The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Dark Horse Books via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire
Author: Michael Dante DiMartino
Illustrators: Michelle Wong & Killian Ng
Upcoming Release Date: September 29, 2020


Synopsis: To secure lasting peace for the Earth Kingdom, Korra must trust an unlikely ally!

On the eve of its first elections, the Earth Kingdom’s future is endangered by its past. As Kuvira works to reclaim her honor, the devious commander Guan undermines the peace Avatar Korra has established to take power for himself. Korra and Kuvira must learn to work together to ensure the future of the Earth Kingdom.

Enjoy the continuing Avatar adventures, now with a new sketchbook section and artist commentary! Written by series co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino and drawn by Michelle Wong (Goosebumps: Download and Die), with consultation by Bryan Konietzko, this is the official continuation of the beloved television series!

Collects The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire Part One, Two, and Three. 

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Review: The focus of this volume is on politics and the complexities of democracy and brainwashing. The Earth Empire is still around, even with Kuvira on trial. Toph is featured in a wonderful way. I loved getting to see her family together and interacting again. The book even deals with the emotional side effects of brainwashing.

This is another great story that takes place after the animated tv series. The focus is heavily on Kuvira. And what it is like for a democracy to grow. I give this book a 5/5.


--PAUL

How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Sasquatch Books via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity
Author: Stuart Getty
Illustrator: Brooke Thyng
Upcoming Release Date: September 29, 2020


Synopsis: Ever wonder what nonbinary or gender nonconforming really mean? And how the heck do you use they/them pronouns for just one person? Isn't it supposed to be plural?

This charming and disarming guide unpacks all these questions and more with a fun, visual approach. From a real-deal they/them-using genderqueer writer, this book makes it humorous and easy to learn so that everyone can get it. No soap boxes or divisive comment section wars here. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, always human, this 101 primer is about more than just bathrooms and pronouns. It's about gender expression and the freedom to choose how to identify. While they might only be for some, that freedom is for everyone!

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Review: I LOVE that educational graphic novels like this are becoming more and more popular! This book is all about people who use they/them pronouns. Stuart starts with their own personal story. It's a great way to introduce the subject matter. 

The art is simple and matches the material well. There's a great mix of definitions, context, and conversation. There's humor along with the frustrations of living in a society that needs more empathy. 

Some famous people who use they/them pronouns are featured. There's a guide on how to be a good ally as well as a guide for people who use they/them pronouns on how best to deal with certain situations. The book ends with a list of resources, both call lines and websites. 

I absolutely love this book. You should buy this book and share it with all of your friends, family, and colleagues! I give this book a 5/5. 


--PAUL

Black Heroes of the Wild West (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from TOON Graphics via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Black Heroes of the Wild West
Creator: James Otis Smith

Introduction by:Kadir Nelson
Upcoming Release Date: September 29, 2020


Synopsis: True stories from the Wild West, but not like you’ve seen in the movies.

This graphic novel by JAMES OTIS SMITH celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and stood up for their communities in the Old West. Born into slavery in Tennessee, Mary Fields became famous as “Stagecoach Mary,” a cigar-chomping, cardplaying coach driver who never missed a delivery. Bass Reeves, the first black Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi, was one of the wiliest lawmen in the territories, bringing thousands of outlaws to justice with his smarts. Bob Lemmons lived to be 99 years old and was so good with horses that the wild mustangs on the plains of Texas took him for one of their own. 

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Review: I love learning stories that should be more well known. I hope young people today have access to stories like this so they can both see representation and diversity. I wish I had learned about these people earlier in my life. 

This graphic novel features Mary Fields, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons. Their stories are told with the context of the time given. There's also an excellent introduction and additional information at the end about more of the history of the Wild West.

I give this book a 5/5. Everyone needs to learn the stories of these Black Heroes. 


--PAUL

The Flower of the Witch (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from dark Horse Books via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: The Flower of the Witch
Creator: Enrico Orlandi

Translator: Jamie Richards
Upcoming Release Date: September 29, 2020


Synopsis: Tami has traveled long and far from his home in the south, forbidden to return until he has become a man, in this coming-of-age story.

Defeating monsters and saving princesses has not been enough, and now he must find the fabled flower of the witch, but in his quest Tami inadvertently sparks a feud between the villagers who shelter him and the demon Yabra! And when the conflict comes to a head, Tami will have to choose between proving himself as a man, and protecting the villagers he's come to love.

Available for the first time in English, Enrico Orlandi's exciting tale of adventure and compassion is a timely reflection on identity, responsibility, and the true meaning of maturity.

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Review: This graphic novel is about a boy's search to become "a man". It's about what family can be. The artwork works well with the story. I especially like the character designs of the demon and the witch. 

This book has a good message, but I wish it would have dived deeper. Honestly, I wish it had been queer. The message is grounded in the traditional binary masculinity. I give this book a 3/5. 


--PAUL

The Blank Page: How a Piece of Paper Connects to Everything (picture book) - Paul's REVIEW

  *I received this book as an eARC from Plum Blossom via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: The Blank Page: How a Piece of Paper Connects to Everything
Author: Alberto Blanco

Illustrator: Rob Wilson
Upcoming Release Date: September 22, 2020


Synopsis: Is a blank page really blank? Poet Alberto Blanco pulls back the curtain and illuminates all of the elements hidden in a single piece of paper: the tree it was made from, the rain and sun that allowed the tree to grow, and the people that created it. An enlightening read for readers young and old, it soon becomes clear that a blank page contains the whole cosmos.

In The Blank Page, acclaimed Mexican poet Alberto Blanco inspires children and adults to keep looking deeper, to never take things at face value. Charming illustrations by Rob Moss Wilson portray a world that slowly comes to life in a single sheet of paper: first the tree, then the forest, then the people are discovered, revealing the whole interrelated ecosystem of our world. As Blanco says: "Where nothing happens, there is a miracle we are not seeing."

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Review: What goes into a piece of paper? This picture book makes children think. They'll think about where many things come from and what all goes into them and what they provide for others. From the trees that will become paper to the people who chop them down to the animals who find protection in the trees to the nutrients the tree needs to survive. Everything has a history and is connected to other things. The story ends by grounding the reader back to the book that they're holding, going full circle. 

This picture book is such an interesting thought exercise. I love how it encourages children to think about the world around them in a different way. I give this book a 4/5. 

--PAUL

Who Is Greta Thunberg? - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Penguin Workshop via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Who Is Greta Thunberg?
Author: Jill Leonard
Artist: Manuel Gutiérrez
Release Date: September 1, 2020


Synopsis: The inspiring story of a young Swedish schoolgirl who sparked a worldwide revolution, told in a new Who HQ NOW format for trending topics.

When she was just fifteen years old, Greta Thunberg knew she wanted to change the world. With a hand-painted sign that read "School strike for the climate" in Swedish, Greta sat alone on the steps of the Swedish parliament to call for stronger action on climate change. Her one-person strike would soon spark a worldwide movement. This exciting story details the defining moments in Greta's childhood that led up to her now-famous strike and all the monumental ones that have fueled her revolution since, including being named Time's Most Influential Person of the Year in 2019.

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Review: This is a narrative biography with informational sections as well (like about Sweden or the Greenhouse Effect). The information given about Global Climate Change is framed to show Greta's journey of discovery that led to her passion.

This book is excellent for young readers. It presents facts an frames it along Greta's story. She's an amazing individual and an inspiration for all. I give this book a 5/5. You should buy this as a gift for any young readers in your life.


--PAUL

Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 7 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Go Go Power Rangers Vol.1
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.2
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.3

Go Go Power Rangers Vol.4
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.5
Go Go Power Rangers: Back to School 

Go Go Power Rangers Vol.6


Title: Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 7
Author: Ryan Parrott & Sina Grace
Illustrators: Daniel Bayliss, Francesco Mortarino, & Raul Angulo
Release Date: August 25, 2020


Synopsis: The origin of the all-new Omega Rangers begins here in the Power Rangers: Necessary Evil comic book event!

NECESSARY EVIL IS HERE.

The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers have survived the shocking events of their war with Lord Drakkon—a twisted alternate-reality version of Tommy Oliver (AKA the Mighty Morphin Green Ranger)—and reality has now been reset…but has the danger truly passed? Why don’t the Rangers recall the incredible events of the landmark Shattered Grid? The answer to this question sets Jason - the Mighty Morphin Red Ranger - on a path that will lead to the formation of the mysterious Omega Rangers and changes everything you thought you knew!

The writing duo of New York Times bestseller Ryan Parrott (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and the GLAAD Award-nominated Sina Grace (Iceman) join artist Francesco Mortarino (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) to reveal the secret history behind the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers with the introduction of all new characters, new alliances and jaw-dropping answers to some of the biggest questions that fans have always asked!

Collects Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers #21-24

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Review: The opening sets the stage for what the new normal of the comics multiverse will be. It's that moment in the alleyway, but it happens differently. It shows that this isn't the timeline we know. We're in for a new adventure. THEN, we jump ahead several months. The Thunder zords have arrived, but this is pre-"Peace Conference". Lord Zedd is here. And the green power coin isn't doing so well. 

The Blue Emissary of the Morphin Masters appears to Jason and since I'm aware of what this is leading to, I'm excited. There's also some references to the Dark Rangers, which I know will come into play soon. There's a callback to Billy's Triceratops armor, which is always a fun reference.

The last issue in this volume has a Bulk and Skull focus. These are the stories I enjoy so much because they differ so much from the source tv material. We get to learn more about these characters. They're not just jokes and cliches. 

I give this volume a 5/5. I love this ongoing series. This volume is a little more on the uneventful side, but it's establishing the timeline of the current story. This is definitely a lead-in volume. There's a lot of allusions to things we know will happen based on having read the ongoing Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series. I'm excited to see how the Omega Rangers are created.


--PAUL

Generation Brave: The Gen Z Kids Who Are Changing the World - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

UPDATE (12/21/20): Satvik Sethi, one of the people featured in this book, reached out to me to inform me that he was not consulted about this book and feels exploited by the publisher. 

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Title: Generation Brave: The Gen Z Kids Who Are Changing the World
Author: Kate Alexander
Upcoming Release Date: September 22, 2020


Synopsis: An illustrated celebration of Gen Z activists fighting to make our world a better place.

Gen Z is populated—and defined—by activists. They are bold and original thinkers and not afraid to stand up to authority and conventional wisdom. From the March for Our Lives to the fight for human rights and climate change awareness, this generation is leading the way toward truth and hope like no generation before.

Generation Brave showcases Gen Z activists who are fighting for change on many fronts: climate change, LGBTQ rights, awareness and treatment of mental illness, gun control, gender equality, and corruption in business and government at the highest levels. Illustrated throughout, this book will offer a celebration of what might be the most influential generation of the century, including profiles of figures such as:

Simone Biles

Jaden Smith

Jazz Jennings

Haile Thomas

Yara Shahidi

Nadya Okamoto

Marley Dias

Helena Gualinga

Fionn Ferreira

. . . and other amazing kids who are using their voices for good.

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Review: This book features Gen Z activists. There are so many great stories highlighted in this book, both about individuals and groups of kids. This is an excellent way to inspire children by showing them what some of their peers are doing. I really appreciated the social media tags attached to each profile so we can all find them online to learn more.

I feel like this book would make a great gift for Gen Z and younger. I give this book a 5/5. I hope many children are able to find books like these at their local libraries.

UPDATE: Having heard from one of the amazing individuals featured in this book, I must change by review to 1/5. The response from the publisher was exploitative. 


--PAUL

Dragonfly and Dragonflyman: Volume One (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Ahoy Comics via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Dragonfly and Dragonflyman: Volume One
Author: Tom Peyer
Artists: Peter Krause, Russ Braun, & Jamal Igle
Recent Release Date: July 7, 2020


Synopsis: On Earth-Omega, the grim vigilante called the Dragonfly seeks justice in a dark world of sadistic criminals and corrupt cops. But on Earth-Alpha, his innocent counterpart Dragonflyman faces colorful villains like The Soundmaster alongside a cheerful police department!

This volume careens like a roller-coaster from camp humor to gritty drama and back again, featuring the brutal menace of Kaktus, two versions of the tempter known as Devil Man - and the baffling mystery of Lady Dragonflyman!

A prequel to the acclaimed Ahoy Comics title The Wrong Earth, collecting all five issues of Dragonfly and Dragonflyman plus the 2019 Ahoy Free Comic Book Day story. Featuring covers by The Wrong Earth artist Jamal Igle.

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Review: This is a prequel story set before these two worlds collide. There's the dark and gritty world and the fun and bright world. The parallels between the characters and stories lead to a lot of fun. Since it's closely the same story in both worlds, the different perspectives and different styles are where the entertainment lies. 

I really enjoy the concept of this world. The characters have been designed well, but I liked the original crossover story much better. I give this book a 3/5. It didn't hold my interest as much as The Wrong Earth.


--PAUL

Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution (manga) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from VIZ Media via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution
Author: Machito Gomi
Recent Release Date: August 11, 2020


Synopsis: The graphic novel tie-in to the latest Pokémon movie of the same name, a CGI remake of the first Pokémon movie, released in theaters nationwide.

Adventure explodes into action with the debut of Mewtwo, a bio-engineered Pokémon created from the DNA of Mew, the rarest of all Pokémon. After escaping from the lab where it was created, Mewtwo is determined to prove its own superiority. It lures a number of talented Trainers into a Pokémon battle like no other—and of course, Ash and his friends are happy to accept the challenge!

Ash’s excitement turns to fear and anger when Mewtwo reveals its plan for domination, creating powerful clones of our heroes’ Pokémon so it can even the “imbalance” between Pokémon and their Trainers. Despite Ash’s protests, Mewtwo refuses to believe that Pokémon and people can be friends. But faced with the determination and loyalty of a young Trainer, Mewtwo just might live to reconsider...especially when pitted against the power of the mysterious Mew!

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Review: This manga is a retelling of a retelling, which in itself I find humorous. The story is the mostly the same as the first Pokemon movie. The changes that were made for the CGI remake are in effect, like the different team that Ash fights at the beginning. Some scenes are given more time, allowing for more depth and context. Other scenes are missing completely, but don't take away from the overall story. there are some great Mewtwo panels. Overall, it was fun to read a classic Pokemon story in a new format. I give this book a 4/5. Don't go into this book expecting anything more than a manga adaptation of Mewtwo's story.


--PAUL

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Dark Horse Books via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise
Authors: Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, & Bryan Konietzko
Illustrator: Gurihiru


Synopsis: The Avatar's adventures continue right where the TV series left off, in this beautiful, oversized hardcover of The Promise, from Airbender creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko! Aang and friends must join together once again as the four nations' tenuous peace is threatened in an impasse between Fire Lord Zuko and Earth King Kuei! As the world heads toward another devastating war, Aang's friendship with Zuko throws him into the middle of the conflict! Featuring annotations by Eisner Award-winning writer Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) and artist Gurihiru (Thor and the Warriors Four), and a brand-new sketchbook, this is a story that Avatar fans need in an edition they will love!

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Review: Like many others, I recently rewatched the original Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series when it arrived on Netflix. This graphic novel picks up right after the show ends. I've read some of the continuing comics, but I hadn't read this one before. 

The book starts with the classic intro, but with a different ending to reflect the outcomes of the tv series. This book is about moral complexity. There are still Fire Nation colonies within the Earth Kingdom. The Harmony Restoration Movement is established to try and bring peace back, but the world isn't that simple. I really enjoyed the pathway this story went, showing friends disagreeing and finding a way to move forward. The complexities of acknowledging your own culture's past. 

Katara and Aang are in a romantic relationship. I liked seeing them trying to navigate the dating landscape. There are also other combinations of characters. I liked seeing the Kyoshi Warriors protecting Zuko. Toph and Sokka. Zuko and his father. 

Everyone should be prepared to change their mind when they learn new things. 

I'm excited to continue these post-tv show comic books. I give this book a 5/5. Great moral conflicts. The storytelling utilizes the graphic novel medium.

--PAUL

Liebestrasse (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Liebestrasse
Author: Greg Lockard
Artists: Tim Fish & Hector Barros
Upcoming Release Date: September 17, 2020


Synopsis: A 16-page mini-comic debuting at Thought Bubble 2018 in Leeds, UK, in full-color with line art by Tim Fish, color art by Héctor Barros and a script by Greg Lockard.

A short story about Sam, an American banker, meeting Philip, a German journalist, while living and working in Berlin during the 1930s. It’s the final years of the Weimar Republic and their sweet, bilingual romance is quickly hit with an unspeakable reality.

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Review: This is a very short comic. It takes place in Berlin from 1935 to 1952. The timeline wasn't too obvious for me, so I was a little confused as I read this book. Like I said, it is VERY short. And quite dark.

I wish this book was longer. The characters didn't feel like they had personalities. I understand this is a short comic, but I feel like this medium could have been utilized better. I give this book a 3/5.


--PAUL

Olive 1. BY THE LIGHT OF A BLUE MOON (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Europe Comics via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Olive: 1. BY THE LIGHT OF A BLUE MOON
Author: Cazot Vero 

Illustrator: Mazel Lucy
Release Date: July 15, 2020


Synopsis: Olive, age 17, has a rich and vivid inner life. She has created an imaginary world that she's able to visit whenever she chooses. But her daily life on earth is shaken up by the arrival of a new roommate at boarding school, who won't leave Olive alone. And even more upsetting: a mysterious spaceman makes a surprise appearance in her imaginary world! A coming-of-age story that will take Olive far from her comfort zone, as she discovers unsuspected sides of herself and the world around her.

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Review: This graphic novel features an autistic main character with a whole world in her head. I love the concept. It initially reminded me of "Otherbound" by Corinne Duyvis. 

This book is a very interesting idea, but I was quite confused at first. The story just did not flow for me. I give this book a 2/5. 


--PAUL

Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
Author: Tim Probert
Recent Release Date: September 1, 2020


Synopsis: For fans of Amulet and middle grade readers who love sweeping worlds like Star Wars, the first book of the Lightfall series introduces Bea and Cad, two unlikely friends who get swept up in an epic quest to save their world from falling into eternal darkness.

Deep in the heart of the planet Irpa stands the Salty Pig’s House of Tonics & Tinctures, home of the wise Pig Wizard and his adopted granddaughter, Bea. As keepers of the Endless Flame, they live a quiet and peaceful life, crafting medicines and potions for the people of their once-prosperous world.

All that changes one day when, while walking through the woods, Bea meets Cad, a member of the Galdurians, an ancient race thought to be long-extinct. Cad believes that if anyone can help him find his missing people, it’s the Pig Wizard.

But when the two arrive home, the Pig Wizard is nowhere to be found—all that’s left is the Jar of Endless Flame and a mysterious note. Fearing for the Pig Wizard’s safety, Bea and Cad set out across Irpa to find him, while danger fights its way out of the shadows and into the light.

Will these two unexpected friends find the beloved Pig Wizard and prevent eternal darkness from blanketing their world? Or has Irpa truly seen its last sunrise?

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Review: This graphic novel is full of beautiful worldbuilding and art. The world is so immersive. It's a quest story with some comforting tropes. There are adorable interactions between the characters. It almost has a Jim Henson fantasy vibe, but brighter. It's not as dark as Dark Crystal or Labyrinth, more Muppety. 

The adventures in this story is full of unique characters. They overcome some interesting challenges along the way. The ending is open, not quite coming to a complete resolution. 

I really enjoyed this Middle-Grade Fantasy graphic novel. I would continue to read this series. I give this book a 4/5. 


--PAUL

Mom Marries Mum! (children's board book) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Second Story Press via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Mom Marries Mum!
Author: Ken Setterington

Illustrator: Alice Priestley
Upcoming Release Date: September 8, 2020


Synopsis: A brother and sister are thrilled that their mom and mum are getting married! After dancing around the living room, they are full of questions. Will Nana and Pop be there? Will they get to dress up? The answer is yes! They celebrate the wedding outdoors with family and friends. And most importantly, they all get to blow bubbles! A beautiful celebration of a loving family celebrating an important day together.

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Review: This is a super simple board book for children. There isn't much to it, but that's to be expected for a board book. The artwork is great and the story is simple. I really like seeing books like this out in the world. I love this one; it's adorable. I give this book a 5/5.


--PAUL