Gumption!

Written by Elise Broach and illustrated by Richard Egielski. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010.

Tally ho, we’re off to the jungle in this story! Grab your binoculars, hiking boots, and canteen! Uncle Nigel is Peter’s favorite uncle, and one day, he invites Peter on an expedition to Africa. He’s trying to find the Zimbobo Mountain Gorilla, the wildest of beasts. On their way through the jungle, Peter encounters many obstacles, but Uncle Nigel is quick to reassure him that he can overcome them – “all it takes is a bit of gumption.” In case you didn’t know, gumption means courage. I love the message in this book that all things are possible, especially when you have the support of your family. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and they convey another element to the story. While Uncle Nigel plows ahead, Peter gets some help from the many wild animals they are in search of in the jungle. The reader sees what’s going on, but Uncle Nigel is none the wiser! Another charming element to this story is the “old-fashioned” expressions from Uncle Nigel – “I say!” or “Nonsense, my boy!” They make this story a wonderful read-aloud, and in case you’re wondering if they ever find the elusive Zimbobo Mountain Gorilla, well, you’re just going to have to read this book to find out!

Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom

By Eric Wight

FICTION (ages 7 and up)

When you were a kid, what was your least favorite chore? If you were anything like Frankie Pickle it was cleaning your room. Franklin Lorenzo Piccolini is a kid who loves video games and action figures. He has a very vivid imagination and along with his trusty side-kick, his dog Argyle, he goes on many adventures. One day, his mom told him he had to clean his room, but Frankie argued why, since it's just going to get dirty again. His mom said okay, he didn't have to clean his room since it was his space, but he was responsible for whatever happened to the room. So laundry piled up, toys got lost under piles of trash, and the Dryer Sheet Fairy (a.k.a. Mom) didn't visit his room again. Pretty soon, things got stinky, especially Frankie. One night, something smelled so horrible that Frankie couldn't take it anymore and so off he went to fight dirt and the dreaded Bacteria Breath (a moldy salami and relish sandwich). This book is a combination of a graphic novel and chapter book format. It is wonderful for reluctant readers and the graphics fit in nicely with the text. Whenever Frankie goes on an adventure a la Indiana Jones, you get the comic book format. This book is hilarious and will be enjoyed by children and parents too! You'll never look at cleaning your room as a boring chore again!

Jellaby

By Kean Soo

GRAPHIC NOVEL (Ages 8 and up)

Let's face it - we have all had moments in our life where we've needed a large purple monster as a friend. I sure have! Well, Portia is also having those moments. She has just moved to a new neighborhood with her mom and is having problems adjusting to life without her father. She is pretty smart, but find school boring and her classmates don't seem to want to be friends with her. That all changes one night when Portia goes exploring the woods behind her house and finds a shy, sweet-natured purple monster. She decides to name him Jellaby. Jellaby doesn't talk, but Portia discovers he is lost. Along with her school-mate Jason, they go on a journey to discover Jellaby's true home. I absolutely loved this graphic novel!! Jellaby is such an endearing monster - he has a big heart. The drawings are absolutely wonderful - Kean Soo portrays the characters with emotion and such expression. My only complaint is I have to wait until the next volume to find out what happens (fair warning...the book leaves you hanging)! You will fall in love with Jellaby!