Explorer: The Mystery Boxes: Seven Graphic Stories. edited by Kazu Kibuishi. 2012. 128p. New York: Amulet Books.
Genre: graphic novel
Honors
and Awards: none
Review:
A collection of seven short graphic stories all based on the central idea of a mystery box and its contents. Each artist in the collection presents a unique interpretation of the theme; the stories range from creepy to silly, from fantastical to bittersweet, and everything in between. Readers are exposed to an amazing array of artistic and storytelling styles, and the collection is an excellent representation of the range and breadth of the medium.
A collection of seven short graphic stories all based on the central idea of a mystery box and its contents. Each artist in the collection presents a unique interpretation of the theme; the stories range from creepy to silly, from fantastical to bittersweet, and everything in between. Readers are exposed to an amazing array of artistic and storytelling styles, and the collection is an excellent representation of the range and breadth of the medium.
Opinion:
Graphic novels fans will no doubt adore this book, though I think it's also an excellent introduction to the genre for kids who may not already be fans of the medium. The range of styles and stories, and the fact that they feature main characters of both genders really opens this book up to a huge pool of potential readers. Additionally, the brevity of each individual tale makes the collection not so intimidating for struggling or reluctant readers; kids who don't like a particular story can simply go on to the next one. The Mystery Boxes is the first in a series of graphic story collections for younger readers and tweens, and I eagerly anticipate the rest of the Explorer series.
Ideas: Graphic novels fans will no doubt adore this book, though I think it's also an excellent introduction to the genre for kids who may not already be fans of the medium. The range of styles and stories, and the fact that they feature main characters of both genders really opens this book up to a huge pool of potential readers. Additionally, the brevity of each individual tale makes the collection not so intimidating for struggling or reluctant readers; kids who don't like a particular story can simply go on to the next one. The Mystery Boxes is the first in a series of graphic story collections for younger readers and tweens, and I eagerly anticipate the rest of the Explorer series.
An excellent choice for reluctant readers, or a gateway into the genre for those who do not already read graphic novels. I saw one of the stories from the collection performed as readers theater at the ALA conference in Anaheim, which would be fun to do with a group of kids.
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