Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Comics: Tales of the World’s Wildest Beasts.

Tulien, Sean, Blake Hoena, et al.  Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Comics: Tales of the World’s Wildest Beasts.   Capstone Young Readers  2013  144p       ISBN 978-1-4342-4880-0        ms/hs     Hardback    VG-BN Graphic novel

Rudyard Kipling has written the stories of some of the animal world’s most intriguing creatures.  This book contains the stories “How the Leopard Got His Spots”, “How the Elephant Got His Trunk”, “How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin”, and “How the Camel Got His Hump.”  This is a very good graphic novel for young readers.  The colors are bright and simply blended in dramatic drawings.  The drawings themselves are simple yet effectively portray the content of the story. The format of the paperback and the visual layout within the pages add variety and insight into the world of the animals.  This book is recommended for any high-school library and will appeal to many young-adult and reluctant readers.   

Summary: A collection of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories in graphic-novel format.

Legends and myths                                                 --Linda McNeil

Miller, Bobbi. Miss Sally Ann and The Panther.

Miller, Bobbi.      Miss Sally Ann and The Panther.  Holiday House  unp  $16.95 978-0-8234-1833-6                 2012  elem           E-BN       Adventure                             

In this retelling of the story of Miss Sally Ann and the Panther, children are sure to be delighted by the adventures of Miss Sally Ann and the extreme talents that she possesses.  As the story of her adventure unfolds, Miss Sally Ann comes across Fireeyes the Panther.  They face each other eye to eye. Of course each of them is imagining and determined to make a coat out of the other, but a surprising resolution occurs instead.

Bobbi Miller has retold this folk tale in a simple, fun, and suspenseful manner for children. The beautiful illustrations of Megan Lloyd enhance the story and provide beautiful color pictures that heighten the adventure and add interest for young children and beginning readers.  This exciting book is a must for young children and beginning readers.
Folk tales, Legends                                                                                                                                --Virginia McGarvey

 

Alexander the Great: Conquerer of the Known World.

Nardo, Don. Alexander the Great: Conquerer of the Known World.
Morgan Reynolds 2010 128p 28.95 978-1-59935-1261 ms/hs The legendary Alexander, son of Philip of Macedonia, is brought to life in this detailed study of his life, his abilities and accomplishments, and his legacy. The unification of Greece and the conflict with the Persians led by Darius are described in great detail. Specific information on military strategy and politics are also covered. Drawing on ancient historians, we first read about the accomplishments of Alexander’s father, Philip of Macedonia and how his contributions to politics and warfare allowed Alexander to continue to build an empire. Alexander was a complex individual and all aspects of his life are examined. The rumor that Alexander may have been part of the plot behind the assignation of his father is touched on as well as his own death possibly being due to alcohol poisoning. There is a call out box touching on Plutarch’s comments on the Theban Sacred Band. It mentions their bravery as well as their homosexuality. Plutarch writes, “This force was composed of lovers and beloved ... A band which is united by the ties of love is truly indissoluble ...” and He goes on quoting Philip as saying, “a curse on those who imagine that these men ever did or suffered anything shameful.”(30). In another section there is a very detailed description of military strategy where I found one of the best descriptions of the Phalanx and why it was so successful when used against the Greek infantry. Attention to detail is evident throughout the book. The author always explains not just military activity but also the political implications that resulted from Alexander’s decisions. Examples of critical thinking are presented the author disputes a statement about the size of Darius’ army. Six-hundred thousand Persians, the figure given by ancient historians is not credible since logistics preclude any ruler having the ability to equip such a large force on short notice. (59) Copiously illustrated with excellent photographs of antiquities, reproductions and maps this is appealing to look at. The research is well documented and included is a Bibliography, Glossary and Timeline. Spadaro, Trish