The Missing Monster Card

May 1, 2010
PreS-Gr 1-In "Clues in the Attic", siblings Ben and Sofia investigate strange noises that they hear coming from above them. In "The Missing Monster Card", Ethan misplaces a valuable trading card. Kids who pay close attention to the images can easily solve the mystery. These titles provide effective early-reader equivalents to comics and graphic novels. Their traditional beginning-reader trim size as well as bold and brightly colored illustrations are appealing to novice readers, while the inclusion of a "How to Read a Graphic Novel" section, a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts will appeal to parents and teachers. The texts include simple sentences that closely match the art, while panels are limited to a maximum of four per page. Good fun for early graphic-novel readers."Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2010
Grades K-2 Ethan has just found a rare Monster Card in the pack he bought, and he wants to show it to his friend Zack, but when he goes to Zacks house the next day, the card isnt in his jacket pocket. The two friends search for the card to solve the mystery. This is part of the new My 1st Graphic Novel series, which introduces the format to new readers. The book provides a short tutorial on how to navigate the panels and uses sound effects, dialogue balloons, and brief narrative text to tell the story. The mystery is the kind of situation that children might have in their own lives, and stars African American characters. A brief glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts provide teachers with easy lesson plans for classroom use. The bright colors and cartoony illustrations add to the appeal for beginning readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)