The Villainous Venus Flytrap

February 1, 2018

Gr 3-7-Written between a first and third grade reading level, this series explores the stories behind how different treasures and souvenirs made their way down to the Batcave. Based on the comics, these tales feature Batman and Robin facing off against their classic foes, including Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman. Each book is a slim 40 pages with a small number of short sentences per page, making the stories easily digestible. Though fast-paced and full of excitement, plots can feel brief and typically feature only one main scene. Readers will likely need some background knowledge about Batman to fully appreciate the narrative. Pages feature bright, full-page illustrations reminiscent of the style seen in comic books. A glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts are also included, making this series potentially useful in the classroom. VERDICT Though slender, these titles will be appreciated by upper-elementary hi-lo readers of comics and action.

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