How To Train Your Dragon

How To Train Your Dragon. Glendale, CA : DreamWorks Home Entertainment, 2010.

Plot: Hiccup is not much of a Viking. His body is scrawny, his personality is contrary, and his actions are disastrous. Still, he is determined to live up to his father's expectations and kill a dragon. However, when he successfully downs a nightfury, perhaps the most dangerous dragon of all, he suddenly finds himself unable to harm it. Naming the crippled dragon "Toothless," he sets out to train it, while slowly learning the truth of the reptiles' actions. Yet, his lessons seem for naught after he fails to kill a dragon in front of the village. Hiccup and Toothless may never be the pair any Viking would expect, but they may be the duo the village really needs.

Genre: Animation

Reading Level: Rated PG

Similar Titles: Despicable Me, Toy Story 3

Personal Thoughts: I have mixed opinions about the movie. The plot is not especially original and the adults and kids seem locked into impenetrable archetypes. The graphics, particularly in the village and flying scenes, are nice. Also, the designs, particularly of the dragons and armor, show character and creativity. Additionally, the movements of the dragons remain believable. If users want a new story, recommend another title. If they wish to enjoy a movie with good graphics and creative design, offer this animation.

P.S. Dreamworks dragon approves, +5

WorldBook Online

WorldBook Online can be purchased, but most public libraries allow access through their websites to cardholders.

Plot: A world-renouned reference source. The online version offers options for children as well as tweens and teens. Users can search for specific scientific, geographic, cultural, and historical terms in the online encyclopedia. Each page describes the topic thoroughly and often with links to similar topics. In addition, the pages usually display colorful and comprehensive graphics. Also, the lower portion of the pages include tips for citing the resource for reports or papers.

Genre: Reference

Reading Level: 8-14

Similar Titles: Encyclopedia Brittanica Online

Personal Thoughts: Whenever I needed to do a report in Middle School, I loved referencing WorldBook. The text just seemed cleaner and clearer than the dusty encyclopedias aimed at adults. While I eventually graduated to the more complex versions, WorldBook still manages to provide relevant information in a highly appealing matter.

Disney XD

Disney XD presented by the Disney Channel. Retrieved from http://disney.go.com/disneyxd/

Plot: The webpage describes and advertises Disney XD, an aspect of Disney aimed at male tweens. As part of the Disney Channel's Internet presence, Disney XD enjoys the best marketing can offer. The page displays colorful and often animated displays, buttons, and options. In addition, users can access games, create personal avatars, and watch videos of shows offered by Disney XD. In addition, the page links to other webpages, including ones regarding more popular shows, such as Phineas and Ferb, The Avengers, and Naruto.

Genre: Website

Reading Level: Most shows are rated TV-Y7 or TV-G

Similar Titles: Naruto Shippuden, Nickelodeon website

Personal Thoughts: The site enjoys high potential. Not only does it offer information about the channel, it also gives users an opportunity to socialize and play online in the relative safety of a Disney-based website. In addition, it does offer clips and full episodes of more popular shows, allowing users without cable to still enjoy them. However, the massive advertisements, particularly in the form of commercials during the videos, can be disconcerting. Also, navigating to particular programs tends to be a lengthy and frustrating endeavor.

Nintendo Power

Nintendo Power, published by Nintendo

Plot: The magazine reviews various Nintendo merchandise, including games, systems, toys, and clothing. Typical issues include Pulse (letters to the editor), Previews, Power Profiles (interviews with programmers), and Reviews. Usually, the issues also include three or four additional articles addressing details on upcoming games, walkthroughs, and new systems. Overall, it manages to engage the readers through bright visuals, interesting diction, and goofy humor.

Genre: Magazine

Reading Level: Aimed at ages 10 and older, but younger readers may enjoy it as well

Similar Titles: GamePro, Game Informer

Personal Thoughts: Some readers fault the magazine for showing excessively positive reviews towards Nintendo games. I wonder if such readers bothered to read the title of the magazine before making such comments.

Anyway, the magazine, in print for over twenty years, testifies to the power of adapting to its audience. While video games were initially considered childish, time has changed the gamer base. True, many players are children, but many adults, tweens, and teens play games as well. The magazine manages to appeal to most gamers by producing a variety of relevant articles while adjusting to the requests of its readers.

Series of Unfortunate Events: The End

Snicket, Lemony. Series of Unfortunate Events: The End. New York: Harper Collins Publishers: 2006.

Plot: After marooning on an island with their nemesis, Count Olaf, the Baudelaire orphans find themselves welcomed into the island's society. While the islanders' refusal to accept or assist Olaf relieves the orphans, the strange customs of the island gradually cause them to rebel. Their rebellion results in their abandonment with the count and, unexpectedly, a very pregnant Kit Snicket. When the Baudelaires' seek weapons for a planned mutany, they are shocked to discover the history of their own parents on the island. The children must make their own decisions, which become increasingly complicated when a certain count releases the deadly spores of the Medusoid Mycelium.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Series of Unfortunate Events

Personal Thoughts: Apparently, a lot of fans were disappointed by the novel. Many claim Snicket uses the subplots of the book as a cop-out and lament the poor ending to the series. I actually thought it finished the series very well. To paraphrase a much better writer than myself, "an ending should be unexpected and inevitable," and the novel manages to produce such an end to the series. The children discover the truth behind their parents' history. Count Olaf is defeated, but in a sympathetic manner. The poor choices of the children have real consequences, but their good decisions allow them to survive. Not all the subplots end happily or completely, yet they do reach an unexpected and inevitable point. The book also explains who the "Beatrice" described at the beginning of each novel is.

Mouse Guard: Fall 1152

Petersen, David. Mouse Guard: Fall 1152. New York: Villard, 2007.

Plot: The Mouse Guard, no longer needed for war following a battle with weasels, continues to serve the mouse country as guides, guards, and pathfinders. However, a map in a missing merchant's cart reveals a plot to betray the mice and their order. Lady Gwendolyn dispatches three mice, Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon, to seek the traitor. Yet, the betrayal seeps much deeper than the mice originally anticipated, striking through several towns, ancient legends, and a mysterious hermit.

Genre: Graphic Novel

Reading Level: None noted, but suitable for tweens and older readers

Similar Titles: Mouse Guard series, Owley, The Saga of Rex, Bone

Personal Thoughts: Apparently, the series enjoys increasing popularity. Other books are already in print while other merchandise, from figurines to a role-playing game, stem from the series. However, while the graphics are exceedingly well-done, the story seems underwhelming. The visuals do not always assist with character development and, as a result, the personalities of the mice seem a bit flat. In addition, the motivation for the characters, especially the betrayer, find little reference or explanation. However, perhaps this view is limited, since I did not read any additional books. With graphic novels, characters only really develop over time, so my view may be limited.

P.S. More talking mice. Nothing against mice, but why do talking animal books always include talking mice?

Transformers: Movie Prequel

Rall, Chris. Transformers: Movie Prequel. San Diego: IDW Publishing, 2007.

Plot: While Cybertron enjoyed eons of peace and prosparity due to the presence of the enigmatic Allspark, the planet rapidly dissolved into chaos following the betrayal of Megatron, a powerful robot. Calling his army of rebels "Decepticons" he waged war on the Autobots, lead by Optimus Prime. Fearing the loss of the Allspark, Optimus orders Bumblebee, a small Autobot, to launch the Allspark into deep space. The Autobot succeeds, but Megatron follows the power source towards an unassuming planet, later called Earth. Through a twist of fate, the histories of the Decepticons, Autobots, and humans rush towards a crux leading to the 2007 movie...

Genre: Graphic Novel

Reading Level: All Ages

Similar Titles: The Transformers series by IDW Publishing

Personal Thoughts: Okay, confession time. I really liked the first Transformers movie. Librarians are supposed to be all about information and intellect, but I just like the occasional, over-the-top summer blockbuster. I could not bring myself to watch the sequel due to the negative reviews, but I still think the first is entertaining.

Anyway, the comic effectively tells the story behind the story. The book describes the set-up for the movie, including information on Sector 7, the Witwickys, and the robots. It also explains how Bumblebee knew to look for Sam and why the Decepticons started attacking military bases. Much like the movie, the graphic novel is more action than story, but (in my opinion) there is nothing wrong with that.

P.S. Dreamworks dragon approves of you reading this.

My Health: Dyslexia

Silverstein, Alvin, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn. My Health: Dyslexia. New York: Franklin Watts, 2002.

Plot: The book reviews some of the basic symptoms, such as reading difficulties and behavior problems, of dyslexia. It also describes treatments, including training methods. While dyslexic students are often labeled as "stupid" or "ADD," they can often be creative and very intelligent. However, they suffer from difficulties with reading and verbal expressions. The book manages to cover fairly complex concepts in an easily-understood manner.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reading Level: 9-12

Similar Titles: I Have Dyslexia. What Does That Mean?, The Alphabet War: A Story of Dyslexia

Personal Thoughts: I was a little disappointed in the book. True, dyslexia is not the easiest topic to write about. Some aspects, such as the causes of dyslexia, remain uncertain and extremely controversial. However, most of the book reads like a textbook and does not engage the reader effectively. In addition, some of the descriptions of dyslexia symptoms could easily lead to the "psychologist student syndrome," where the reader fears he or she is suffering from the discussed condition. Still, the book does make a solid attempt to fully explain what dyslexia is and how it is treated. Also, I like the list of famous dyslexics on page, which includes Walt Disney, Agatha Christie, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

O'Brien, Robert C. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM. : New York, Atheneum, 1971.

Plot: Mrs. Jonathan Frisby, a recently widowed mouse, must move quickly. The winter frost is gone and the farmer will soon plow the garden where she and her four children live. However, her youngest child, Timmy, falls ill. If she tries to move him to a safer location, the chill could kill him. Following the advice of Jeremy, a crow, she seeks the help of the Great Owl. He tells her to ask the rats, since the reputation of her husband will make them amiable. At the rat colony, she discovers Jonathan and the rats escaped from NIMH, a laboratory. As a result of the lab's experiments, the rats are intelligent, capable of using electricity, reading, and building tools. Frustrated by their life of theft, the rats plan to move to Thorn Valley and create their own civilization. Due to her husband's contributions to the plan, the rats agree to move the mouse's house. Yet, in the process, Mrs. Frisby discovers NIMH is not finished with the rats just yet.

Genre: Animals, Science Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Matilda, Charlotte's Web, Trumpet of the Swan

Personal Thoughts: I consider this to be a science fiction novel due to the explanation for the rat's intelligence. They do not naturally know how to read or use electricity. Instead, they develop it through scientific experimentation and personal curiosity. Surprisingly, the author does not focus on the issue of animal testing. Instead, he focuses on the responsibility of the rats. They no longer exist as simple rats, nor do they have the desire to. They are too smart. Yet, they also realize using human resources makes them lazy. If they want to maintain their civilized nature, they need to exercise their own independence. People must resist the urge to become complacent, as well. Without working for better, more responsible lifestyles, people become stagnant. Perhaps the novel remains popular because of its cautionary nature. Readers realize they must continue to grow, even at the risk of inconvenience, or stifle and loose the ability to adapt.

The title provided the basis for a movie in 1982. It continues to enjoy critical and commercial acclaim. 

Side note: has anyone else noticed that talking animal books always, ALWAYS include mice at some point? I am not complaining, I just find it strange.

Secret of NIMH

Secret of NIMH. Beverly Hills, CA : 20th Century Fox, 2007. (Originally produced in 1982).

Plot: Mr. Jonathan Brisby, a mouse, dies in an attempt to help some rats. He leaves his widow, two sons, and two daughters without ever telling them his secret. As plowing season approaches, the Brisby's youngest son, Timmy, becomes very sick. Mrs. Brisby seeks help from the rats, following instructions given to her by the Great Owl. The leader of the rats, Nicodemus, tells the widow about the rats' and Jonathan's history in NIMH, a research facility. He also describes the rats' plan to leave humanity and create their own society, despite the protests of Jenner, a rebellious rat. After receiving a remarkable amulet from Nicodemus, Mrs. Brisby volunteers to drug the farmer's cat, preventing him from interfering with the rats' attempts to help her. She succeeds, but is captured by the farmer's son. Meanwhile, Jenner stages an accident during the move of the Brisby house, resulting in Nicodemus' death. While caught, Mrs. Brisby overhears the farmer tell NIMH the location of the rats. She manages to escape and warn Justin, Nicodemus' successor. Jenner fights with Justin over control of the colony, while the house, with Mrs. Brisby's four children, begins to sink. With the power of the amulet, Mrs. Brisby manages to save them all.

Genre: Animation

Reading Level: Rated G

Similar Titles: An American Tail

Personal Thoughts: This movie produces an interesting story. The portrayal of the villains is exceptionally dark and the display of the heroes are wonderfully light. Watchers want to hate the "bad guys" while cheering continuously for the "good guys." Some of the scenes, particularly in the lab setting, may disturb smaller viewers. Also, blood is shown, so sensitive adults may wish to watch their young 'uns. Yet the blood is not gratuitus; it merely conveys necessary feeling for the story's movement. The movie displays the need for natural gifts, scientific power, and the unknown's strength to survive. Overall, it is a complex story with a powerful climax.

However, if you want a movie faithful to the book, look elsewhere. The movie introduces villainous and magical elements not present in the novel. If, though, you just want a good movie, this is a very good show.

Giants of Science: Marie Curie

Krull, Katherine and Boris Kulikov. Giants of Science: Marie Curie. New York : Viking Children's Book, 2007.

Plot: The book provides a biology for Marie Curie, one of the Western world's greatest female scientists. She displayed remarkable abilities in science as a child and eventually revolutionized physics and chemistry. With the help of her husband, she made amazing discoveries regarding radiation and radioactive materials. Perhaps her greatest contributions involved her work with radium. The work would eventually kill her. Like nearly all people at the time, she did not use protective equipment when working with highly radioactive materials. Until recently, researchers needed to sign wavers before using her notes, due to the high levels of radiation they released. Still, she remains a giant of science.

Genre: Biography, Science

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Giants of Science series, The Lives of series

Personal Thoughts: The biography offers a solid introduction to historical and scientific concepts. Yet, I like how it presents women best. Marie Curie was not a feminist, yet she managed to show she could contribute to a male-dominated portion of society. I think readers benefit from such an example. She was not trying to be a political or social revolutionist. Curie was just a patriotic Polish scientist determined to understand a bizarre material. Yet, through doing what she enjoyed, her contributions began to change how the science community viewed women. I like that.

Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning

Snicket, Lemony. Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning. New York : Harper Collins Children's Books, 1999.

Plot: The Baudelaire children enjoy a happy life until their parents are, tragically, killed in a fire. The children will have access to the family fortune once Violet, the eldest, comes of age, much to the delight and frustration of Count Olaf, their new guardian. The count treats them cruelly, offering them little food, many chores, and no affection. Then, he abruptly starts to treat them better, especially Violet. He even allows them to participate in a play produced by his vile-looking theater group. However, Klaus, Violet's only brother, becomes suspicious of the marriage scene in the play, especially after he reviews a book on nuptial law.

Genre: Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Other titles in A Series of Unfortunate Events

Personal Thoughts: To be honest, I dreaded reading this book. I heard too many complaints about how dark and depressing the series was. Yet, after I read it, I liked it. I think the reason so many readers protest against the titles comes from the lack of a clear "happily ever after" at the end. However, the lack of a happy ending allows the story to gather interest and continue. Readers want to know what happens. They want to find out if the unfortunate events are all that await the protagonists. They want to know if they do get a happy ending. Even if they cheat and look at the synopsis of the last book in Wikipedia (why are you looking at me?) they still want to read the books and confirm, with their own eyes, what will happen to the kids. I do not have the time right now to read the entire series, but I will read the last book in the series and offer my review next week. BECAUSE I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!

In 2004, Nickelodeon Movies produced a film based on this series. It got mediocre to good reviews.

Phineas and Ferb

Phineas and Ferb, produced by Walt Disney Company

Plot: Phineas and his stepbrother, Ferb, want to experience the ultimate summer vacation. To accomplish their goal, they plan elaborate adventures and create unbelievable inventions. However, their older sister, Candace, is determined to expose their behavior to their mother. Meanwhile, Perry, the boys' pet platypus, works as a secret agent to stop the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz from causing havoc. The climax of the Dr. and platypus' fights inevitably prevent Candace from busting the boys, leaving her stunned and stuttering at the end of every episode.

Genre: Cartoon

Reading Level: Rated G

Similar Titles: Spongebob Squarepants, Penguins of Madagascar

Personal Thoughts: While some reviewers complain about the show's repetitive nature, most viewers easily understand the cartoon's appeal. It is just a goofy, over-the-top, funny show. It does not try to take itself seriously. It does not discuss the horrors of being a tween or teen. It does not try to teach kids trivia. It simply focuses on entertaining its audience, and it does so very well.

P.S. Dreamworks dragon does not approve of your viewing of Disney Channel shows (you can just barely see him glaring at you over the computer screen).

Eywitness: Volcano

Eyewitness: Volcano. DVD produced by DK Publishing, 2007.

Plot: Based on the best-selling book series, the show, produced in 1997 and transitioned into DVD format in 2007, offers a study of the world's most powerful and destructive natural phenomena. Volcanoes shift the land in large explosions, releasing enormous amounts of ash, mud, gases, and lava. Yet, they also affect locals in a positive way. The ash provides nutrients for plants and compounds for industry and mining. The power of the volcanoes also form the basis of myth and culture. Presented through the "Eyewitness Museum," the DVD manages to copy the books' famous white backgrounds and solid information while displaying dynamic animation.

Genre: Documentary

Reading Level: Not rated, but good for middle schoolers.

Similar Titles: Eyewitness Series, Ring of Fire: IMAX, National Geographic: Volcano

Personal Thoughts: The DVD displays information cleanly and comprehensively. Sadly, most of the technological displays, like the "Eyewitness Museum" seem outdated. As a result, viewers used to more elaborate graphics may become disinterested.

In addition to the main show, the DVD offers a "Making of Eyewitness" section. The thirty minute subprogram shows the technology and film methods used to produce the programs. I found the explanations amazing. Technology, particularly in the entertainment industry, has changed so much in the past thirteen years. Tweens will probably like the show for its information, but I really enjoyed the retrospective.

Freak the Mighty

Philbrick, Rodman. Freak the Mighty. New York, N.Y. : Blue Sky Press, 1993.

Plot: Max is a big, slow, clumsy outcast. Kevin is a small, smart, crippled outcast. Yet, when they get together, they become more. They become Freak the Mighty, destroyer of dragons, bane of gangs, returner of purses, and swimmer of nasty mill ponds. The story follows the two misfits as they take on summer and, eventually, the school year. Ghosts from Max's family history threaten him, but with the help of Kevin, he escapes his homocidal father and confronts the death of his mother. Yet, when Kevin becomes increasingly weak and awaits a new biotic body being developed at a local hospital, Max begins to worry...

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Similar Titles: Max the Mighty, Holes

Personal Thoughts: Another funny but sad book. The interactions between Max, Kevin, and the world at large are both humorous and believable. As a kid, I really enjoyed the book. Strangely, as an adult, the sadness in the book seems more powerful. It is strange. Adults (including myself, much to my frustration) often fear exposing children, teens, and tweens to sad or disturbing concepts, yet they often seem to cope with the issues better than "grown-ups" do. Not that I'm going to ask a kid to read something like Le Miserables or anything. I'm just surprised by their resilience.

The book was the inspiration for the movie, The Mighty. Even though the film bombed, it received high reviews.

The Tale of Despereaux

DiCamillo, Kate. The Tale of Desperaux. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2006.

Plot: A little mouse with open eyes and huge ears is born to a family of mice living in a castle. While his family believes he represents the worst example of mousedom, he seems strangely content. However, when he commits the unforgivable sin of consorting with humans, particularly a princess known as Pea, he his condemned to death. As he is lead to the dungeon, he steps into a larger story. Pea's mother died six months earlier when a rat fell into her soup. The rat, known Chiaroscuro, becomes warped by the tragedy and vows revenge. His plans seem destined for success when an abused and gullible servant known as Mig expresses her longing to take the place of the princess. Despereaux must face his fears, his sorrows, his darkness, and his hate to save Pea.

Genre: Animals, Fantasy

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Because of Winn-Dixie, Charlotte's Web

Personal Thoughts: I was really surprised by how much I liked this book, particularly in light of its dark nature. People are abused, forgotten, ignored, and hated in the novel. Yet, I actually liked it more than Because of Winn-Dixie, another title by DiCamillo noted for its lighter subjects. I think I like the book more because it taps on a very unpopular but very necessary subject: forgiveness. Despereaux and Pea can only survive unscathed if they forgive the people (or rodents) that hurt them. The offenders cannot do anything to earn the forgiveness. Yet, if they could, would they need to be forgiven? However, refusing to forgive the terrible wrongs will only warp the hero and heroine. Forgiving may be hard, but it is the only way to really survive.

I think that truth is the one that struck me the most, since most books do not mention it. Forgiveness does not make as good a story as a quest for revenge. Yet, like the mouse and the princess, I need the capacity to forgive. To look past the flaws and see the hurt, warped, broken person behind the action. In many ways, this conclusion is revolutionary. No group agrees universally with a revolution, but it still comes when things need to change.

As a side note, the book provided the basis for a movie in 2008. It did not do well.

Nancy Drew: Riverboat Ruse

Keene, Carolyn. Nancy Drew: Riverboat Ruse. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2005.

Plot: Nancy Drew is awestruck by the picturesque Magnolia Belle, a riverboat hosting a charity dinner. As she and her friends settle down for the evening mystery play, they are shocked by an abrupt, unscheduled blackout. When the lights return, a valuable necklace disappears. Nancy must make her way through the boat, its mysterious curse, its questionable staff, and its strange passengers to discover the thief.

Genre: Mystery

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Original Nancy Drew series, Hardy Boys

Personal Thoughts: I tried to like Nancy Drew. I really did. To give the series the best opportunity I could, I decided to read the "new" series, much like I did with the Hardy Boys. I think the original and the newer titles are the same. Nancy just does not strike me as believable. She gets the unquestionable approval of everyone except the passive-aggressive authority figures (very original *sarcasm*). Somehow, she manages to acquire unmentioned skills (such as long-distance swimming) just when she needs them. She searches rooms without permission or a warrant (good luck using such items in court, Kid). Also, she never seeks help from someone who actually has the legal rights to do something. Seriously. She depends on her friend to hack into police databases. Instead of contacting the chief of police, she has a friend, pardon, BOYFRIEND contact his father to snoop out the FBI. She does not address her concerns to the captain or any of the crew. AND SHE NEVER GETS IN TROUBLE. Somehow, all the laws and protocol she breaks never come back to haunt her. I would like Nancy Drew, but in the books I have read, she comes off as a Mary Sue.

Death By Field Trip

Amend, Bill. Death By Field Trip. Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2001.

Plot: A year's worth of Foxtrot comics. Each book follows the lives of the Fox family, which consists of Andie and Roger, the two parents; Peter, Paige, and Peter, the three kids; and Quincey, Jason's pet iguana. The arcs include numerous parodies, such as The Lord of the Rings movies, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and How the Grinch Stole Chritmas. A good read with multiple references to popular culture and family relationships.

Genre: Comics

Reading Level: All ages

Similar Titles: Baby Blues,  Zits

Personal Thoughts: While some complain of the comic's repetition, it still provides an interesting read. Most readers can find someone in the comic to relate too, such as the video-game loving nerd Jason or the health-conscious mother Andie. While some of the jokes will be lost on younger readers (such as those who do not remember the chaos surrounding the announcement of the Lord of the Rings movies), it manages to maintain a relevant level of humor. As a side note, Amend stopped producing daily comics a few years ago, but his still makes Sunday comics weekly.

P.S.: Double points if you get why there's a Pokemon card in the picture.

It's a Magical World

Watterson, Bill. It's a Magical World. Kansas City: Andrews and McMeel, 1996.

Plot: The last book of Calvin and Hobbes comics, the collection includes classic storylines and excellent endings to the series. This particular volume includes arcs such as Susie's visit to Calvin's house, Calvin's adventures in leaf collecting, and the finale of Rosline verses Calvin. The book provides an amusing read and a found farewell to Calvin and Hobbes' fans.

Genre: Comic Books

Reading Level: All ages, but more enjoyable for someone with a large vocabulary

Similar Titles: Peanuts, Foxtrot

Personal Thoughts: It's amazing how one comic still finds so much popularity fourteen years after its final publication. The title still finds multiple buyers online and in bookstores. Yet, it makes sense. True, readers, particularly older readers (why are you looking at me?) tend to glorify the comics, noting philosophical or imaginative thoughts as an echo of the wonders of childhood. Yet, kids enjoy it, too, because Calvin acts like the kid people would like to be if they could get away with it. Calvin is super-smart, but does poorly in school, gets into trouble, and stresses his parents. The toy tiger also has his share of fans, since he combines natural wisdom and animal instincts. Hobbes provides more knowledge than most of Calvin's perceptions, but never fails to tackle Calvin on his way home. The story of a kid and his stuffed toy tiger captures the wonder, craziness, and frustrations of being a kid.


As a side note: We have photographic confirmation of the blog author. She has not been seen since King of the Wind. Approach with caution.