Mutts Go Green: Earth-Friendly Tips and Comic Strips - 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.*

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Title: Mutts Go Green: Earth-Friendly Tips and Comic Strips
Author: Patrick McDonnell
Release Date: March 30, 2021


Synopsis: Mutts Go Green is a special kids' collection of the popular comic strip MUTTS, featuring themes of ecology, environmental friendliness, and animal education.

This special collection of MUTTS comics for kids includes eco-friendly lessons on how to keep the environment clean and ways to help create a greener future for our furry friends and future generations. Mutts Go Green draws on Patrick McDonnell's 25-year career of writing and illustrating heartwarming comics starring Earl the dog, Mooch the cat, and a host of other adorable animal friends.

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Review: This collection of comic strips was made in celebration of Earth Day. Interspersed among the humorous strips are conservation messages and actions. This would make a perfect gift for a kid interested in conservation. This book is all about appreciating nature and the world around all of us. I give this book a 4/5.


--PAUL

The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee's Story (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from HarperCollins 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 Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee's Story
Creator: Jay Hosler
Release Date: April 20, 2021


Synopsis: Experience the life of a honeybee in this coming-of-age story about a bee named Nyuki, in this full-color graphic novel by Jay Hosler, perfect for curious kids who are fans of the Science Comics series.

Nyuki is a brand-new honeybee—and she has a lot of questions. Like

When does a bee go through metamorphosis?

Why does a queen bee sometimes leave her hive?

And where does all this honey come from, anyway?!

But Nyuki’s biggest question is, “What is this inner voice I hear, and why does it tell me to go forth to adventure?

Follow Nyuki on a lifelong journey as she annoys her sisters, avoids predators, and learns to trust her inner voice as she masters the way of the hive.

And if you still have questions at the end, the back of the book uncovers even more mysteries about the lives of these incredible insects!

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Review: This graphic novel opens up with a creation story involving a flower sending pollen into the universe. And then evolution-ish. The book focuses on a bee colony integrating both fantastical anthropomorphizing elements with interesting facts about bees. It's actually quite informative. It's a fun way to learn about the bee life cycle. Mantises and beetles are also included and even plants have some dialogue. 

I give this book a 5/5. It's unlike any graphic novel I've read before. It's right up my alley. Animal sociology and biology with added storytelling for flavor. It's not quite as cartoony as most comics about insects, but it still adds some more human elements to the bees' lives. A great tool to increase empathy for animals. I want to see more comics like this.  

--PAUL