Two books I read that are cute but not “all time faves” for me are the two below. As an adult reading, they were nice quick reads, but for the child reader it will make them sit and read. Reluctant or seasoned veternas alike will find these delightful.
I have seen the books Geronimo Stilton for several years now, but never felt I needed to read them. I knew the types of kids that were reading them; therefore, I could easily recommend the books to others. It was not until Papercutz had a free reader of Geronimo Stilton Reporter #10 Blackrat’s Treasure that I decide to read one. It was not a novel, but a graphic novel. Therefore, it is a related, but separate series. And while it is still for the younger crowd (as young as 7 and 8) it could go up to the slightly older crowd as well (ages 12 and young 13). It is a fun story about being a hardworking mouse (Geronimo), his family and there are pirates (Blackrat) and maybe
treasure, too! (Spoiler, it is not what you think). Now, since this was number ten in the series, I think it would have helped if I had known at least one or two of the regular novels or others in the graphic novel series. Yet, it can be read as a standalone to a point. The usual graphic novel bright, colorful cartoon images fill the pages. The art is
sweet, fun, and moves the story along. The author is Geronimo Stilton, himself, but something tells me this might be a pen name.
After reading about Geronimo’s adventure, I picked up another young graphic novel. This book is more in the ages strong six to around aged ten. Mayor Good Boy by Dave Scheidt had some interesting swag with it. One such item we received was an old school college banner saying “Mayor Good Boy” in the signature green of the book that stuck out. Especially when one used it as a bookmark. The story is about a dog who becomes mayor of the town. The humor is totally kid focused. Stinky feet, gas, fleas and collars, the bad guy who does not want a dog for mayor and taking naps (to name a few things), are what we deal with. There are nods to other stories (the classic toxic chemical get-up is used that looks a lot like Monsters Inc). The message is about helping, doing the right thing, teamwork, and facing your fears. The art is simple, almost simplistic, but not in a negative way. They are colorful, cartoon, goofy and basically fun images done by Miranda Harmon. It is a fun read for stereotypical humor and animal lovers, While the main character is female, it is not a “gendered” story and almost any reader can partake.
Geronimo Stilton is not due until March 2022, but Mayor Good Boy can be gotten today as a stocking stuffer or that fund Christmas Eve read.