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I don't really know much about graphic novels--those that have gotten awards lately came out when I was in Germany, and there really isn't a graphic novel presence here at all. But I saw this recommended at Verla Kay's, and decided to try it. It's not manga style (something I've tried to like, but can't really connect to despite my best efforts), but more western-style illustrated, something I do respond to.
Anyway, it's funny! The mummy of Imhotep IV falls in love with the daughter of the professor in charge of him, and there's a wild adventure through Victorian London, with chase scenes and court scenes and fathers and arsenic and shootouts and true love. The funniest scene is the one of Scotland Yard, full of mummies.
Other, shorter books with a graphic novel appeal (although technically shelved in picture books) are Baker's Cat, by Posy Simmonds (and that baker is one scary villain, especially for a children's book! He creeps me out.) and Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester (a year-long road trip of Australia). And let's not forget the MG book Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen, Will Travel, by Ruth Barshaw. I think what I like about all of them is that I feel like I'm looking at a sketch book, not a media spinoff of Pokemon. I do disagree with the name of these things, though. "Novel" means a book I can sink into for several hours, with multiple plot lines and points to discuss and consider. I'm not saying graphic novels can't be about important topics, but let's face it, structurally they are short. Personally, I think they have more in common with film than with novels. Good, just different.
Anyway, it's funny! The mummy of Imhotep IV falls in love with the daughter of the professor in charge of him, and there's a wild adventure through Victorian London, with chase scenes and court scenes and fathers and arsenic and shootouts and true love. The funniest scene is the one of Scotland Yard, full of mummies.
Other, shorter books with a graphic novel appeal (although technically shelved in picture books) are Baker's Cat, by Posy Simmonds (and that baker is one scary villain, especially for a children's book! He creeps me out.) and Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester (a year-long road trip of Australia). And let's not forget the MG book Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen, Will Travel, by Ruth Barshaw. I think what I like about all of them is that I feel like I'm looking at a sketch book, not a media spinoff of Pokemon. I do disagree with the name of these things, though. "Novel" means a book I can sink into for several hours, with multiple plot lines and points to discuss and consider. I'm not saying graphic novels can't be about important topics, but let's face it, structurally they are short. Personally, I think they have more in common with film than with novels. Good, just different.
