Showing posts with label Graphic Novels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Graphic Novels. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Kid Beowulf Book Review (Book 1)


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Graphic novels are the preferred genre in our home. You see we are an artistic family so it should come as no surprise that comic style books area huge hit. Both kids go through graphic novel series so quickly that I am always on the search for exciting new series they will enjoy. Well just before Christmas I was contacted by Andrews McMeel Publishing about doing a review on Kid Beowulf The Bloodline Oath. I took one look at the front cover and knew it was right up my kids alley.

A moms review:
Kid Beowulf is a series (currently 3 books, plus an educational guide and prequel) inspired by the epic poem "Beowulf" and introduces children to classical literature in a way they will enjoy and understand. Any book that introduces my children to classical literature gets a star in my book.

Kid Beowulf is geared towards children ages 8-14 years old. It is a 280 page soft cover book written and illustrated by Alexi E. Fajardo. This story is about 12 year old twin brothers Beowulf and Grendel and their quest to redeem their fallen ancestor. Throughout the book there are dragons, monsters, kings, an enchanted swords and oh a pig! This book will appeal to Percy Jackson fans who love mythology and adventure. The book teaches important lessons about family, loyalty and integrity.

One of my favorite things about the book is the more to explore section in the back of the book. This section includes a world map showing Beowulf and Grendels adventures, key terms, character glossary, Beowulf family tree, origins of the epic poem, information on monster slayers, a how to draw Beowulf lesson and even the anatomy of a comic book page


Gwyns Review:
Okay so let's hear about the book from one of the kids that read it. Gwyn is soon to be 11 and a reading fanatic.

The book is about a boy who was being raised by his Uncle who sets out on an adventure after his ghost father tells him to stole away on a ship to find his long lost brother......but ends up finding much more. The story taught me that family bloodlines may not be what you always expect. The book is really funny and many of the characters are sarcastic. My favorite character was the dragon because he has a really cool backstory. He used to fight King Arthur's dad and took off the Kings hand in return the King took the dragons eye. I also like Grendel because he frees animals out of traps. The character I could relate with most though was the sword because he never stops talking, just like me. I recommend the book to kids who are interested in mythology, bloodlines and comics.

I am really looking forward to reading book #2. I cannot wait to find out what happens next with Beowulf's family.

About the Author and Illustrator:
Alexis E. Fajardo is a student of the classics – whether Daffy Duck or Damocles – and has created a unique blend of the two in his graphic novel series, Kid Beowulf. Lex has taught cartooning throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and currently resides in Santa Rosa, where, when not penning Kid Beowulf, he works for PEANUTS at the Charles M. Schulz Studio.

Freebies:
Be sure to check out the Kid Beowulf website for some games and download a teacher guide.

Where to buy:
The retail price is $10.99 and the book can be purchased at local books stores and on Amazon.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Summer Reading Round Up - Graphic Novels

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Both of my children love graphic novels. As a matter of fact the first book my daughter read all on her own was actually a graphic novel!!! I think graphic novels work well for my children for a few reasons. First the text is often broken up into small segments which are placed into boxes or speech bubbles. This is great for children, like mine, who become easily overwhelmed and stressed when it comes to reading. And second both of my children are huge fans of comic book style artwork, which graphic novels are full of.

Both my husband and I as well as our children have dyslexia and tracking issues, but we don't let that hinder our love for reading. Instead we find ways to encourage our children and show them that just because our brains work a little differently doesn't mean we cannot be successful readers and writers. Well one way of doing that is by providing them with reading resources that get them excited about reading and provide them with a confidence boost....and graphic novels do that in a big way for our children,

So why do graphic novels work well for dyslexic children? Well here are several reasons.

  • Graphic novels offer cues to the story which means if a child gets hung up on the text or storyline the illustrations offer contextual cues to help them decipher the meaning on their own.
  • The pictures in graphic novels help children remember details of the story improving their comprehension. 
  • Graphic novels are shorter so children don't loose focus or interest. 
  • Graphic novels motivate children and boost their confidence.
  • Graphic novels support vocabulary development.
  • The stories are just as complex as most chapter books.
  • Graphic novels encompass fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction, and cover a variety of themes and topics, including true crime, history, science, biography, and memoirs.

If you'd like to give graphic novels a try this summer with your readers check out this list:

There are so many graphic novels out now so I am sure I missed some good ones....what are some of your children's favorites? 


For even more summer reading ideas check out all the great posts below from my Georgia parenting blogger friends:



 
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