Frankenstein: A Graphic Novel by Mary Shelley

One of the most classic monster tales centers around Mary Shelley's Frankenstein...so fitting for a spooky season, don't you think? I covered the original with my daughter a couple years ago during our homeschooling theme 'Monsters in Literature' (such a fun theme with tons of possibilities, btw). So I was more than a little curious to see how these authors adapted the tale into a middle grade graphic novel. The cover with the cat already makes it clear that there are some interesting twists taken.

Ready to see how this one goes and if it does a decent job at bringing classics to kids?

FRANKENSTEIN

A Graphic Novel

by Mary Shelley

Adapted by Lorenzo Coltellacci & Michele Botton

Illustrated by Federica de Cotis

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Classic   /   Graphic Novel

176 pages

COMING OCTOBER 20th!!!

A young scientist challenges the rules of reality when he crafts life from flesh and bone! This full-color, kawaii graphic-novel adaptation reimagines Mary Shelley's classic for middle-grade readers.

Victor Frankenstein pushes the boundaries of science to create life from scratch—only for things to spiral out of control when his creation proves too much to bear. Now, haunted by his mistakes, Victor must make peace with, or destroy, what he made before it comes after everyone he loves.

This classic comes to life in a brand-new graphic-novel format with full-color, kawaii-inspired art.

• A faithful retelling adapted for middle-grade readers
• Full-color art in a cute, cat-like kawaii style
• An accessible entry point to a literary classic
• Great for classrooms and reluctant readers

Discover the story for the first time—or rediscover it with a fresh twist!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With care, heart, and humor, this retelling of the original story comes across in a grabbing way which will have readers understanding some of the moral questions behind Mary Shelley's original novel.

This version begins by taking Mary Shelley's opening letters from Captain Robert Walton and, instead, uses these to ground this book with the captain and his crew at sea as they get stuck in the ice. The reader gets to know the captain and the crew a bit, and receives the first glance of the monster from the distance. This creates a wonderful beginning to let the reader ease into the world and gives them a bit of distance to Victor Frankenstein's tale, which the authors than use as needed buffer to bring across some major messages of the original novel. Plus, the captain and his crew add enjoyable personality and a touch of humor. When Victor is brought on board and tells his tale, the crew's eagerness to hear it is palpable...and there's more humor built in with subtle hints of Victor's self-serving personality, which also speed along the heart of the read. 

To keep everything interesting and concise for this age group, only the major highlights of Victor's tale are shown. These make the sufferings of the monster clear and garner pure sympathy. The monster is shown with a hideous appearance, but he soon will win over readers with that longing gaze the illustrations bring across so well. Every mishap stays very age appropriate and doesn't leave room for doubt at who is responsible for the ridicule the monster endures. This, of course, leaves other important food-for-thought found in the original tale forgotten and forcibly clears away any fog of doubt at the complete innocence of the monster. Still, it works nicely and delivers the main gist across fine with the age group kept in mind. 

The graphics carry a lighter, comic style than I expected, which works nicely to make sure this tale never grows dark in the slightest. Instead, everything is kept cushioned and light-hearted to make sure even sensitive readers feel at home. And it has enough tension to keep the pages turning, too.

It's a nice twist to the original tale, which never forgets the intended age group and delivers the main idea in a way they are sure to enjoy.

And here they are...

Lorenzo Coltellacci is the author of several graphic novels and picture books published in French and Italian, including a graphic novel biography about Escher. In 2019, he founded his own independent comic book label, Coltello Comics. He has a degree in Foreign Languages and International Cooperation and works in digital communication.

Michele Botton was born in Piove di Sacco (PD). He studied screenwriting for comics at the International School of Comics in Padua. For BeccoGiallo, he published the graphic novels Abe Sada, il fiore osceno and Bukowski.

Federica de Cotisis an illustrator based in Italy. She has worked on books like Treasure Island: A Graphic Novel.

The Windy Day by Al Roker

First off, I'm glad to announce that Bookworm for Kids is again listed on the Top 100 Children Book Blogs—yay! You can find the listing HERE.

When thing Autumn brings with it is wind. So, when I saw today's read, I needed to take a look. It swings around the weatherman Al Roker and promises some science goodness. This one is for the beginning readers out there, and I'm curious to see how all of this comes together. If nothing else, it's already inspiring me to go out and grab my kite.

So, let's take a peek!

THE WINDY DAY

Weather Hunters

Ready*To*Ready, Level 2

by Al Roker

Simon Spotlight

Beginning Reader

32 pages

ages 5 to 7

Lily Hunter figures out how to measure wind in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read by Al Roker based on his animated TV show, Weather Hunters, on PBS KIDS!

Whatever the weather, we’re in it together!™ Lily Hunter and her family have just moved to a new house that has a workshop full of weather gadgets. How do they work?, Lily wonders. Her father, a weather forecaster on the news, is having trouble delivering the weather report because of strong winds. Can Lily use the gadgets she found to save the day?

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Wind knowledge blows in with grace and fun in an enjoyable read which makes learning enjoyable.

Lily Hunter wonders how anyone can measure the speed of the wind, and her family's move to their earlier grandfather's house brings many surprises in that direction. Not only is there a spinning wind vane on the top of the house, but there are all sorts of clever contraptions in the rooms, which spin when the windows are opened. But the real surprises hide in the work shack.

The wind facts are delivered in an entertaining manner, and I was surprised how much I, actually, enjoyed following them. Lily has a perky personality with enough down-to-earth feel to make her seem like she'd be a great friend. Her interest in the contraptions is understandable and her curiosity contagious. I see readers wishing they could experience the spinning objects, too, and add a few to their own homes. Even the weather gadgets in the workshop come across in an interesting way to make learning about them flow naturally. 

The book is based on Al Roker's show, Weather Hunters, which works especially well for those who recognize him, but even those who don't won't have much trouble sinking in. I had not seen the show and was a bit confused when Lily and the rest constantly referred to him as 'Al', although he appeared to be their father. I'm still a bit uncertain on that end and am assuming that he is, indeed, the dad.

The text flows nicely, takes a few pages to settle into the adventure, and then, grabs the rest of the way through. The illustrations are bright and familiar to those who know the show.

This fits the age group nicely and works especially well for themes surrounding weather.

And here they are...

Al Roker is the popular weatherman and co-host of NBC’s TODAY. With fourteen Emmy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award, and over forty years on air, he’s one of America’s most trusted morning show anchors. As CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, he produces award-winning content for network, cable, digital, and streaming channels. Through his company WeatherHunters, Inc., Al created the PBS Kids animated STEM series Weather Hunters, which won the ALSC Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award. A bestselling author and media personality, Al has also given a TED Talk and written over a dozen books, from cookbooks to essay collections to children’s books. He lives in New York City with his wife, ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts, with whom he shares three adult children and granddaughter, Sky. Visit him on X and Instagram @AlRoker or on Facebook.

Thirst by Darren Simpson

What better way to start out October than with an original horror tale? This book hit the shelves last year (I believe) and has gotten great reviews. It dives into the realm of folklore and should take a very, creepy twist. According to the blurb, this one is about a very evil river. I'm curious to see what it holds. So, grab those blankets and flashlights because it sounds like this is one to keep you up until late into the night...or early morning hours.

THIRST

by Darren Simpson

Pushkin Children's Books

YA Horror

288 pages

Nobody talks about the strange happenings in Maimsbury. No one speaks of the hooded figures glimpsed in the woods, nor the children's game that went so horribly wrong. But most of all, nobody dares whisper their doubts about the river they have worshipped for centuries.

Like everyone in Maimsbury, Gorse is used to the sacrifices made every spring to the River Yeelde. The life of a farm animal - in return for a year of plenty - seems a fair trade. That is, until a tragedy leads Gorse to a blood-curdling discovery.

Because this year is a Brim Year, and after giving so much, the river needs more than an animal's life to sate its thirst...

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Chills mount as the secrets weave tighter and tighter in this grabbing read.

The small town of Maimsbury seems to be a balanced place where people still stick to the customs their ancestors practiced hundreds of years before. Their practices often include the river, one that their ancestors once worshipped and feared. But the tales and customs aren't as innocent as they seem. While the residents of the town seem unaffected by the need to sacrifice animals to the river every year and know that the river holds terrible secrets, they've long accepted it as part of life. That is, until a Faye comes to town in search of a job to help keep her family fed. Now, the river is hunting her.

This is folks horror as it should be. The tale dives deep into the myths of the town and brings them to life in a way, which digs under the skin. Everything about this world is vivid and lures in with details, which even dance into fantasy...and one with deadly bite. From the wishing tree to the town itself, the scenes come across very well and hook in. This creates a solid and inviting basis for the dangerous situation Faye finds herself in and makes it hard not to fear for her as the river seems to be gaining the upper hand. It's inviting yet eerie and creates a wonderfully dark atmosphere to let the tension take hold.

The tale is told from Gorse's and Faye's point of view, allowing the reader to get to know both. Both are sympathetic and easy to root for. The situation they face is not only dangerous but has centuries of weight, which seem undefeatable. It's just right to set the stage and give everything delicious depth as the terror takes over.

Teens who enjoy horror will want to give this one a go as well as fans of dark folklore and mythology.

What's Coming in October?

I'm not sure I'm ready for October this year. I think much of that is to blame on the ridiculous heat, which kept us at almost 100 degrees most of September and completely killed any Autumn happiness. Even the last week of September greeted with a couple days of high 80's when we should be in the low to mid 70's. So, the idea of pumpkins and ghostly decorations just seems completely out of place. But it is October and Halloween is coming, and my reading list isn't going to just let that pass by.

I have quite a few reads to match the eerie holiday. There's some Halloween fun reads, monsterly classics, mysteries, and tension packed fantasies. Of course, I have a few non-seasonal reads hitting nonfiction goodness, bedtime tales, and wholesome thoughts. It's also a fairly balanced month on the audience age level end of things. 

Here's a sneak peek at where my schedule is at this time...but it can and does change for various reasons.

FRANKENSTEIN

We're starting the month with a classic, one that slides right into the Halloween season. This is a graphic novel version of the original from Mary Shelley. I went through Frankenstein during my homeschooled daughter's junior year—'Monsters in Literature' easily made a year-long theme with so many possibilities! Anyway, I'm excited and curious to see how this version does. Find out with me on the 3rd.

Classics as Graphic Novels

WHEN DARK WORLDS RISE

This is the 3rd novel in a series which embraces fantasy and science fiction with the atmosphere of a dystopian world in one big hug. Well, dark, intrigue packed, and tension filled hug. And believe it or not, I've actually read the series up to this point! I'm excited to see what happens next and will be diving into this one on the 6th.

Young Adult Science Fiction

INVISIBLE

I was excited to get my hands on this read. Not only does it beckon from overseas, Spain, but it's entered Disney's doors...and I think is getting a visual version? Don't quote me on this last part because I'm going to have to recheck that one. Anyway, I'm expecting tons of heart in these pages with some food for thought. It's done very well and has gotten rave reviews over the years. Oh, and this is the 3rd in the series. Obviously, I haven't read the first two, but that's nothing new. I'll let you know what I think on the 8th.

Young Adult Contemporary

THE MYSTERY OF INSCH BRAE HOUSE

I have a weak spot for mysteries, and they just happen to be perfect for the Halloween season, don't you think? I'm not sure if this house holds paranormal secrets or eerie ones, but I'm hoping it keeps readers at the edge of their seats and guessing what the truth really is. With a warm blanket, a cup of steaming tea and, maybe, a crackling fireplace, we'll dive into this one on the 10th.

Middle Grade Mystery

SPOOKY SCOUTS

I have tons of Halloween reads this month, and this one takes a spooky dive into a boy/girl scouts' trip. My mind is already spinning at the possibilities, and yours? Can't wait to head out with this group on the 13th!

Picture Book

TIME-TRAVELING CHICKENS

Sometimes, a ridiculously quirky read is exactly what is needed, and this book should fit that need. I, honestly, have no clue what this one will be about. Only that it involves time-traveling chickens and a blast to the past. It's a graphic novel and should be anything but serious. I know there are plenty of young readers, who enjoy out-of-the-ordinary humor and imagination to push the limits. I'm hoping this one is as awesome as it could be and will take a look on the 17th. 

Middle Grade Science Fiction  /   Graphic Novel

SOCKS & SECRET QUESTS

While I'm usually a cover girl, it was the title that caught my attention. Then, the cover, since it does appear it might slide into mystery and spookiness. Maybe? I'm hoping for adventure, tension, action, friendship, intrigue...all those things which hold a reader in the pages from beginning to end. I'm assuming this one will hit a fantasy world with historic atmosphere and hope it lets readers sink right in. Join me on the 21st to find out.

Middle Grade Fantasy

DRAGONFLY DOWN

This isn't a new release but it ran across my radar and had me intrigued. I've always had a fascination with dragonflies, and the cover is so colorful. But it's also a mystery...so super yay! I'm really, really hoping this one doesn't head too much into romance and lets the rest of the story shine and grab and keeps me on the edge of my seat. I'm assuming there are quite a few emotional moments, too. So, I'll grab my tissue box just in case. I'll be burning to get my fingers on this one on the 23rd.

Young Adult Romantic Mystery

BE MY HOWLENTINE

Is this a Halloween read or a Valentine's Day read? That is the question! I'm read for this mash-up to see what in the world this witch and werewolf are up to. Right now, I'm wanting to join that wolf and howl into the night. Seems inviting for some reason. Anyway, I'll be opening this one up on the 28th.

Picture Book

A WITCHY MISTAKE

This book is the first in a five book series, which was released in 2020. It's not only done very well on the review end of things, but happens to be a cozy mystery series...a direction I tend to enjoy. The best aspect, however, is the length, since it's under 150 pages! It's always nice to be able to snatch up a read for an evening snuggle in front of the fireplace and know it won't keep you up all night. Let's see if this one does just that on the 31st!

Young Adult Paranormal Mystery

My reading pile always holds more titles than I have time, but I think that's true for all book fans. 

Since every month also holds quite a few shifts in my schedule due to publishing world changes, postal delays, and simply books, which weren't what I hoped they'd be, I always have a few days open up and can slide in some reads I didn't think I'd necessarily get to. The Joker Read is one of the top ones on my list and will make it into the month's schedule at one point. 

THE INTERGALACTICS

This book promises tons of excitement and food for thought. Starting with a test-tube grown child from a genetics experiment, this scifi adventure heads into a crash landing, fight for survival, and a 'last kids on Earth' kind of atmosphere. I'm expecting a lot of action and high tension moments. There should be more than enough surprising creatures with outer worldly scenes. Then, there's also a group of misfits that don't fit together (I believe) as well as the entire question of gene mutations and finding the truth behind intrigue. So, this should be an edge-of-the-seat read. Now, the question remains...when will I be staying up all night to read this one?

 Middle Grade Science Fiction

Doom and Gloom: The Worst Is Yet To Come by Jane Walker and Darin Henry

It's the title that caught my attention on today's read...so dark and dreary sound, and I bet it's anything but! Why do I say that? Hmmm...there isn't a particular reason. But my gut is telling me to think of Pinky and the Brain and wondering if two cats can really be super evil in a book for ages 8 to 10. Do any of you remember Pinky and the Brain? Anyway, I also thought this is a nice way to start dreaming of October and the upcoming Halloween season because that is just around the corner, and I truly need a boost to get my brain into that mood, this year. Today's read is also the first in a brand, new graphic novel series, and I'm hoping it's fun, humor-packed, and, maybe, will even carry so friendship goodness.

There's only one way to find out what these pages hold—so let's take a look!

THE WORST IS YET TO COME

Doom & Gloom, Book 1

by Jane Walker

and Darin Henry

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Animal Fiction   /   Graphic Novel

144 pages

ages 8 to 10

COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!

Two cunning cats set out to run their own evil empire—until an animal-whispering niece ruins everything! A spooky, silly, laugh-out-loud full-color graphic novel for fans of Cat Ninja and Bunnicula.

Despicable Me + cats + comics = Doom & Gloom! Doom and Gloom were the purr-fect partners in crime . . . until Doom maybe-possibly-definitely caused their evil boss's unfortunate mid-heist demise. Now the cats need a new home, ideally with someone wicked who can also open the wet food.

But their plans hit a snag when their old boss's relentlessly cheerful niece, Petunia, decides to adopt them no matter how many times they hiss, scratch, or flee.

• The first book in a laugh-out-loud full-color series
• A fast-paced, villains-with-heart adventure
• Themes of found family, teamwork, and doing the right thing
• From Emmy-nominated writer Darin Henry and animator Jane Walker

Will these wicked cats save the day—or their street cred? Find out in this irresistibly mischievous romp!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With a slight tip-toe into the darker side, these villains try to find their place in the very odd realm of wacky evil-doers.

Doom and Gloom have mostly enjoyed being the sidekicks of their evil boss. Mostly because both believe they have hidden talents that are somewhat being ignored. When they try to help their boss with his latest heist (although they were forbidden to do so), things go wrong and the boss gets squished. Doom and Gloom are, now, faced with the horrid task of finding a new owner, who understands them and can really take care of their needs. The niece of their deceased boss, Petunia, is more than ready to fill this role, but she's the opposite of her uncle and anything but evil. Doom and Gloom are determined to continue their careers in the realm of evil and go on the hunt for a fitting boss to take them in. But things aren't quite that easy.

The blurb says that this is a bit like Despicable Me, and there is a lean in that direction as the two cats do their best to remain evil sidekicks and pull off dastardly deeds. Whatever those may be. This does dance on the darker line as there is violence-ish but this slides into humor, too, for that 'almost villain-y' atmosphere. The boss' death hits right away, and this might bother sensitive readers, but it comes with Tom and Jerry style. This type of danger pops up a few times, keeping tension high...after all, we're talking about true villains here...but it never pushes the boundaries of the age group too much, either. Instead, it keeps everything wrapped in humor and will have readers wondering if this pair of cats really understands what they're doing...and whether they'll make it through.

While the humor and plot play with the evil shadows, there are quite a few warming messages surrounding family, friendship, teamwork, and acting to do the right thing even if you are 'evil'. The entire thing stays dark even in the illustrations...well, mostly. Petunia offers the sunshine, but even this carries an odd twist as she isn't exactly normal. Still, golden goodness and hope shine through, especially when truly evil souls need to create a playdate with their parents before they can attack again. So, there's a lot of goodness snuggled into the appearance of a bleak cover.

It's a fun read, which keeps the reader in the pages since it's never clear what this pair of cats will be facing next. There are also a few secrets, which characters are keeping close to their chests, which promise fun to come. 

And here they are...

Darin Henry is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer whose credits span some of television’s most beloved comedies, including Seinfeld, Futurama, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Oddballs. He has written for series such as The Muppets, Shake It Up, The War at Home, and the BBC’s My Family and Not Going Out, as well as the Doctor Who audio adventure The Game. A veteran storyteller with a knack for sharp wit and memorable characters, Henry brings his comedic flair and decades of writing experience to the misadventures of Doom & Gloom.

Jane Walker is a Los Angeles-based character designer and illustrator whose stylistic sweet spot lands between quirky-cute and deliciously icky. She’s contributed character design and illustration to Helluva Boss, Holidaze, and the Hazbin Hotel pilot, and created background art for YouTube hits TheOdd1sOut and SomethingElseYT. In 2021, she served as Prop and Character Design Lead on Helluva Boss, guiding assets and design for the indie animation team; in 2022 she moved into layout work on SpongeBob SquarePants. Doom & Gloom marks her latest foray into spooky, silly storytelling for young readers.