Hinds, Gareth. Poe: Stories and Poems.

Hinds, Gareth. Poe: Stories and Poems. Candlewick Press  2017  103p     $14.00  ISBN 978-0-7636-9509-5     ms/hs  Graphic Novel  E-BN         

This graphic novel perfectly captures the mood of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and poems. The art work is sometimes dark as befits the themes of Poe’s works, but it is interspersed with pages of bright, vibrant colors that reflect the setting and the human emotions of the characters perfectly.  The four stories are "The Cask of Amontillado", "Masque of the Red Death", "The Pit and the Pendulum",  and "The Tell-Tale Heart". There are three poems: "The Bells", "The Raven", and "Annabelle Lee". Addendum pages give a history of Poe’s work, a brief biography, and inspiration for the artist’s renditions of Poe’s work. This is a visual treat and a great introduction to Edgar Allan Poe.     It is a first choice for libraries that need a visual representation of Edgar Allan Poe’s works.

Summary: Illustrations in this graphic novel perfectly capture the story/poem’s mood as well as human emotions in this vibrant presentation of four short stories and three poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Addendum includes inspiration for art. Gr. 6-12

Poe, Edgar Allen                                         --Lois McNicol

Peters, Stephanie True. The Wind In The Willows.

Peters, Stephanie True.  The Wind In The Willows.      Capstone Publishers            2017    72p  $20.49  ISBN 978-1-4965-3562-7         elem            Series: Graphic Revolve.  Graphic novel  VG      

This is a well-done graphic-novel adaptation of the classic Kenneth Grahame tale of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Mr. Toad.  Mole is tired of spring cleaning and decides to enjoy spring in all its glory instead.  He meets up with Rat, Badger, and Mr. Toad, and their adventures proceed handily.   Their further adventures are presented through the use of brightly colored illustrations by artist Fernando Cano and text adaptations by Stephanie Peters.   The text is simplified enough to make it accessible to younger or reluctant readers but loses little of the story line.  It will be a great way to introduce this time-honored fairy tale to a new generation.

Graphic Resolve, this well-done new series from Capstone Books, presents the children’s classics The Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland, The Jungle Book, Pinocchio, and The Wizard of Oz in graphic-novel format.    

Summary: This is a well-done graphic-novel adaptation of the classic Kenneth Grahame tale of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Mr. Toad.        

Classics-Graphic novels                                                                                             --Susan Ogintz

Stahlberg, L.R. The Three Musketeers.

Stahlberg, L.R.  The Three Musketeers.  Capstone Publishers  2017  72p  $20.49  ISBN  978-1-4965-3573-4  elem/ms  Series: Graphic Revolve  Graphic novel  VG-BNS     

This graphic novel version of the classic tale The Three Musketeers is a good introduction to the literature. Young D’Artagnan seeks a life of adventure with the Musketeers and quickly finds himself in the thick of a dangerous plot conspired by the Cardinal. The artwork is entertaining with a slight animé feel to it, and the action is fast-paced. The text is easy to follow, and a glossary is included for unfamiliar words. Upper-elementary and middle-school students will enjoy reading this book and it will be likely to lead them to additional titles in the series. Includes reading questions and writing prompts.  Highly recommended.

Summary: A graphic novel version of the classic tale The Three Musketeers for middle-school readers.               

Classics-Graphic novels, Adventure-Fiction                                                             

--Stephanie Pennucci