Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Monday, July 29, 2024
Recently Read: The American Zig-Zag, Volume Two
The second (and I'm hoping not the last) of author Van Reid's short story collections again features whimsical and entertaining tales taking place in various American locales during the 19th century. "The Windmill" features a cantankerous but well-meaning Geology Professor and a trio of unusual women he meets in a countryside. "Mr. Seabury's Grove" is a lovely tale of a young lady and a "hobo" she encounters camping on her family's prodigious grounds. Amidst poems, epigrams and letters, you'll meet characters reprising their roles from the previous volume, including Chicago cop on the beat Thomas Borum O'Toole and Fustianne Mae and her fascinating family in chapters of "The Ongoing Tale" (and I trust it will someday go on). Reid's prose is delightful, wry, observant and revealing, reminiscent of the ways Charles Dickens brought his characters and environments to life. (Some of "The Ongoing Tale" may bring to mind the work of P.G. Wodehouse.) Illustrating the book is the work of nearly a dozen artists (disclaimer: I'm among them), topped off by Jeff Suntala's stunning wraparound cover design. I highly recommend this volume.
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Recently Read: Allergic, by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter
The first of two collaborations between Eisner-nominated author Megan Wagner Lloyd and illustrator Michelle Mee Nutter (Squished is the second), Allergic is a fine coming-of-age children's graphic novel.A story about a 5th grader who loves pets - but discovers she's allergic to animals with feathers or fur - could have been a preachy venture, with little artistry. Wagner uses little Maggie's allergies, though, as the backdrop for many stressful situations she's going through, from changes in her family to friendship complications and a rough relationship with her brothers. Nutter's art is perfect for the story, expressive and nicely paced (though I think the book could have benefited from a more painterly approach to the colors used on some of her other projects). Wagner also, unlike many other authors writing graphic novels illustrated by others, utilizes many silent panels, allowing the visuals to tell the story.
Recommended for children eight and up; I gave a copy to three grandkids and all three individually plowed through the book to the end in one afternoon.
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Friday, July 5, 2024
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
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