengths and flaws.  His choice of which portion of their lives to direct his focus supports the qualities for which they are known.  Prior to meeting her father, O'Connor provides a vivid explanation for many of Artemis's requests.

In this particular volume the story of Artemis is told by her mother, Leto, Hera, Apollo, some handmaidens, Orion and Artemis.  Within the narrative O'Connor places dialogue.  This dialogue is in present day language lending realism to the story as well as humor.  Here are some sample passages.

Hera speaking:

I'll admit, I was not too wild about the idea of Leto and her brood moving to Olympus
Can you blame me?  My husband moves his two children by another woman into our house?
And brings the woman, as well?
I mean, really.

Zeus has just thrown out Otus and Ephialtes.

And stay out!
Yes, that'll show them, dear.

...almost made it that time...
Are you all right, my brother?
Of course!
You know Grandmother Earth has made it so the only thing that can kill us is each other.
And we'll never do that!
Bro hug!


The strength and skill of Artemis is adeptly portrayed on the front of the book case.  George O'Connor places her on one of her beloved mountains with hounds coming from the left and those lovesick Earth brothers coming from the right.  Beneath her outstretched legs is a stag, hunted and protected.  The choice of vibrant purple blue with golden yellow text, complementary colors, captures our attention.

On the left of the inside cover, opposite the title page, is a family tree of the Olympians.  For pacing and emphasis O'Connor, using luminous full color, alternates between double page, full page and pages with panels.  His panels are of varying sizes and combinations.  He adheres to a layout of squares and rectangles.

These panels may contain narrative or dialogue in separate shapes or no words at all.  In some of the panels we are shown a more panoramic view.  In others we may see a mouth, an eye or a portion of an object.  All align with the flow of the story as told by O'Connor.

One of my many favorite images is of Artemis running in the night through a forest corridor, trees lining either side.  The sky is deep blue and clear with a sliver of a moon.  Her hounds and Oceanides run behind her.  All are smiling with the joy in this freedom.  Artemis looks as if she is heading right toward us; perhaps off the page.  This panel is a quarter of a single page.


Without a doubt Artemis: Wild Goddess Of The Hunt written and illustrated by George O'Connor is going to be a favorite of readers of the Olympian series.  She has a hero quality hard to ignore with a life full of challenges and choices.  One of her final thoughts, as told to us by O'Connor, will resonate with readers of all ages long after the cover is closed.  At the conclusion there are pages devoted to Artemis, Leto, Orion and Atalanta, an author's note, G(r)eek Notes, discussion questions, a bibliography and recommended reading.  If you would like to read more about the first seven books, I was part of a blog tour for Ares: Bringer Of War.

To discover more about George O'Connor and his other work please visit his website by following the link attached to his name.  There is a separate website and blog for the Olympians.  At the website there are educators, activities and process sections.  At the publisher's website there are four pages of images you can view.  Enjoy the collected tweets below.

Going over some proofs of the next volume of OLYMPIANS--Artemis: Wild Goddess of the Hunt. pic.twitter.com/jm3jEWheU3

— George O'Connor (@GeorgetheMighty) July 26, 2016

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: baby gap-toothed Artemis is my favorite Artemis. pic.twitter.com/YlvvcJBDF3

— George O'Connor (@GeorgetheMighty) July 26, 2016

Dog sound effects: harder to write than you'd think. pic.twitter.com/8Z1FIFO9x4

— George O'Connor (@GeorgetheMighty) July 26, 2016

Fo' sho. pic.twitter.com/Dg0kgMBNzz

— George O'Connor (@GeorgetheMighty) July 26, 2016

Writing giant pig noises might be even trickier than dog noises. pic.twitter.com/S3eXtK4GFv

— George O'Connor (@GeorgetheMighty) July 26, 2016

These are my favorite two panels from Artemis: Wild Goddess of the Hunt, & you'll never know why until you read it. pic.twitter.com/rJm71yyNZs

— George O'Connor (@GeorgetheMighty) July 26, 2016

& I guess that wraps up my live-tweeting the proofs of Artemis. Thanks for reading! pic.twitter.com/znybj6DEqV

— George O'Connor (@GeorgetheMighty) July 26, 2016

Watch @GeorgetheMighty draw ancient Greek gods... hear me mispronounce "chimera"... this video is not to be missed! https://t.co/J85bR0TjsX

— Maria Russo (@mariarussonyt) January 27, 2017

Blog Tour: Ares Bringer of War

When studies in folklore are offered in classrooms it seems legends and myths are two terms frequently tied together.  In my way of thinking the two are completely different.  A tiny shred of truth, not necessarily verified, over time is enhanced with each telling until fact becomes shrouded in fiction as in the tales of Robin Hood or King Arthur.  This is what legend means to me.

The myths of any particular culture are explanations of why certain historical events or natural phenomenon occur including the origin of the world.  A mythology of a certain people is like a religion which they endorse and follow.  The mythologies of which I have enjoyed reading the most, for as far back as I can remember, are those of the Norse and Greek gods.  

Five years ago author illustrator George O'Connor released the first book of twelve to begin his Olympians series of graphic novels, his retelling of the classic Greek myths.  I recently finished rereading the earlier titles and read the most recent ones for the first time.  The first six, Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon and Aphrodite while seeking to focus on the titular god also introduce other events and beings intertwined in their immortal lives.  The point of view or voice(s) in each volume varies in order to best present the Olympian. 

In Zeus his story is told with respect to the creation of the world and the order of the gods, the battle for power between the Olympians and the Titans and the roles of the Cyclopes, Kronos and Metis. It is the three Moirae who spin the tale of Athena's extraordinary birth as daughter of Zeus, her training in the art of warfare, learning to be thoughtful before taking action, and the downfall and destruction of Medusa by the hand of Perseus.  The story of Hera, Zeus' queen begins with their courtship and her demand for marriage but she is also well aware of Zeus' many infidelities and countless children. One in particular, Hercules and his twelve tasks, becomes the center of revealing to us the personality of Hera.  Demeter and her daughter Persephone assist us in understanding death and Hades.  We are able to see him in a different light as well as the strength of a mother's love.  The children of Poseidon, Odysseys, and the Minotaur are all significant in explaining his position as god of the sea and his unresolved acceptance as ruler of that realm.  In learning about Aphrodite her three attendants, Charites, are the narrators acquainting us with Eros and Eris.  A contest to decide who is the more beautiful, Hera, Aphrodite or Athena, has repercussions which will plague mankind with the ravages of war.

My copies of the first six books.

The front of the case for the boxed set.

The back of the case for the boxed set.

The spine for the case of the boxed set.

This brings us to the release of Ares:  Bringer of War on January 27, 2015.

TO KNOW THE GREAT GOD ARES, 
YOU MUST FIRST KNOW HOW HE
DIFFERS FROM ATHENA.

 Unlike his counterpart, Athena who works with strategy and a plan in her approach to warfare, Ares relishes in the point when in the heat of battle, the lust for blood, the rage of revenge and the desire for all-out chaos overcomes any thoughts of order.  For ten years a fight has been fought between the Greeks and the Trojans.  The presence of both Ares and Athena has been felt by the men on the battlefield but all grow weary of a conflict which seems to have no end.

Zeus calls a council of the gods and their children on Mount Olympus in order to see this Trojan War end.  Regardless of the discussion, arguments between those favoring one side over the other, on Mount Olympus, the mortals have decided to have two men determine the fate of this war.  All is well until Aphrodite intervenes.  Then unbeknownst to Zeus both Athena and Ares return to the field of battle.  Athena has already altered destiny but she asks Ares to stay his hand and avoid the wrath of Zeus.  

From Mount Olympus the gods watch but are unable to keep from exerting their influence.  Heroes from the Iliad spring forth in the narrative, Diomedes and Aeneas, Patroclus and Hektor, and Achilles.  As the battles continue on the mortal plain, a fight begins on Mount Olympus between Ares and Athena, between those favoring the Greeks and those favoring the Trojans.  A barbaric act by one of the earthly warriors costs him dearly.  One by one the gods lose interest in this Trojan War; all except Ares.  In a final conversation between him and his father, Zeus, we come to understand that beneath his apparent thirst for blood is the sure knowledge his actions are a part of his destiny.


In the six prior books and this newest title, for all his reading and research, one might expect George O'Connor to speak above his audience but he does not.  In his writing he provides understanding for his readers, wanting us to develop the same passion for Greek mythology as he has.  He speaks to us.

The narrative and dialogue between the gods is in a contemporary language.  It reveals to us the essence of Ares (and the others) depicting weaknesses and strengths.  Regardless of his desire for the constant conflict with bloody results, when asked to wait, he waits.  He may seem to act without conscience or care for human life but the loss of his son shows us otherwise.  O'Connor, in his interpretation of the most original versions he can find, strives to give us Ares Bringer of War as he is meant to be.  Here are some sample passages.

And that is when Ares takes the field.
He arrives in a chariot driven by his sister-in-arms, Eris, the goddess of strife and discord.
Ares, war insatiate. His armor blazing like fire. Dealing death.

Ares:  I am under no one's sway!  I am Ares! God of War!
Athena:  God of Getting Stuck Like A Pig, you mean!
Ares:  You! You maddening gadfly!  Biting and flitting about the field!  I'll make you eat those words!!
Athena:  Bring it blowhard!

What makes this volume as good as the others are the extras George O'Connor adds.  In the front is a lineage chart beginning with Gaea, earth. At the conclusion O'Connor sets forth a conversational Author's Note informing his readers about his approach in telling this story of Ares.  He is careful to disclose why he includes what he does in each volume.  A page is devoted to Ares; naming what he is god of, his Roman name, symbols, sacred animals, sacred places, his day of the week, month, heavenly bodies associated with his name and his modern legacy.  Explanations for Eris and Achilles are also given.  What is truly interesting to read are the G(R)EEK NOTES.  O'Connor's remarks about pages and panels are not only informative about the series but downright funny.  He wants us to notice all the added details in the text and his illustrations.  There are eight questions for discussion, a bibliography and print sources for younger and older readers.


The color palette shown on the front of the book case is prevalent throughout this title.  (What you can't see on the cover here is the blue foil inlaid in Ares' two spears.) O'Connor's panel sizes and placement create the pace for the story. For the most part straight narrative is placed within rectangular boxes with dialogue in speech bubbles.

O'Connor may have elements from one panel extend into another to direct the flow of our eyes.  Every line and every item are part of a well-conceived layout. There is never any doubt as to the mood of the characters.  The action scenes literally jump from the pages.  You would hardly be surprised to hear the sounds of battle at any moment.

Olympians Ares Bringer of War written and illustrated by George O'Connor is an outstanding volume in an already stunning presentation of the Greek myths.  It's a rare thing when mythology is presented in as a compelling form as this.  George O'Connor's dedication to this subject is evident on every single page.

To learn more about George O'Connor and his other work please visit his website by following the link attached to his name.  This link will take you to the Olympians website. For each title an excerpt can be downloaded, there is a reader's theater and other extensions.  To access the Olympians blog follow this link.  O'Connor is hosting other illustrators' versions of Ares.  On both the Olympians website and blog, you can see the processes used by O'Connor for creating these books.

A link to the publisher's website provides you with a look at interior pages from this title.  At Watch. Connect. Read. hosted by teacher librarian extraordinaire, John Schumacher, George O'Connor stopped by twice; to chat both times with questions, answers and sentence starters and to show readers the new cover and to announce the book release.   Educator Colby Sharp, the man who stands on desks to proclaim his love of reading, interviews George O'Connor here at his blog, sharpread.

Make sure you take the time to watch this interview with George O'Connor by Rocco Staino on KidLit TV.  It's informative and completely entertaining.




Here is a link to the other bloggers participating in this tour.

Blasting Into The Cosmos

It was in the summer after college graduation when I owned my first car, a forest green Chevy Nova.  Up until that point, I walked or rode my bicycle everywhere.  Having had years of practice in the fine art of hand car washing (My dad never used an automated car wash in his lifetime), my automobile shined on the inside and on the outside.  Dad even made sure I could change the oil in my new set of wheels all by myself.  That car was my pride and joy.

Even today I can appreciate the sight of an elaborately detailed automobile or the throaty rumble of a finely tuned engine.  With this in mind I was excited to begin reading Lowriders in Space (Chronicle Books, November 4, 2014) a new graphic novel written by Cathy Camper with illustrations by Raul The Third.  Hang on folks; you are in for a ride out of this world!

WAKE UP, LUPE!

WAKE UP, ELIRIO!

WAKE UP, CHAVO!

Three friends, an octopus, El Chavo Flapjack Octopus, a mosquito, Elirio Malaria, and an impala, Lupe Impala, are off to their jobs at a car dealership, stopping for breakfast as Lupe rides a bicycle transporting them all.  Each excels in a particular area.  None can beat the mechanical talents of Lupe, the shipshape soap and shine cleaning skills of Flapjack or the exquisite line work of artist Elirio.  Six days a week the trio work for another; wishing they had a garage of their own.

Nearly all their conversations also include the dream of having their own car, a first-rate lowrider.  The threesome feels as though this is clearly wishful thinking until they simultaneously notice the posting for a Universal Car Competition.  First prize is a carload of cash and a solid gold steering wheel but there is the problem of needing a car.

Do not worry readers.  A found hunk of junk has potential.  In their hands the magic can happen.  In search of spare parts, los amigos visit an abandoned airplane factory.  Leaving, discouraged at what they find, their feline companion, Genie, unexpectedly points them to a box of rocket parts.  Working every possible minute, they turn nothing into something. Will it run?

Holy hubcaps!  Not only does this engine hum, moving the car low and slow, it roars transporting the pals into outer space.  They move from one interstellar point to another with extraordinary results.  A tense-too-close-for-comfort brush with a black hole nearly foils their return trip home.  

Spectators and contestants gaze skyward as Lupe Impala, El Chavo Flapjack and Elirio Malaria cruise in for a landing at the competition already in full swing.  Judges make their marks as they pass from each outstanding entry to the next. Be prepared for an astounding display and results that will have you cheering.


This graphic novel conceived and written by Cathy Camper, a blend of her desire to combine science, the Spanish and English languages, and the Mexican-American lowrider culture, flows from start to finish.  As soon as you meet the characters you know this book is going to be unconventional in a very good way.  It's not often an impala, a mosquito and an octopus are best friends.

Their personalities shimmer in the good-natured dialog.  The use of both Spanish and English in their conversations supplies a rhythm to the reading.  A team approach to every decision made, along with their positive support of one another, cements our wish to know as much as we can about them.

In the narrative Camper uses language peppered with alliteration and simile.  Another technique she employs is to tie three sentences together with tasks each are completing.  All these things contribute to an upbeat story.  Here is a sample.

"EVERY BROKEN PART, I REPLACED OR FIXED,"
"AND I BUILT THE ENGINE UP."

"I PAINTED THE BODY A DEEP SKY BLUE."

"I BUFFED THE PAINT JOB SMOOTH AS AN IRONED SHIRT."


There is no denying the wow factor of the dust jacket.  Your mind is immediately filled with questions and possibilities.  Who are these characters?  Why are they riding a car rumbling among the stars and planets?  It's a given they are happy to be there; faces smiling and hands high-fiving each other.

The book case has been designed to resemble a notebook with lined paper in keeping with the heart of this book.  The illustrator, Raul The Third, (and Cathy Camper) wants readers to realize the importance of drawing with limited supplies at hand, notebook paper and pen.  His opening and closing endpapers are a marvelous cosmic swirl of stars and planets, lines framing lines framing lines.

Matte-finished paper in the same pale tan shade as the book case supplies the background for the illustrations done entirely in black, blue and red pen. Every page turn is a welcome surprise in layout with panels of varying sizes; some placed on the top of other larger images.  Dialog is distinguished by placing it in speech bubbles.  The narrative and explanatory translations of the Spanish are framed in black lines.

I cannot say enough about the details in this graphic novel.  They are amazing!  Every time you read this you will see something new.  Lupe has a pail attached to her bike to carry El Chavo Flapjack, a frog who recently ate at a local restaurant is breathing fire standing on the sidewalk outside, Lupe has her name etched in her tools (just like my Dad did his), Genie has a heart shaped patch on the front of her fur and all the clothing and accessories worn by each character are a reflection of their personalities.

One of my many favorite illustrations is of the friends make some adjustments after visiting two particular spots in space.  Their ingenuity and knowledge makes their cosmic car dip and hop like none other.  Without spoiling it for you, the illustrations nearly jump off the page, loaded with action.  You can feel the speed and hear the engine sing.

Lowriders in Space written by Cathy Camper with illustrations by Raul The Third is a super-charged remarkable ride.  Three friends follow their dream no matter where it takes them.  Fortunately they decide to take us readers along on their journey.  We are enthusiastically glad they do.

Please visit the websites of Cathy Camper and Raul The Third by following the links embedded in their names.  They both share extras.  John Schumacher, teacher librarian, interviews Cathy Camper on his blog, Watch. Connect. Read.  A quote from the interview is 

Art has the power to change people.  People's actions are influenced by what they see and read, but also, people are often encourage to write and create art themselves, by what they read and the art they see.

Raul The Third is interviewed by teacher librarian, Matthew C. Winner on his Let's Get Busy Podcast, Episode #108.  I enjoyed the entire chat but this line by Raul set the tone for the entire listening experience.

...something that you know you were born to create."

LITPICK conducts a question and answer interview with Raul The Third.  A favorite thought is

I love how artists are linked to one another across time and space and that we are each adding to the conversation with every new work we create.

Lowriders in Space has its own website.  Here is a link to a common core aligned teacher's guide generated by the publisher.  Raul The Third is interviewed at School Library Journal.  In answering one of the questions he includes this in his reply.

I want to inspire our future artist from all walks of life that can see our book and realize that you don't need anything other than their dreams and hard work to realize their dreams.

Cathy Camper is interviewed at Huff Post Books.  I like these sentences in response for how the idea of the book came to her.

Daydreams.  I'm a prolific daydreamer, and all my books start with stories I tell myself.

Matthew C. Winner also interviewed Cathy Camper on his Let's Get Busy Podcast Episode #95.  One of my favorite parts is

I have to say that both Raul and I really love comics and we really love the possibility that comics give you...

Lowriders in Space (excerpt) by Cathy Camper, Illustrated by Raul the Third by ChronicleBooks

Secrets...

More than twenty years ago my nephew decided he wanted to collect comic books along with the cards.  I was his willing co-conspirator in this endeavor, not having been able to do this when I was his age.  We haunted comic and card shops, saving all our spare money to spend on the next, or elusive, issue or card needed to complete a set.  It was one of the best times of my life lasting for more than a decade.  My favorite titles were those featuring Batman, fueled by the 1989 film directed by Tim Burton with Michael Keaton in the starring role.

Without a doubt all the mythology books I read growing up contributed to my love of superheroes.  But the thing I found, and still find, intriguing about Batman is he has no superpowers.  He is a regular but extraordinary person able to accomplish amazing things. In that respect he is much like his co-creator, Bill Finger.  Without reading Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman (Charlesbridge Publishing, July 2012) written by Marc Tyler Nobleman with graphics by Ty Templeton I would not know this to be true.

After Milton Finger graduated from high school he invented his first secret identity.

At that time, 1933, if you were thought to be Jewish, you might not get a job, so Milton became Bill.  Bill dreamed of becoming a writer.  His parents wanted him to pursue a career in medicine.  Selling shoes was where he started; the year was 1939.

Around this time, Bill met a cartoonist, Bob Kane.  After hearing Bill's story ideas Bob knew this young man's talents were, yes, extraordinary.  Initially they collaborated on some minor stories.  Superman had become a huge hit and an editor wanted another superhero from Bob Kane.  And Bob Kane knew just the man to make this come true.

Bill Finger created the costume, the lack of superpowers, and in time, foes and the backstory; many of the details we have come to know about Batman.  Between the editor and Kane and Finger a deal was made but Vin Sullivan did not know about Bill Finger being the writer nor did anyone else.  Steady work was scarce after the Great Depression, so Bill agreed to this secret. 

Some secrets cannot be kept; other editors eventually discovered Bill was doing the writing.  They gave him his assignments now.  But the readers still did not know until 1964 when an editor, Julius Schwartz leaked it to the outside.

From there a particular fan, Jerry Bails, did his own sleuthing not only revealing Bill Finger as the writer but also as the co-creator.  In 1974 when Bill Finger died he did so without any official recognition as co-creator.  Jerry Robinson, one of the earliest artists working on Batman, championed for what today is known as the Bill Finger Awards for Excellence in Comic Book Writing.

Bill's personal writing techniques, a gimmick book, attaching pictures to his scripts for the illustrators and having his son, Fred, read over scripts are only a few of the insider glimpses Marc Tyler Nobleman includes in this enlightening biography.  His pursuit of the truth, unfolded for readers like a detective story, piece by piece, urges readers to turn the pages as quickly as possible, then go back and read it all over again, much slower marveling how this story came into being.  Nobleman's informative writing contains exactly the kind of specifics to completely involve the reader in this man's life story.  He uses specific words having reader appeal:  wowed, hightailed it, scrawled, or saddle a superhero.  He notes at the book's end:

The wordplay with bill, finger, and bat in this book is a homage:  Bill was known to use puns in his Batman stories.  

An example of the wordplay is:

As for who was the man for the job, he put his Finger on it right away.

The use of the silhouette of Batman's outline on the cover, continues on the endpapers done in black with gray, white and yellow for text; mainly notable quotes.  In the style of comics Ty Templeton varies his illustrations in size, including panels of different shapes and sizes within his pages framed in black.  The narrative, black text on white, is framed in black too, amid the full color visuals.

 Inked, then colored in Photoshop, the careful, detailed illustrations by Templeton evoke a true sense of the time period and the people involved in Bill Finger's life; signs on buildings, architecture, interior design, clothing, the comics and comic characters.  Emotion and motion are easily understood.  While I have several favorite layouts, the final two pages top the list, Batman spread across both, Bill Finger, head and shoulders prominently displayed in front.  

Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman by Marc Tyler Nobleman with illustrations by Ty Templeton is the kind of picture book biography so engrossing it will have readers humming the theme song to Batman expecting to see the signal light in front of them at any minute.  A six page author's note documents the process used by Nobleman to track down the truth presented in this title.  It is followed by more notes and a selected bibliography with an invitation to visit the publisher's website (linked here) for a more complete listing.  This site also includes a guide for educators.

A link to Marc Tyler Nobleman's website is embedded above in this name.  He also wrote a guest post at John Schumacher's, blog Watch. Connect. Read. as well as the Nerdy Book Club.  Follow this link to Nobleman's interview at NPR's All Things Considered---Batman's Biggest Secret (No, It's Not Bruce Wayne)

This is the book trailer.

This is a video of Marc Tyler Nobleman's TED talk.

No Ordinary Boy, No Ordinary Dog

Listen...did you hear a loud ka-boom?  Did a boy wearing a lab coat go running past?  Did that dog just talk?

If you answered yes to all those questions you have entered the world of Mal and Chad, an inventive guy genius and his talking canine companion.  Creations of graphic artist, Stephen McCranie, their third adventure was released on December 6, 2012.  With every turn of page Belly Flop! (Philomel Books) brings readers closer into the lives of this perfect pair of pals.


This episode begins with one of Mal's inventions going slightly haywire.  The small arm meant to come out from the top of his alarm clock and wake him up with a gentle tap on the head, pops out swinging.  Luckily Chad hits the snooze button before Mal ends up all black and blue.

Barely making the bus on time, he arrives at Einstein Elementary to sit in his favorite spot, the base of the large bust of Albert E outside the school.  It seems that his major crush (who barely acknowledges him), Megan is handing out birthday party invitations.  By the end of the day it looks as if Mal's awkward social skills will prevent an invite until his chivalry toward Megan attracts attention.  He's going to the party!

The dilemma of the quintessential gift, how to afford the purchase price, the use of the weather cube to do chores backfiring, getting caught on a windmill blade, a too-close encounter with his super-duper glue and an embarrassing dip in a pond, leave Mal feeling very un-cool, down in the proverbial dumps.  Never fear...Chad to the rescue.  Satisfying his craving for snow cones, Chad has been busy with Mal's weather cube.  One snowball fight, snow angels and an ice castle later all is well...or is it?

Still trying to win Megan's attention, or more, Mal masters a magic act for an entry in the school talent show.  A fiasco ensues involving a tarantula named Susan, a levitation mishap and a blizzard. Will Mal make it home in time to save his best bud from the out-of-control giant snowflakes and lightning hail?  What's a Musketeer doing in the middle of the blizzard?  Friendship, the true-blue-forever kind, in all its shapes and sizes triumphs.


Stephen McCranie's skills as a writer are obvious in the dialogue between his characters exhibited realistically, full of life and emotion; each statement revealing the speaker's personality.  Through conversations between Mal and Chad readers are privy to the deep affection and loyalty they share, one for the other.  The pacing from one speech bubble to the next is smooth, fast and completely engaging.


McCranie is an absolute master at designing the layout of his panels.  The panels on each page are placed together like pieces on a puzzle, the pages becoming pieces in the larger puzzle of the story. Alternating size to accommodate the moments, events and action and shifting perspective generate a pleasing whole.

Portions of the items in a panel move outside the edges to add interest, movement and enhance the flow of the narrative.  Lines in the text and visuals increase in size, width and boldness for emphasis.  Liberal use of sound words, onomatopoeia, draw the reader into the story.


My new copy of Belly Flop!: Mal and Chad 3 written and illustrated by Stephen McCranie is filled with dozens of small sticky notes extending from the pages marking dialogue and visuals I deem as memorable, outstanding in their delivery.  To be sure, the action, even in the day to day events at school, is non-stop.  But there are moments that will touch your heart and leave a mark.  This particular inventive guy genius and his canine companion have become treasured characters in my literary life.  Well done, Stephen McCranie.

Please follow the link embedded in Mal and Chad above to access the official website.

A Gift For Christmas

Between the first day of school and the last, there's one section in the library that's guaranteed to usually be empty. Once in awhile a book will make its way to the shelves but only until the next class arrives to quickly check it out again.  In the last six plus years this particular Dewey designation has grown significantly in numbers and popularity.

In April of 2009 a new title by a group of three cartoonists, James Sturm, Andrew Arnold and Alexis Frederick-Frost, became the newest member of the 741.5 club.  Adventures in Cartooning: How to turn your doodles into comics! (First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press) was the recipient of two starred reviews and a hit with students.  Mid September this year another volume in the series was released, Adventures in Cartooning: Christmas Special (First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press).



It was a week before Christmas and Santa was grumbling...

Call me old-fashioned, but traditions are crumbling!

Santa's in a tizzy.  What happened to the good ole' days?  It seems that all his elves do is write code for the electronic games and toys delivered to all good little girls and boys.  But he gets an idea.  He's sure it will do.  Now all he needs is...Whoosh...The Magical Cartooning Elf!  

Before the man of legend and lore, dressed in red from head to toe, has a chance to appreciate his good fortune, the marvelous magical little guy in green conjures up his friend, the brave knight, to help with their plan of creating the perfect gift, a comic book. The knight is needed, of course, to supply all the gripping action from her deeds of derring-do. Hesitant at first, she relents, owing Santa for all the good he does each year.

A climb to Mount Everest, sharing a sub with a Yeti, sobbing children in the land of giants and...a trip to space to lasso a star certainly fit the bill.  Amid all the preparations for publication a problem becomes abundantly clear.  Edward, the knight's trusty steed, has a bit of a weight problem, so he is not the answer.

The trio plus one have a quest to complete.  Will the books be delivered by Christmas morning?  Will gals and guys around the world delight in this newest non-digital present?  And what do an onion and a big toe have to do with any of this at all?


Bringing characters from the first volume, the Magic Cartooning Elf, the brave knight, Edward the horse and the candy-hoarding dragon, to this narrative is a stroke of genius.  The dialogue is loaded with quick comebacks, emotional outbursts, hilarity times ten and Santa's musings.  Told entirely in rhyme (which drives the knight nuts), the story flows at a joyful clip.


The inside of the paperback covers displays snowflakes.  On the first page a snowman built by one of the giant children is centered beneath the title, authors'/illustrators' names in the middle. As they did in the first book nine pages of the storyline pass before a vibrant two-page title is presented; decorated in Christmas lights, snowflakes, stockings and special font.  This title page is part of the narrative.

Throughout full color panels in varying sizes are positioned appropriately enhancing the pace of the tale.  Word balloons, lines of motion and sound effects are as exuberant as the story itself inviting the reader to participate.  Each reading reveals new details, intricate and humorous.


James Sturm, Andrew Arnold and Alexis Frederick-Frost are a trio, tried and true, who bring readers Adventures in Cartooning: Christmas Special! , another comic creation filled with laugh-out-loud wit and wisdom.  For an individual to enjoy or as a read aloud this title is a treat.  Be sure to have plenty of paper, pencils, and pens handy.  For more illustrations to preview follow the link directly above embedded in the title.

Literacy Lure-Comics

Making the 2010 Top 25 Websites for Teaching and Learning by the AASL, American Association of School Librarians, under the Media Sharing heading, Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, 2.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use and assess, 3.3.4 Create products that apply to authentic, real-world context and 4.1.8 Use creative and artistic formats to express personal learning, is a web 2.0 application titled Professor Garfield which I initially found through the TOON Books Website.

Upon following the link users will immediately be able to view a video explaining the site, its value to promoting literacy.  From that screen click the button TOONS BOOKS WEBSITE.  (Two other button options are:  BENNY & PENNY BLOG and TOON BOOKS BLOG.)  The next page is full of options and opportunities.

From the About tab is an article explaining, even further than the introductory video, the methods and purpose of TOON Books. Here is a small excerpt:

TOON Books are the first high-quality comics designed for children ages four and up. Each book in the collection is just right for reading to the youngest child but perhaps more remarkable: this is the first collection ever designed to offer newly-emerging readers comics they can read themselves. Each TOON book has been vetted by educators to ensure that the language and the narratives will nurture young minds. Our books feature original stories and characters created by veteran children’s book authors, renowned cartoonists and new talents, all applying their extraordinary skills to fascinate young children with clearly told tales that will welcome them to the magic of reading.

From the first publication date in early 2008 up to 2012, these books have garnered the highest praise.  Of the seventeen titles, two of which are new, eight have found their way to our shelves; that is when they are not checked out.  They have been written and illustrated by some of the best in the field. Our goal through grant writing is to have at least three of each by the year end.

The TOON Books at the home page are divided into three groups:  Level One, Grades K-1, First Comics for Brand-New Readers, Level Two, Grades 1-2, Easy-To-Read Comics for Emerging Readers and Level Three, Grades 2-3, Chapter-Book Comics for Advanced Beginners.  For each of the levels beneath all the book covers on display (clicking on a cover gives more in depth information about the title) lexile, guided reading and reading recovery values are shown with specifics listed about content in the comics.

By selecting the button in the center of the home page header, TOON IN THE CLASSROOM, users can access the following:  Free Teachers' Resources, Free TOON Online Readers, Free CarTOON Maker, Readers Theater, Reading lists and More Free Classroom Tools.

Included in the Free Teachers' Resources are PDF files for each of the titles.

Eleven of the titles are part of the Free TOON Online Reader section.  Each reader shows the book in its entirety with the user clicking to turn the pages.  For each of them there is an option for the author/illustrator to read the words aloud.  As the words are read the text is circled. 

The Free CarTOON Make allows users to make a three-panel comic strip or design their own comic from the TOON Book characters.

Nine of the titles are part of the option of designing a comic from one of the TOON Book characters.  Users can add characters, speech bubbles, text, and backgrounds.  The objects can be flipped or sized.  Anything added can be deleted.  To erase the screen simply click Start Over.  A completed TOON can be emailed, saved to your computer or printed.

As you can see by the top of the screen on the second image inset (the first is my goofy cartoon from the TOON Book, Luke on the Loose) the Professor Garfield application has numerous other choices Comics Lab, Reading Ring, Art-Bot, Music Bot, Transport, G-Cubed, Comics Lab Extreme, Sparktop.org, KB Kids, Sleep Center and Brain Busters.  Anyone (believe me I should know) could spend hours here learning and expanding their creativity.

Currently the Readers Theater hosts Luke on the Loose.  Readings lists and More Free Classroom Tools provide loads of extras; guides, lessons and strategies. 

Underneath the TOON IN THE CLASSROOM button is FUN FOR KIDS!  Links to accessing the Cartoon Maker, Kids' Cartoon Gallery, Popsicle Puppets and Cartoon Lessons is here as well as a connection to the TOON Book Reader (in English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese.)

Students can not only enjoy reading the TOON Book titles but expand their experience at this site using top-notch applications.  My students love using this site; who wouldn't?

Create Cool Comics Part 2

Last year when two "budding" comic book artists drew and designed two books,  knowing about this online comic creator would have been wonderful.  When presented with the completed volumes, they were duly cataloged, entered into OPAC and placed on the shelves of the media center.  To this day the "notebooks" continue to be appreciated and checked out by their former fellows classmates at Charlevoix Elementary School. 
Graphic Novel Creator: Comic Master allows the user to decide page layout, add backgrounds, characters, props, dialogue within speech or thought bubbles and text boxes and special effects.  A music player can be activated to provide inspiration as the user works.  A finished page or pages can be saved or printed. 

By selecting the Educational Resources box the viewer has the option of using six additional applications which cater to 11-14 year old boys (girls will like it too, I did) as designed by Reading for Life, the web site originators.
Thanks to Kelly Tenkely of iLearn Technology.

Create Cool Comics

Just as promised in my last blog I have been snoping around for some great comic creator sites.  All these online applications have been tested by yours truly this evening.  Some of the creators can be used immediately.  At others you need to register by selecting a username, a password and by giving them your email address.  For two of them, which are highly regarded, payment is necessary after a fourteen day trial.

At Comic Creator (part of the ReadWriteThink web site) the user is guided step-by-step in selecting a layout template, pre-determined characters, speech balloons with text and props.  The comics can be printed but not saved.  The user can access this site and use it without registration. ReadWriteThink has a printable draft form for students to use and accompanying lessons at various grade levels.

Using Make Beliefs, where no registration is required, your comics are created from their characters whose expressions you can choose.  Speech balloons with text in seven languages can be inserted along with choosing layout, background color, additional objects and panel prompts which give it the added look of traditional comics.  You can print your creation or send it to an email address.

In addition to allowing the creation of action comic strips Artisan Cam hosts 20 activities to feed your artistic appetite.  For the comic creations they have figures, backgrounds and speech balloons available.  Upon completion the option of printing or sending to a gallery is offered.

The final web site for comic creation in which you do not need to register is BeFunky.  Rather than creating a strip you can create a single comic image from your digital photographs.  But this site is so much more.  The results are immediate without all the instruction necessary to using a product such as Adobe Photoshop.  If experimenting with all types of visual effects is what you desire, this is the place to go.  Consider this my new favorite creative graphic web site.

ToonDoo, PikiKids and Witty Comics asks the user to list a username, password and their email address.
In my opinion these sites would be for upper elementary and middle school students.  PikiKids uses digital photographs from Flickr or your own computer.  You can store photographs in an online gallery.  It allows you to select a layout, frame and border colors and arrangements, speech bubbles and other effects.
Witty Comics has their own characters, speech balloons and scenes for you to use in your comic creation of initially three frames.  ToonDoo is the most confusing of the sites.  The layout is busy making navigation difficult.  Once you get to the comic creator you use their characters, backgrounds, props and balloons. 

Pixton For Schools and Bitstrips for Schools are more sophisticated comic creators which cater specifically to the educational community focusing on the value of comic strips in improving student writing.  Fourteen day trials are available prior to purchase.