Category: Grandpappy’s Corner Page 3 of 4

Grandpappy’s Corner: How Big Is Zagnodd? by Sandra Boynton: A Quick Dose of Goofiness

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On June 28, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

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How Big Is Zagnodd?

by Sandra Boynton

DETAILS:
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Format: Board Book
Length: 14 pg.
Read Date: June 24, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s How Big Is Zagnodd? About?

Boynton introduces us to a few alien friends—Zagnogg, Igwak, Fleeb, and so on and invites us to notice how Big, Long, Fuzzy, and so on they are.

That’s a pretty brief description, but it’s hard to say more about a 14-page book.

Still, it feels like I’m not saying enough, so let me quote the back of the book just to add some words (suddenly, I feel like I’m back in college trying to up the word count on a paper):

HOW BIG IS ZAGNODD?

[Spoiler: SO big.]

Inside this book, you will find beings from outer space who are
BIG or LONG or FUZZY or BRIGHT or DANCEY or SLEEPY.

Plus Steve.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

If you’ve read a Sandra Boynton book before, you have a pretty good idea of what the art is like. If you haven’t? It’s just about the cutest thing you’ve seen. In this case, it’s super-cute aliens instead of the typical super-cute animals.

Oh, and Steve.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I did read this out loud—not to the grandcritter, because he’s not quite there yet. But soon.

Will it be more fun when he can read it with me? Sure, but I had a good time anyway. The alien names are goofy and enjoyable to say. With each alien, the text asks something like, “How Big is Zagnodd?” and the answer is, “SO big.” All the “SO ___”s are going to be great audience-participation fun.

So, what did I think about How Big Is Zagnodd??

I’m a sucker for a Boynton book—and this is the first new one I’ve read in about two decades, and this is just as fun as the ones I read to the grandcritter’s dad, uncles, and aunt.

I don’t know that it’s the best Boynton book I’ve read—but a mediocre Boynton (and this is not mediocre) is like mediocre pizza, it’s still pizza. You open this and you’re going to have a good—and goofy—time. How Big Is Zagnodd? is silly fun for young and young-at-heart.

4 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Secrets of the Wild by Olivia Kent, Srimalie Bassani (Illustrator): What the Animals Are Really Up To

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On June 21, 2023

In Book Tour, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Welcome back to the opinion portion of this Book Tour stop for Secrets of the Wild. Don’t miss your chance to enter the giveaway!

Grandpappy's Corner Secrets of the Wild

Secrets of the Wild

by Olivia Kent, Srimalie Bassani (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Mascot Books
Publication Date: March 2, 2021
Format: PDF
Length: 38
Read Date: June 20, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s Secrets of the Wild About?

This is an introduction to the Secret Lives of Wild Animals—the parties, the jobs, games, antics, and more that they get up to when humans aren’t around to interfere.

Some Drawbacks

A lot of the vocabulary seems advanced for the target audience—this is not necessarily bad, in fact, it’s laudable. But maybe there are too many of those advanced words in a short space. That’s a tough call really, but it’s something to chew on. If you are going to use a loftier vocabulary (particularly this audience), you’d better make sure you did so correctly—and I’m unconvinced that’s the case here.

The last two pages bring up the idea of humans exploiting animals—for entertainment or industrial use. This is a pretty heavy thing to introduce in the last five sentences, but it’s a defensible notion, but it would probably be better served if given more space. I do wonder what’s different about some of the exploitation the humans are apt to engage in and what the animals themselves were doing in the Weasel Rodeo.

The pronoun use in the last sentence is pretty confusing and could’ve been made easier for the target audience.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Bassani’s art is fantastic. It’s playful, it’s vibrant, it’s engaging—she takes the whimsy and imagination of the premise, embraces it, and then kicks it up a notch.

These illustrations are full—and I do mean full—of characters, action, and details. It’s going to take even the most detail-oriented child a long time to find all there is to find in these drawings.

I didn’t see any samples of this book on Bassani’s website, but there are some good samples of her work in general.

The Best Age Group

This would be best for the oldest kids to read picture books—those on the verge of moving on from them. Between the vocabulary and the content, this isn’t the best fit for the younger, 1-3 year old, readers.

Does that mean I think you shouldn’t read it to these younger readers? Not at all, but the conscientious adult will adapt the language to their audience. 4-6-year-olds will be able to handle some of the vocabulary (but are going to need a hand with some of it, too).

The material on the last couple of pages, on the other hand. The adult reader is going to have to use their own judgment about whether to read the last two pages to a child (or have them read them, if they’re at that point). Some of the ideas on them could be a bit much for younger readers.

So, what did I think about Secrets of the Wild?

Despite what it may seem, I did enjoy this (mostly because describing an issue takes far more space than talking about a positive). I love the Toy Story-meets-Over the Hedge vibe this book has. I think younger readers are really going to get into the art and the rodeo—not to mention the whole idea that humans miss a lot when it comes to the animal world.

I would like a few more pages—maybe as little as 2. The ending felt a bit too abrupt—we get the introduction of the concept of the fun times animals have without humans being aware, a few pages about the rodeo, the idea that the animals have day jobs, too—and then a quick word about why animals have to keep their lives secret from humans. It just felt uneven—expanding the day job portion by a couple of pages would’ve helped. “I wanted more of the good stuff” is really a pretty good complaint to lodge, I figure.

It’s a fun read—one that will satisfy the target audience, and leave them ready to re-read it. It could’ve been better—but what couldn’t be?

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.


My thanks to iReads Book Tours for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

PUB DAY REPOST: Grandpappy’s Corner: God, Right Here: Meeting God in the Changing Seasons by Kara Lawler, Jennie Poh (Illustrator): A Little Dose of Natural Revelation

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On June 20, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

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God, Right Here:
Meeting God in the Changing Seasons

by Kara Lawler, Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: IVP Kids
Publication Date: June 20, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: May 7, 2023


What’s God, Right Here About?

God, right here.
God, right there.
God’s handiwork is everywhere.

With that as a starting point, Lawler takes the reader (and the read-to) on a tour of nature through a year’s worth of seasons. The point isn’t to learn about seasons or weather, or anything, but to see how God’s nature (flora, fauna, weather) reveals His work and care.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

It’s warm and friendly. Even the scenes depicting a chilly fall and snowy winter make you feel cozy and toasty. There’s a gentleness to the illustrations, too.

I’m failing at describing the art—as usual. Jennie Pho’s Instagram has some really good samples (including a Lucy and Mr. Tumnus drawing).

It’s not technically part of the art, but it’s part of the visual impact of the book, so I’ll talk about it here. The typesetting, or whatever you’re supposed to call it (it’d be lettering comic books), is excellent. There’s a variety of colors emphasizing words to match the theme of the page, it flows all over the page to follow the illustrations and add some movement. It’s eye-catching and serves to augment the art.

How is it to Read Aloud?

This is not the kind of book you have fun with, it’s not a fun read. It’s one to read when you’re trying to settle down—or better yet, have already settled down and want to snuggle up and get comfy.

It’s hard to think of toddlers as thoughtful but this is the kind of book for that kind of time.

It’s one of those where you will point to pictures as you read, and then go off on tangents talking about the ideas in the book. The book itself would take almost no time to read, but I can see this as the sort of thing the Grandcritter and I will linger over as we go through it.

* That’s a horrible stereotype, and I should be ashamed of it. But I know too many of them.

So, what did I think about God, Right Here?

This is a nice and pleasant book. Pleasant is the best word to describe this, really (and now that I’ve used it, my brain is stuck and I won’t be able to use another adjective for the rest of the post).

I feel like I should have another few paragraphs in me, but I don’t. I’ve said everything I can find to say about it (and I think I’ve used 2x the words that the book does). This is a pleasant read that’ll be good to use to talk and quiet down with.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post, and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this opportunity.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator): Will Make You Say, “Awwww.”

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On June 14, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m posting about the two books (so far) in the Little Aiden series today, which is turning into a bigger challenge than I expected. The two books are pretty similar in terms of style, quality, etc. So, yeah, the second post might sound a lot like the first—occasionally I’m just going to copy and paste. Sorry about that. But they should be different enough to justify your time as well as mine.

Little Aiden - A Love Book for Toddlers

Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Little Aiden 
Publisher: Mytogo Publishing
Publication Date: May 22, 2023
Format: eBook
Length: 41 pg.
Read Date: June 10, 2023

What’s Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers About?

This book is basically someone* narrating a day in Aiden’s life (or a bunch of activities over a few days), assuring him of their love in all the things he’s up to—when he’s being brave, when he’s being calm, when he’s sad, anxious, scared, and so on. All throughout the day and with a promise that this love will continue.

*Presumably his mother, given the art—although you could make the case that it’s from the point of view of the dad seeing both of them. It really doesn’t matter.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

The art is as adorable and eye-catching here as it was in the other Little Aiden book. Fantastic expressions, great background illustrations, etc. These are going to be very fun for a toddler—and whoever is reading with the toddler—to stop and talk about.

Braskó’s use of Aiden’s teddy bear is fantastic, once I saw what she did on the “Brave” illustration I had to go back through the whole book just looking for what was going on with the bear. (adding the rest of the toys to the mix on the “Confident” page was great, too)

I like her use of the first Little Aiden book here—that was such a nice touch. I wonder how many toddlers will notice?

Be sure to check out some of the samples on Braskó’s website.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I don’t mean this in a bad way—but this isn’t going to do much for the adult reader. It’s a simple and repetitive text. You don’t get to do any fun rhymes, tongue twisters, silly voices, or goofy noises (well, maybe a couple). And it’s okay, because it’s not that kind of book.

It’s the kind of book that’s intentionally repetitive—this is how you can help the child learn. It’s written simply for the same reason. Short and clear sentences that make it easy to grasp the point.

It’s also the kind of book that’s easy to stop reading to discuss—what Aiden is doing, the art, what his Teddy Bear is doing (alongside or in contrast to Aiden), or whatever. And that’s where the engagement for the adult reader is going to come in.

And, hey, some of the pages serve as a good reminder to the adult that it’s okay for the toddler to be frustrated and angry—because it’s really easy for parents/caretakers to forget that sometimes. It’s good for us to vocalize that.

So, what did I think about Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers?

This is just so sweet. There’s some fun to be had (primarily from Braskó’s art, because the text is earnest), but it’s largely warm and sweet reminders of a parent’s affections.

It just made me melt, it’ll likely do the same for you.

It’ll be a great springboard for a parent/grandparent/caregiver to use to talk about all the different ways and times they love the toddler they’re reading with—and who can’t use something like that?

Another heartily recommended book from this series.

4 Stars

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Grandpappy’s Corner: Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator): Nothing Less than Feelings

By

On June 14, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m posting about the two books (so far) in the Little Aiden series today, which is turning into a bigger challenge than I expected. The two books are pretty similar in terms of style, quality, etc. So, yeah, the second post might sound a lot like the first—occasionally I’m just going to copy and paste. Sorry about that. But they should be different enough to justify your time as well as mine.

Little Aiden - A Feelings Book for Toddlers

Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Little Aiden 
Publisher: Mytogo Publishing
Publication Date: December 17, 2022
Format: eBook
Length: 41 pg.
Read Date: June 10, 2023

What’s Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers About?

There’s one simple point to this book:

It is okay to have feelings.

It’s the first sentence and that sentiment is repeated fourteen times over the book as we follow Aiden through a bunch of scenarios where he’s feeling things that kids can identify with. Scared, tired, happy, playful, silly, helpless, and more.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Little Aiden’s expressions are clear—it’s a piece of cake to tell what he’s feeling, even for a little one just trying to put words to facial expressions.

But I think Braskó’s real strength is in the rest of the illustrations—what’s Aiden’s body doing with the feeling? What’s going on around him? Is there a mess? Does he have toys? How’s he interacting with his environment? Those really help fill out the ideas of the book.

These are going to be very fun for a toddler—and whoever is reading with the toddler—to stop and talk about. “He’s sure a messy eater, isn’t he? What’s that on the floor there next to his sippy cup? What’s that on his face?”

The illustration that goes with embarrassed is probably my favorite (and that probably says something about my maturity level).

Be sure to check out some of the samples on Braskó’s website.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I don’t mean this in a bad way—but this isn’t going to do much for the adult reader. It’s a simple and repetitive text. You don’t get to do any fun rhymes, tongue twisters, silly voices, or goofy noises (well, maybe a couple). And that’s okay, because it’s not that kind of book.

It’s the kind of book that’s intentionally repetitive—this is how you can help the child learn. It’s written simply for the same reason. Short and clear sentences that make it easy to grasp the point.

It’s also the kind of book that’s easy to stop reading to discuss—the feeling in question, the art, or whatever. And that’s where the engagement for the adult reader is going to come in.

And, hey, some of the pages serve as a good reminder to the adult that it’s okay for the toddler to be frustrated and angry—because it’s really easy for parents/caretakers to forget that sometimes. It’s good for us to vocalize that.

So, what did I think about Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers?

Feelings can be scary—sometimes a toddler isn’t sure why they’re having the emotional reaction they are, sometimes a toddler can see the adults around them reacting to the toddler’s emotions in a way that can be frightening or off-putting, sometimes a toddler doesn’t like the way an emotion makes them feel. It doesn’t do much good to assure the toddler that it doesn’t get much better sometimes as an adult.

But what you can assure them of is that it’s okay to feel things. The Chois have given toddlers a handy and helpful book to tell them this. As they read and re-read it with someone they trust they can examine these feelings and get the reminder—or get the lesson—that it’s okay to feel emotions.

How to react to those emotions is a talk for a different time—but for now, it’s about being okay with having and feeling them.

I heartily recommend this book.

4 Stars

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Grandpappy’s Corner: Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat by Andrew Wilson, Helena Perez Garcia (Illustrator): Sophie Gets Clarity on an Important Truth

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On June 4, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

Grandpappy's Corner Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat

Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat

by Andrew Wilson, Helena Perez Garcia (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: June 3, 2023


What’s Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat About?

Sophie has been, well, let’s be kind and say misbehaving toward her sister, and is in her bedroom crying. Outside the window, she sees the cat belonging to her neighbors, the Heidelbergs. The cat asks her what’s wrong (yes, the cat talks) and the two go for a walk to things about things.

Sophie talks about how she’s not living up to what the Bible teaches:

“Be bold like King David, be brave like Queen Esther,
and do what God tells you, no matter how scary.
Don’t fight him, like Pharaoh, or trick him, like Judas.
Be patient, like Paul, and respectful, like Mary.

The cat responds by showing her that no one she knows lives up to this standard she thinks the Bible teachers. Not just the people in town, but the people in the Bible, too.

But more than that, she doesn’t have to work for God’s acceptance—the hope she has doesn’t come from her or her efforts. The hope for Sophie is a gift from God. Because she belongs to him, he will protect and comfort her.

A Bit of Playfulness

There are a few moments where the text takes a minute to recognize how strange it is for Sophie to do what she’s doing. Which is nice enough for a book for this age—but what makes it better is Sophie’s reason to go along for it. If a talking cat tells you to do something, asks you a question, etc.—you roll with it.

In the middle of these important ideas for a child (or an adult), Wilson still finds a moment for play. I loved it.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

I really liked the art. It reminded me of something—not in a derivative way or anything—but it struck a chord in me and made me think of something from my childhood. So I was won over—but I think it’d work for people without my nebulous tie to it, too.

It’s a crisp style, there’s a little whimsy in it, and it’s attractive enough to hold the eye of a young reader/child being read to. But—and this is important—it’s not so eye-catching that it takes away the focus from what Sophie and the cat are talking about.

How is it to Read Aloud?

This isn’t a “we’re going to have fun” reading this book full of tongue-twisters or crazy lines. But it’s not dull by any means—particularly the parenthetical thoughts about talking cats. It’s a text that I reflexively read in a quiet voice. I don’t know if other adults will have the same reaction, but I sure did.

So, what did I think about Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat?

It’s easy for Christian books/media for children to slip into moralism—whether its singing produce, works about notable historical/Biblical figures, or books about getting along with siblings and people who are different from us—the type of moralism and works righteousness that plague Sophie in this story are just around the corner.

That’s nowhere to be found here—in fact, the cat shoots down that notion. I’d have recommended the book for that alone. But the Heidelberg cat* doesn’t stop there—it goes on to talk about belonging to Jesus and resting in that.

* That name’s not subtle, but why should it be?

The answer to the first question of the Heidelberg Catechism is well known in many circles—as it should be. And while the words are easy enough for a young child to get by rote, the meaning might be more difficult to grasp for a few years. Wilson’s book helps tremendously with that—and as a bonus, it’s a great reminder for any adult reading it just how simple the truth is.

I don’t remember reading a Christian children’s book that comes close to this in terms of content, and I plan on heartily recommending this to as many people as I can. Starting with you, reader.

I cannot wait to read this to the Grandcritter—almost as much for my sake as his.

5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: God, Right Here: Meeting God in the Changing Seasons by Kara Lawler, Jennie Poh (Illustrator): A Little Dose of Natural Revelation

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On May 14, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

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God, Right Here:
Meeting God in the Changing Seasons

by Kara Lawler, Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: IVP Kids
Publication Date: June 20, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: May 7, 2023


What’s God, Right Here About?

God, right here.
God, right there.
God’s handiwork is everywhere.

With that as a starting point, Lawler takes the reader (and the read-to) on a tour of nature through a year’s worth of seasons. The point isn’t to learn about seasons or weather, or anything, but to see how God’s nature (flora, fauna, weather) reveals His work and care.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

It’s warm and friendly. Even the scenes depicting a chilly fall and snowy winter make you feel cozy and toasty. There’s a gentleness to the illustrations, too.

I’m failing at describing the art—as usual. Jennie Pho’s Instagram has some really good samples (including a Lucy and Mr. Tumnus drawing).

It’s not technically part of the art, but it’s part of the visual impact of the book, so I’ll talk about it here. The typesetting, or whatever you’re supposed to call it (it’d be lettering comic books), is excellent. There’s a variety of colors emphasizing words to match the theme of the page, it flows all over the page to follow the illustrations and add some movement. It’s eye-catching and serves to augment the art.

How is it to Read Aloud?

This is not the kind of book you have fun with, it’s not a fun read. It’s one to read when you’re trying to settle down—or better yet, have already settled down and want to snuggle up and get comfy.

It’s hard to think of toddlers as thoughtful but this is the kind of book for that kind of time.

It’s one of those where you will point to pictures as you read, and then go off on tangents talking about the ideas in the book. The book itself would take almost no time to read, but I can see this as the sort of thing the Grandcritter and I will linger over as we go through it.

* That’s a horrible stereotype, and I should be ashamed of it. But I know too many of them.

So, what did I think about God, Right Here?

This is a nice and pleasant book. Pleasant is the best word to describe this, really (and now that I’ve used it, my brain is stuck and I won’t be able to use another adjective for the rest of the post).

I feel like I should have another few paragraphs in me, but I don’t. I’ve said everything I can find to say about it (and I think I’ve used 2x the words that the book does). This is a pleasant read that’ll be good to use to talk and quiet down with.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post, and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this opportunity.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall: The Story of a House That Was Also a Home

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On April 24, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

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Farmhouse

by Sophie Blackall

DETAILS:
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 13, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pgs.
Read Date: April 21, 2022


What’s Farmhouse About?

It’s about a Farmhouse (no, really!) and its residents. It tells the story of a large family (from an indeterminate time, but not recent) growing up, growing older, and departing their home and leaving it as a house.

As the years pass, the house falls into disrepair and a new type of resident moves in—animals of various species and sizes. Eventually, the house is about to fall apart and is found by someone fairly contemporary to us—and its story gets told.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This is a pretty, pretty book. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know how a child is going to react to this art. But I can’t imagine any adult reading this and not being captivated. Maybe you can talk about the drawings and layers (more about that in a moment) with the child as you read it.

The last few pages of the book describe how the author (as a character in the story) created the art and the book. This is just great idea and fits the overall arc here—and (at least the first time) is a nice twist to the family story.

There’s also an Author’s note at the end for the adult to read that’s a lot more detailed about the way the art was created. This is a very nice bonus and will equip the adult to go back later and explain all the craft involved. For me, this is not the way I think at all—I can’t imagine taking all the bits and pieces that Blackall did and turning them into something like this. But I’m so glad someone did.

How is it to Read Aloud?

Well, the book is really one reallllllly long sentence, so if you’re going to be pedantic and uptight about that kind of thing, you’re going to run out of breath and pass out. Don’t do that.

Thankfully, it works pretty well to just read a page at a time.

This is not one of those books that’s fun to read—there’s no fun rhyme, no goofy wordplay, or that kind of thing. That’s also a blessing—you can just relax and bask in the warmth of this book. As such, it’s really pleasant to read aloud.

So, what did I think about Farmhouse?

In the beginning, I was pretty “meh” about this book—not that I disliked it, but I didn’t really care about it. But by the midpoint, it had worked its charm on me—and then when the author came along? I was totally won over.

This is a simple book, about a simpler time, told (in words and pictures) in an attractive way that will make fans of older readers, and likely younger readers (I’m assuming a Caldecott winner is a better gauge of what her audience will find appealing than me). It’s one I can’t wait to share.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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A Few Quick Questions with…Elliott Linker

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On April 19, 2023

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Comics, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

I talked about Linker’s book earlier today, and now I’m excited to bring you this Q&A. This whole experience—from seeing the book at the Library’s Indie Book Fair and getting him to sign it through this Q&A—has been a delight for me. Which is probably why I ended up asking him more questions than I normally do—I’m just glad he took the time to answer me (and I have so many follow-ups that I want to ask!). Hopefully, you enjoy this at least 10% as much as I did.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (how old are you, what grade are you in, career plans, and that kind of thing—whatever you want to say)
I am 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. I want to be an author and a football player when I grow up. I like to read a lot. My favorite authors are JK Rowling, Kazu Kibuishi, Dav Pilkey, and the authors of The 39 Clues. I also like building with Legos and I like Star Wars.

Did George the Banana start out as a school assignment or did you just decide to write and draw a comic book/graphic novel one day? Are you like most authors who have books they’ve tried before and decided to not show anyone, or is this your first?
I just decided to start writing my own comic book last summer. I have tons of books that I have written that I didn’t want to show anyone. I still have stories that I have written that I don’t want to share.

Is George based on someone you know, or did you me him up completely?
I made George up. I don’t really remember how he came into my imagination.

Before you start writing, do you have a plan for the story or pictures? Or do you just make things up panel by panel?
I just make things up panel by panel.

Have you read or watched anything to teach you how to go make a comic book/graphic novel? (things like panel sizes, flow of the pictures, and so on) Or have you just read enough that you learned that way?
I have just read enough that I learned that way. My parents did take me to the Boise Comic Arts Festival last Fall to try to gain a little more experience and I was able to have a professional comic artist/author review my “portfolio”… aka, George the Bannana.

Did you do all the art—lettering, drawing, coloring—by yourself, or did you get someone to help? If you did get help, did you tell them what you wanted or did you let them do it on their own? Did you have to tell them to try something else because you didn’t like a color or something? How did that work? (are you a tough boss?)
I did all the writing and illustrating but my mom helped me with the coloring. I told my mom what colors I wanted things most of the time, especially for the colors of the characters, cars, buildings… my Mom just made decisions about the blank background space. My mom asked me what colors I wanted if she wasn’t sure what I wanted.

Why did you decide to publish this? Did your family give you a lot of support and encouragement to do it?
I like telling stories and I want to share my stories. I want to make people laugh. Yes, my family gave me a lot of support. We weren’t sure about how to publish my book so it took my mom a lot of time to find out.

What was the hardest part about writing or drawing George the Banana? What did you do to get past that?
I didn’t have a hard time writing or drawing George the Bannana: Book 1

What are some of your favorite books to read? Either graphic novels or other kinds?
Amulet, The 39 Clues, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Cat Kid Comic Club, Dog Man, Zita the Space Girl, Captain Underpants and The Bad Guys

What’s next for Elliott Linker, author/artist?
George the Bannana: Book 2, including Volume 4: The Fight, Volume 5: Connecting Forces and Volume 6: The Last Stand

Thanks for taking the time to answer these—and thanks for making George the Banana, I really enjoyed reading it and I hope you keep creating! Be sure to let me know when Book 2 is available, I’ll snatch it up in a heartbeat!

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Grandpappy’s Corner: George the Bannana: Book One by Elliott Linker: The Origin of a Superhero (and his Writer!)

By

On April 19, 2023

In Comics, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, Literary Locals, YA/MG/Children's Books

Be sure to come back this afternoon for a Q&A with the writer!

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George the Bannana: Book One

by Elliott Linker

DETAILS:
Series: George the Bannana, #1
Publication Date: January 13, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 25 pgs.
Read Date: March 18, 2023

What’s George the Bannana: Book One About?

Here’s the back of the book description:

Elliott’s best friend, George, suddenly turns into a banana! Elliott is scared of what people will think and inadvertently hurts George’s feelings. Trying to save his friendship with George, Elliott helps turn George into a super hero! Together they embark on a wild adventure.

I can’t think of a better way to put it or anything to add.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

The art looks like the product of an elementary school artist, so it’s rough, a little haphazard, and lacking in detail. Granted. It’s also dynamic, consistent (even the anonymous bad guys look the same from panel to panel), and engaging.

The coloring and shading are really well done, and elevate the work. The action scenes really work well—and Linker makes the wise move to take a break for the occasional cloud full of “Bam” “Kick Kick” “Punch Punch” “Kapow”—leaving it to the reader’s imagination (and saving him a lot of work).

Best of all, the art fits the story.

So, what did I think about George the Bannana: Book One?

This made me so happy to read—it’s clearly the product of an imaginative youth expressing himself. The story is ridiculous in the way that only a child can let one be—feeling both out of control with random elements, yet somehow sticking to an outline. Linker knows what the arc of a superhero story should be and executes it—he may not quite understand how to get from Point A to Point B, but he gets there through sheer determination and will (and this is the most enjoyable part for me).

Linker was 8 when he created this work—9 when he published it, which is just great. It also makes me want to focus on something in the description—Elliott isn’t the superhero, he’s the side-kick (who will need to be rescued). He’s also the guy who was a jerk to his best friend. Big choices that say a lot about the author.

I’ve got to say, I don’t know how many kids would take a moment to have George confront Elliott with how he made him feel when George became a banana (I’m certain I wouldn’t have at his age). That one moment made this a winner in my book—but so did many of the others.

The bonus of including a preview of Book Two in black and white for the reader to color? Very clever and very fun.

The entire time I read this, the back of my mind kept saying “He must have had such a blast writing and drawing this.” That joy was infectious so I had a blast reading it, and I can’t imagine any adult having a similar reaction. One of Linker’s contemporaries probably would, too—and maybe find the inspiration to tell their own story, too.

3 Stars

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