Around the World by Matt Phelan

Summary from Dust Jacket: As the nineteenth century wound down, a public inspired by the novel Around the World in Eighty Days clamored for intrepid adventure. The challenge of circumnavigating the globe as no one ever had before--a feat assuring fame if not fortune--attracted the fearless in droves. Three hardy spirits stayed the course: In 1884, former miner Thomas Stevens made the journey on a bicycle, the kind with a big front wheel. In 1889, pioneer reporter Nellie Bly embarked on a global race against time that assumed the heights of spectacle, ushering in the age of the American celebrity. And in 1895, retired sea captain Joshua Slocum quietly set sail on a thirty-six-foot sloop, braving pirates and treacherous seas to become the first person to sail around the world alone. With cinematic pacing and deft, expressive art, acclaimed graphic novelist Matt Phelan weaves a trio of epic journeys into a single bold tale of three visionaries who set their sights on nothing short of the world.

What I thought: This is the type of graphic novel that I like. It reads easily and quickly...almost like a comic book. The stories themselves are very interesting. I know about Nellie Bly, but I'd never heard of Thomas Stevens and Joshua Slocum. Their adventures were page turning. The author's note was informative. I've often found myself wondering about people I know or read about. You see one side of them. What goes on when they're not at work? After reading Around the World, Phelan's other graphic novel, The Storm in the Barn, is now on my to read list.

(Candlewick, 2011)

Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith

Little Mouse and his mama are going out to visit the barn. But first, Little Mouse has to get ready. He puts on his underpants, socks, pants, shoes, and shirt. But wait! Mice don't wear clothes. All that trouble for nothing.

What I thought: A cute book. Nice to see a graphic novel for the picture book crowd. The illustrations were great and the text simple. I predict Little Mouse will rise to fame and fortune with millions of preschool fans.

(New York: Toon, 2009)

Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel

Cats do not like parties. They don't even like their own birthday parties. Bad Kitty is less than pleased with the celebration of her birth. She'd much rather be sleeping. Instead, she has to put up with an endless stream of guests and their gifts. During her party, Bad Kitty lives up to her name.

What I thought: Another great Bad Kitty chapter book from Nick Bruel. Kids love parties. They'll especially love Kitty's dislike of hers. I loved the notes at the end of the book about different cat breeds. They could definitely spark further interest in the topic.

(New York: Roaring Book press, 2009)