Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters Vol. 1

by Chris Samnee and Laura Samnee Art by Chris Samnee 2 stars Loved the idea of this but the execution didn’t work for me. In a world where giant monsters reign, Rainbow sets out to reunite with her family, starting with her younger sister, Jonna. An okay start to a series. Nice artwork that doesn’t…

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Three Little Vikings by Bethan Woollvin

3 stars Something’s wrong in the forest. There are strange noises and mysterious destruction, and now the treasure is missing! But each time the three little Vikings bring their concerns to the Chieftain, he meets them with the same refrain: “I know best.” This book has fantastic messages about speaking up when something is wrong,…

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Gravity Falls: Journal 3 by Alex Hirsch and Rob Renzetti

Illustrated by Andy Gonsalves and Stephanie Ramirez 5 stars A fantastic tie-in for fans of Gravity Falls. Such a fun read filled with mystery, adventure, and oddity. This replica of Journal 3 is packed with information about the original author’s research as well as the continued adventures of the Gravity Falls gang as featured in…

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Aster and the Mixed-Up Magic (Aster, #2) by Thom Pico

Illustrated by Karensac 5 stars A wonderful follow-up to Aster’s adventures in book one. This volume includes new perils, some familiar characters, and tons of adventure. As with the first book, this one is broken into two interconnected tales, each with magic, danger, and Aster’s quick-thinking. Karensac’s artwork is spectacular. Loved seeing new character designs…

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Bo the Brave by Bethan Woollvin

Also published under the title I Can Catch a Monster 4 stars A delightful adventure that takes the reader through the Frightful Forest, the Sea of Secrets, and the Peaks of Peril in search of monsters. Bo wants to go on a monster hunt, but her brothers tell her she is too little. She sets…

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Aster and the Accidental Magic (Aster #1) by Thom Pico

Illustrated by Karensac 5 stars A fantastic adventure with some serious Hildafolk vibes and a charm all its own. As a sort of inverse to Hilda, the sassy and sarcastic Aster moves from the city to what she sees as the boring wilderness with nothing to do. However, this wilderness is not all it seems. As Aster…

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The Terribles: Welcome to Stubtoe Elementary (The Terribles #1) by Travis Nichols

3 stars A hilarious collection of interconnected stories, comics, and infographics. Perfect for fans of anything Dav Pilkey and Mo O’Hara‘s My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish series. Venture to Creep’s Cove and meet the students of Stubtoe Elementary. From Frankie, the fringe scientist, to Quade, the politest sasquatch you’ll ever meet, to Lizzie the reptilian kaiju with anger problems, and…

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Emi Isn’t Scared of Monsters by Alina Tysoe

5 stars An absolutely adorable picture book from the creator of What’s Up, Beanie?: Acutely Relatable Comics. What a fun read. Perfect for reading aloud. Emi isn’t scared of monsters. In fact, she’s setting a trap to catch one. But when her beloved pup, Cookie, doesn’t follow the plan, her bravery is tested as she ventures…

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