The Avengers Assembly group (Miles Morales, Doreen Green, Malala Khan, etc.) gets to go on a field trip to the X-Men boarding school. Will they get alThe Avengers Assembly group (Miles Morales, Doreen Green, Malala Khan, etc.) gets to go on a field trip to the X-Men boarding school. Will they get along with their X-Men roommates for the week? And what happens if some of their guest lecturers don't have their best interests at heart?
This is like camp for superheroes at the X-Men HQ. Of course things go epically wrong and the young superheroes have to figure out how to save the day (or at least keep it from completely going boom until some adult heroes can show up). It's a fun adventure with likable supers. And Miles learns a good lesson on friendship and not assuming that silence means The story is told in a mix of graphic novel frames, emails, handouts, texts, etc. I shelve this series in graphic novel because such a huge percentage of the story is told in graphic novel frames or is highly illustrated. Recommended for middle grade Marvel fans as that is the age range the supers primarily are in this series.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some perilous situations but everyone ends up ok....more
The OEC is headed to Izu for a camping trip all together. Rin is driving up on her scooter by herself and the others are all driving up in a minivan wThe OEC is headed to Izu for a camping trip all together. Rin is driving up on her scooter by herself and the others are all driving up in a minivan with their teacher sponsor and meeting Rin there. Two of the girls have a birthday during the trip so the others are planning a surprise for them. Rin's grandfather and dad help her get her scooter ready for the longer trip. And Nadeshinko was so excited for the trip she didn't sleep a wink the night before and misses most of the fun on the ride there since she sleeps most of the way (like seeing sakura and eating wasabi ice cream).
In the back of the book Afro says this story is going to continue in Vol. 9 with more of their time in Izu. This book just covers their prep and drive to Izu and the first day of sight seeing. I don't know my Japanese geography well so it was fun to get to know what all can be found in this region. I feel like I'm getting an armchair tour of Izu.
Notes on content: 1 minor swear. No sexual content (they go to a hot spring but they are kept very decent by water levels and foam). No violence. The girls convince their teacher to go without alcohol for a huge chunk of time in prep for the trip. I'm happy to see them looking out for her (even if there are some other motivations to this). There is one scene with her drinking a beer (to the chagrin of her students)....more
Nadeshinko is trying solo camping for the first time, but she has some people worried about her who are secretly keeping an eye on her (her big sisterNadeshinko is trying solo camping for the first time, but she has some people worried about her who are secretly keeping an eye on her (her big sister and Rin).
It is kind of humorous and cute how the others are worried about outgoing and somewhat impetuous Nadeshinko (I agreed with them, though). Another fun little winter camping story.
Notes on content: Just 1 or 2 minor swears. No sex scenes. There's a hot springs scene where mostly everything is covered by froth but I would've preferred a tad more covered. No violence....more
Lena is the smallest giant around. She's so small that no one but her parents believe she's a giant. She is hoping that the Spark ceremony can prove sLena is the smallest giant around. She's so small that no one but her parents believe she's a giant. She is hoping that the Spark ceremony can prove she's a giant and maybe make her a little taller than 5 1/2 ft. But the King kicks her out of the ceremony and when she goes to the Cursed City to look for the Last Knight and see if he has magic that can help her. Jin is also looking for the Last Knight as that is the latest wish of the Golden-King who possesses his ring currently (and the power to wish him to do anything). As Lena and Jin's paths cross, things get super messy. The Spark is accidentally stolen, the giants get mad at the Cursed City, the Golden King's Faceless knights are unleashed, and only Jin and Lena know what started things and who can hopefully straighten everything out.
I listened to some of this on audiobook and I loved the voices the narrators gave to the characters, especially Rufus, Lena's giant cat (he was my favorite character...followed closely by the cosmic knowledge voice Jin hears). There are ties that link this to what happened in the Half Upon a Time series, and you can follow the crazy convoluted ending of this much better if you remember what went on in that series. I'm glad I have the next book in this series already on hand because other than Lena's self-acceptance, not much else is resolved in this book. A fun fairytale mashup, but pay close attention because things move quickly.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some battles and some magical attacks, the fate of several people is riding on whether or not Jin and Lena can rescue them from their situations in the next book. ...more
Breaking Cat News brings you more inside scoop comic moments from the household as a new baby arrives, seasons come and go, the vacuum continues to brBreaking Cat News brings you more inside scoop comic moments from the household as a new baby arrives, seasons come and go, the vacuum continues to bring its reign of terror, a cuckoo clock invades, and bacon must be dealt with.
Another fun collection of comics featuring Man, Woman, Toddler, Baby, Pucky, Elvis, and Lupin. Georgia Dunn is a genius in transforming everyday events into comic gold from a cat's perspective. The war against the vacuum is particularly believable; and as I was traumatized by my grandparents' cuckoo clock as a very young child, I wholeheartedly agree with the cat's description of it. Lots of fun for all ages.
No content issues. (Well, some plants don't make it, and that bacon is toast, but that's as bad as the violence gets.)...more
Charlie and Steve-O decide August needs a vacation, well, Charlie needs one too, but August is about to seriously burn out if he doesn't take a break.Charlie and Steve-O decide August needs a vacation, well, Charlie needs one too, but August is about to seriously burn out if he doesn't take a break. Steve-O knows just the place. A nice, deserted tropical island he heard about somewhere. But wait, where did Steve-O learn about this island? Because there's some weird stuff going on here and Charlie and August soon find themselves on a wacky journey through time and space to save themselves.
August learns some important truths about hardships, overcoming, and personal growth in this wacky time travel adventure. He also gets a sweet reunion with his girl. Steve-O and Charlie have some good comedic moments, and overall this is a fun graphic novel with some great little truths woven in.
Notes on content: There are some perilous moments but everyone ends up ok....more
Sabu is getting used to being an employee at the pet rescue café, but just when he thinks he can relax Jin throws something new at him. And even thougSabu is getting used to being an employee at the pet rescue café, but just when he thinks he can relax Jin throws something new at him. And even though Jin has only been nice, Sabu can't help but think Jin's finally going to show his true colors and every new thing is going to be horrible.
Forget glass half-empty type, Sabu is the type that thinks the glass is already empty and the half glass is just an illusion there to trick you. He has a very active imagination and always thinks the worst of Jin's actions, much to the amusement of readers. I've definitely known some cats who are as jumpy as Sabu and seem to think you are out to kill them, even when it is a harmless new toy...maybe that's what inspired the author. I wish there was a bit less swearing in this series. I think they added it in to make the series seem tougher to fit the ex-gangster persona. If it weren't for the swearing this would be a great middle grade read as it is so cute and funny, but the swearing bumps it up to YA/Adult.
Notes on content: About 10 minor swears and 3 moderate swears. No sexual content. Despite all of Sabu's fears, there's no violence....more
A little kitten is tired, hungry, and cold out on the streets. He really hopes a human will take pity on him. But he gets picked up by a guy who is obA little kitten is tired, hungry, and cold out on the streets. He really hopes a human will take pity on him. But he gets picked up by a guy who is obviously a yakuza! He's got scars and scary tattoos, and little Sabu is sure he is doomed over and over. But is Jin as scary as Sabu thinks?
This was hilarious. It alternates between Jin and Sabu's perspectives. Sabu finds something sinister in everything Jin is doing, but in reality, Jin is very adequately and expertly taking care of the little abandoned cat, warming it up, cleaning it up, and getting its tummy full. As the book unfolds we learn Jin is part of an ex-yakuza gang who has turned their energies towards a more legit and heartwarming business (view spoiler)[they've opened an animal rescue and cat/dog cafe where the animals are all up for adoption (hide spoiler)]. I think the funniest part is the trip to the vet, because I could totally imagine some cats I know thinking the way Sabu thinks about the vet. Now I need book 2. Hand this to animal lovers, and humor fans. It is a great exploration of point of view in both the writing and illustrations, and a lot of fun once you really know what is going on.
Notes on content: About 11 minor swears. No sexual content. Though Sabu would tell you his life is in serious danger, there's no violence and excellent animal rescue procedures are followed, which granted, do include some shots.
This volume includes Missions 12-17 which starts with Yuri meeting Loid for the first time, then Loid bugs Yor to make sure he can trust her after figThis volume includes Missions 12-17 which starts with Yuri meeting Loid for the first time, then Loid bugs Yor to make sure he can trust her after figuring out her brother is in the secret police, then it is the epic dodgeball game at school when the Year 1 students think they are battling for a Stella, then Loid and Anya volunteer at the hospital, and then Anya asks for a dog. Also included in this volume is Extra Mission 2 in which Loid decides he needs to take Yor for a nice date but he doesn't know she got shot in the butt on her last job and is in great pain the whole time (and someone from the job lived and is after her).
These are all pretty much exactly the same as the anime versions, though the anime actually adds little bits to some of them. The only one I haven't seen as an anime episode yet is the extra mission (but I am a few weeks behind). The dodgeball game is my favorite of these missions, but the extra one was pretty funny (Franky is babysitting and Anya convinces him to play spy and tail her parents). This series is insanely popular with the students at my school.
Notes on content: About 4 minor wears. No sexual content (the cover is more risqué than anything inside). Yor does pull off an assassination job, but you just come in at the end with people laying around and her getting shot. It's more humorous than gory. The hospital volunteering mission sees Anya and Loid helping rescue a boy who is drowning. Yor and Yuri have a weird relationship and he's super overprotective and not handling her being married well. They beat each other up a little and both get a bit drunk....more
Bird and Squirrel find a treasure map, but Squirrel doesn't want to endanger Red or Birdie in the perils of a treasure hunt. Red and Birdie have theirBird and Squirrel find a treasure map, but Squirrel doesn't want to endanger Red or Birdie in the perils of a treasure hunt. Red and Birdie have their own ideas, though, and soon all of them are off following the clues to legendary adventurer Gopher Gosford's treasure. And all the while Bird is working up the courage to tell his friends something important.
Aww, so sad to see this series come to an end. But Burks has left it open enough he could definitely come back to it if inspiration strikes. It is very fun to have Red and Birdie along. And some critters from past adventures make a reappearance. There are little puzzles for the gang to solve along the hunt that readers can solve with them. And the treasure is not a materialistic one. A feel good finish to this amazing graphic novel series.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are perilous situations but friends help friends out of them....more
The members of the OEC are scattered for New Years Eve and New Years Day. Several of them are working hard during the holidays, while others are visitThe members of the OEC are scattered for New Years Eve and New Years Day. Several of them are working hard during the holidays, while others are visiting family, Rin is going to do another solo camping trip, and all will try to watch the sunrise in various places on New Year's morning.
I didn't know that watching the sun rise on New Year's was such a big deal in some parts of the world. Other Japanese New Year's traditions are also woven into the story, like eating soba noodles and giving New Year's cards and gifts. Rin's camping trip gets thrown off a little when a snow storm prevents her from going home as planned and she ends up going to Nadeshiko's grandmother's house before being picked up by her Grandfather on his way to her house (yes, we get to meet the legendary camping grandfather briefly). The landscape illustrations in this are stunning again. The shorts at the end of this one include some humorous dream sequences of Rin's.
Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. No sexual content. No violence....more
The OEC all go camping together on Christmas with their new teacher sponsor, and a bunch of good quality meat that Aoi won in a contest at work.
This iThe OEC all go camping together on Christmas with their new teacher sponsor, and a bunch of good quality meat that Aoi won in a contest at work.
This is the first time all the girls have gone camping together. It is fun to see them interact and have fun together. As always, there is just as much focus on the food as other activities, so this may make you hungry. Their teacher sponsor is an unabashed drunk and spends the whole time sleeping or drinking, which doesn't earn her any points with the girls. They kind of pity her and end up taking care of her more than the other way around. It felt like a weird thing to include. Is this funnier with a Japanese audience? I really like the scenery illustrations in these books. There's some beautiful artwork woven in. There are short comics featuring the characters in the back that are pretty funny.
Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. No sexual content. There's a hot springs scene with strategically placed bubbles and water to keep things mostly decent (about as revealing as low cut a bikini). No violence. ...more
When the Unseen University professors discover that much of their comfortable living (and multiple meals) depends on a bequest that demands they enterWhen the Unseen University professors discover that much of their comfortable living (and multiple meals) depends on a bequest that demands they enter a football game at least 1x per century, they are a bit worried. Football is a back alley game that is illegal, has a huge fan base, and an astonishingly high mortality rate. But their addiction to a good cheese board, means the Archchancellor works up the nerve to go approach Lord Vetinari about the game. Much to his surprise, Vetinari wants Unseen University to set up an official football league, reinstate some old rules that have been found, and help make the sport legit (which of course is handed off from Ridcully to the overworked Ponder). Mixed up in all this are the candle workers at UU Trevor Likely and odd newcomer Nutt, as well as the Night Kitchen staff at UU Miss Glenda and Juliet. There are secrets about Nutt, Miss Glenda takes to worrying about everyone and doing something about it, Trevor is trying to avoid following in his father's football steps, and the rather simple Juliet is about to find her calling.
This ranks right up there in Discworld novels with Guards! Guards! and Going Postal as one of my favorites. It's actually got some hidden depths to the moral of the story, with recurring themes about not judging others based on their genetics or where they grew up but by their actions and heart. The reinventing of soccer Discworld style is quite humorous. Nutt is a delightful character to follow around and watch him discover his worth. Glenda is the best. And Vetinari and the UU profs are all their inimitable selves. You don't have to read the Discworld books in order, but it does help to have read the Night Watch books before this as some events in that subseries are referenced quite a bit.
Notes on content: Occasional mild swearing, but it felt less than normal for a Discworld book. No sexual content. Some couples are told they can hang out as long as there is no "hanky panky." There's a couple kisses on page, but that is it. The back alley football before Vetinari gets his hands on it is like ruby meets streetball times 11. Multiple fatalities are mentioned, and some disturbing little facts about heads being mistaken for balls and such are woven in with morbid humor. A past war is mention in which certain creatures took out a whole lot of people and then were themselves wiped out. Pratchett manages to convey how much you are supposed to be disturbed without giving you much of any of the actual gory details....more
A collection of comics featuring the other things on the air when Breaking Cat News isn't (especially a day time cat drama), and some remastered olderA collection of comics featuring the other things on the air when Breaking Cat News isn't (especially a day time cat drama), and some remastered older comics as well as a couple brand new comics not in previous collections.
The cat soap opera is kept appropriate for kids. It is just overly dramatic and pokes fun at some of the odd and unbelievable twists daytime drama is famous for (I don't watch them myself, but I know enough to know this is poking fun at them). That part was just a 3 star read, but the redone older comics bumped the overall rating up to 4 stars. The bi-monthly running of the cats at 2am is a classic which I think might be extended in here(?), and I don't remember the comic featuring Elvis thinking the baby's See-n-Say toy is an evil animal spirit calling device, but I found that one hilarious and had to show my husband. Hand this to cat lovers, cat owners, and comic fans of any age.
The OEC members have survived their exams and celebrate by going to a huge camping supply store. Then Rin sets off for another solo camping trip to NaThe OEC members have survived their exams and celebrate by going to a huge camping supply store. Then Rin sets off for another solo camping trip to Nagano when Nadeshiko comes down with a cold. Aki brings houtou noodles over to help Nadeshiko feel better and ends up making it for the whole family as they assume she makes it best when they hear where she's from. Aki sweats bullets trying to make houtou correctly for the first time for so many, and meanwhile Rin is having trouble getting to her campsite with winter road closures so Aki and Nadeshiko help her out via messages. And the OEC continues to plan their Christmas camping trip, which maybe they can convince Rin to join.
Poor Rin. She has quite the time getting with her solo trip. But Aki and Nadeshiko help keep things upbeat. Aki's cooking bit is humorous, and the bit in the camping supply store actually gives good tips on camping mats and some other equipment. I like that this series shows that girls can be interested in outdoorsy activities.
Notes on content: 1 minor swear. No sexual content. No violence....more
The continued comic adventures of Phoebe and her best friend Marigold (who happens to be a unicorn).
This collection includes a sequence about MarigoldThe continued comic adventures of Phoebe and her best friend Marigold (who happens to be a unicorn).
This collection includes a sequence about Marigold magicking away their shadows and the two friends going to Marigold's family reunion. A new Phoebe and Her Unicorn book is like settling down with a cup of cocoa loaded with marshmallows on a cold day. It's warm, fun, sweet, and cozy. Ok, and then the metaphor breaks down because it is also occasionally laugh out loud funny.
A collection of comics featuring Lars, a blue yeti and his relatable self-care, social, and mental health challenges.
Some of these are laugh out loud A collection of comics featuring Lars, a blue yeti and his relatable self-care, social, and mental health challenges.
Some of these are laugh out loud funny, while others are just deserving of a smirk in my opinion. Overall, Lars is relatable and puts a comic twist on everyday events and thoughts.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There's some cartoon falls and car crashes and such but everyone is fine by the next panel usually. Mental health challenges are realistically depicted with a comic tone. Physical health challenges are depicted in comics. Some alcohol consumption in a few comics....more
Rosa Mandolini comes from a family of illuminators, painters who specialize in magical paintings that have specific effects (like keeping mice out, clRosa Mandolini comes from a family of illuminators, painters who specialize in magical paintings that have specific effects (like keeping mice out, cleaning water, or keeping the milk from curdling). She hopes that one day she too will show a talent for magical painting and hopefully help the struggling family make ends meet, but so far she just does excellent non-magical paintings of fanged radishes. While hunting in the basement of the family studio/house for a stuffed armadillo prop for one of her uncles, Rosa stumbles across a box with an illumination of a crow painted on top of that makes her leave the room and almost forget about it. She has never heard of such an illumination and now she’s dying to know what’s inside. But opening the box will lead to more trouble and danger for the Mandolinis -- and the whole village – than Rosa could have ever dreamed. Now can she stop the magical mayhem she unleashed before disaster strikes?
A delightfully imaginative adventure as only Ursula Vernon (the woman behind T. Kingfisher) can do. I mean who else could come up with a magic-stealing sentient mandrake with an army of charcoal scribbles going up against a shiny-obsessed, centuries-old, illuminated crow, a 12 year old girl and her frenemy, a zany family of eccentric magical artists, and an army of (view spoiler)[illuminated haloed and fanged radishes (hide spoiler)]? It’s a lot of fun and lets the imagination out to run rampant for a while. I really liked Rosa, and her frenemy Serena grows on you. Rosa’s aunt, uncles, cousin, and Grandma are each and every one a hoot in their own way. So wonderful characterization, exceptional world-building in not a lot of pages, a plot that keeps you turning pages, and lots of dashes of the wonderful Vernon humor. I need to buy a physical copy of this as soon as I can.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Some bumps, bangs, and a couple of bites. Only magical drawings are seriously hurt. Ethnic diversity: The town feels kind of old Italian but isn’t placed anywhere actually real. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Rosa doesn’t tell the adults what is going on for a while as she is told it could get dangerous if word spreads, but eventually she does and things get better immediately....more
Suzy Bowles feels stuck in her humdrum farming community in Burr Oak, Michigan. She has dreams of seeing the world but leaving Burr Oak seems impossibSuzy Bowles feels stuck in her humdrum farming community in Burr Oak, Michigan. She has dreams of seeing the world but leaving Burr Oak seems impossible. It seems to have one stubborn pull on anyone born there. Case in point, her lazy uncle is even back after going out west to be lazy and find a wife (at least that's what family talk would have you believe). Every morning Uncle Fred disappears somewhere to seemingly avoid the farm work. Suzy is horribly curious, so after plotting with her best friend Mimi at church, Suzy decides to get up super early and spy on where her uncle goes. Turns out, he's going to Madame Marantette's place to work with horses...and ostriches. In particular, he and Bud are working to train a horse and an ostrich to pull Madame Marantette in a surrey for the fair parade and get her in the history books with another world record. Suzy is immediately determined to help by riding the stubborn ostrich. Everyone knows she has a grip of steel and a stubborn will to match. If anyone can best this ornery ostrich, it is her. And she's also hoping that Madame Marantette will share her secret of how to get out of Burr Oak and see the world like she did with the circus.
Betsy Bird makes Suzy come alive with such a vivid, vibrant, spunky voice. Her turn of phrase and colorful descriptions make Suzy such a memorable character, and immediately transport you to her time and place. It's also wildly entertaining. I mean, how can a story about a girl learning to ride an ostrich and learn manners from a retired circus performer not be entertaining? The wildest thing about this story is that it is based on a real person. Madame Marantette really lived in Burr Oak, Michigan, she really drove a surrey with an ostrich and horse in the fair parade (there's a picture in the back of the book) and the illustrator even currently lives in her old house! So pretty much the wildest things in the book are true, and that is absolutely fabulous. Definitely read the author's note about the family connection to Burr Oak and how she learned about Madame Marantette. Madame Marantette's horse man Bud is also based on a real person and there's a note about him in the back of the book too. This one reminded me a lot of The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley for the spunky farm girl wanting to spread her wings in very unique and daring ways. Readers who enjoyed one will likely enjoy the other.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. A dislocated arm is the worst injury. There's some willful disobedience, but the perpetrator fully accepts her punishment....more
The continuing adventures of the Forger family made up of a spy, an assassin, and a telepath. In this volume the family has to pass interviews for EdeThe continuing adventures of the Forger family made up of a spy, an assassin, and a telepath. In this volume the family has to pass interviews for Eden Academy, Anya has to pass the entrance exam, and then she has to survive her first few days at school. Twilight also is kept on his toes making sure they pass muster as a close family when Yor's brother Yuri visits for the first time and neighbors start talking about how busy he is.
This book covers Missions 5-11, plus the extra mission when the family visits the aquarium. It pretty much correlates to Episodes 5-11 of the anime. I've realized as I read more that sometimes the anime actually has more details than the book does (for example, Anya's reward for getting into Eden is less elaborate in the book than in the anime). Otherwise, they correspond very closely (often down to the same dialogue). In either form, it is a very fun bit of entertainment that mixes spy/thriller with comedy in a reimagined East Germany setting quite well.
Notes on content: I think it was around 7 minor swears. No sexual content. Yor envisions taking drastic measures to get Anya into Eden, but she doesn't actually go through with it. Her imagination is a little bloody/disturbing. Yuri is also shown interrogating someone and uses violence. Anya stands up to a bully and punches him after putting up with quite a lot. Yor gets drunk celebrating Anya getting into the academy....more
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