Tales from Outer Surburbia

Tales from Outer Suburbia (2008) by Shaun Tan. 94 pages.
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-05587-1

Fifteen short stories are enclosed in a large envelope addressed to Paul, Perth, W.A. and postage stamps that have the title of each story.

The book is a visual, engaging wonder. Art includes collage, colorful paintings, and black and white drawings. Strange creatures and surreal, dreamlike atmospherics tantalize the reader. Text varies among the stories, including a newspaper layout, doodles and text on scaps of paper. The stories are quirky and charming. Whimsical read for 9 to 12 year olds.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974), poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein.
ISBN: 0-06-025668-0

This book is full of one charming, silly, descriptive, hysterical poem after another; each with a funny, expressive line drawing to add interest.

My personal favorite is "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" - ".....Greasy napkins, cookie crumbs, Globs of gooey bubble gum....."

Wonderful read for all ages; appropriate for 9 to 12 year olds.

On a side note, when I started working at an urban middle school about 10 years ago, a 7th grade Language Arts teacher used the song "A Boy Named Sue" as part of a lesson about students' names. The song was written by Shel Silverstein and sung by Johnny Cash. A new album has just been released that pays tribute to Shel Silverstein; more information at NPR.

Artemis Fowl - The Graphic Novel

Artemis Fowl - The Graphic Novel (2007) by Eoin Colfer. Adapted by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin; Art by Giovanni Rigano, Color by Paolo Lamanna. 112 pages.
ISBN-10: 0-786-84881-2

Artemis Fowl books have been a favorite of middle-schoolers since 2001. The Graphic Novel is an adapted version of the first book in the series. The color illustrations are amazing, a combination of fun comics and intense detailed graphics. Many scene panels actively move the story without dialogue. Dialogue is interesting although, at times, complex. Characters are introduced throughout the story by secret government files.

Artemis the Second is a twelve year old prodigy and criminal-mastermind, who aims to restore his family's fortune at the risk of causing a cross-species war and destroying civilizations. His genius allows him to make scientific observations and invent advanced technologies. Accompanied by Bulter, who has extreme martial arts and marksmanship skills, Artemis obtains and translates "The Book" that contains vital information about the "People" of the underground. Underground live the gnomes, trolls, elfs, centaurs, dwarfs and goblins. Elves have fairy magic enhanced by technology.

Captain Holly Short, an elf and only female member of the LEPrecon police, is sent to locate a rogue troll. Artemis and Butler capture Holly, as part of their plan to acquire some of their magical powers and getting a ransom of gold. Led by Commander Root, LEPrecon fights back using Foaly's technical genius.

Full of adventure and fantasy, this novel will not disappoint Artemis Fowl fans and it will draw in new readers. It's consistently interesting and exciting, mixed with humor. Great read for 10 to 13 year olds.