5 Minutes For Books

Bone Comics

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I wrote a while ago about the importance of including “fun books” in a child’s library. For strong readers, it helps keep their interest in reading when so many things begin to compete for their love.

When Scholastic asked me to take a look at the new Bone comic book series, I was definitely interested. They fall into this “fun book” category for booklovers, and can be enticing for reluctant readers, or those for whom reading can be frustrating. My daughter Amanda (who is almost 10) has enjoyed the graphic novels that are designed for younger readers as a break from her wordier novels.

But I was also a bit wary. Comic books and the more updated, thicker graphic novels are often aimed at much older readers (teens and adults), and so a cartoonish look can be deceptive. To me, they can just convey something of a more mature attitude, even if they aren’t meant to. For that reason, I had to look into the graphic novels Amanda wanted to read and verify, “Yes, they are fine. And fun. Go ahead and enjoy them.”

Unlike the pink and girly Babymouse and Babysitters Club graphix that she’s been enjoying, Bone looks more boyish (however, that didn’t stop her from reading the copy of Out from Boneville that I received for review and telling me that she wanted to read another in the series). There are eight volumes out so far (and they have all received fabulous reviews on amazon).

Bone is a sort of white amorphous creature (even others in the story don’t know what he is). He is kicked out of town for a business deal that went sour, gets separated from his cousins, and finds a lovely lady to help him try to get back to Boneville after being breathed on by a dragon.

Yeah, the plot is hard to describe. In fact, when I asked Amanda how she would describe it, she said, “It’s good. Funny.”

“But what happens?” I asked her, hoping for a good two-line summary.

“I don’t know. Nothing really.”

In spite of the lack of a plot that can be summed up in a sentence or two, this is a neat series. If your child likes to read the Sunday morning comics, he or she will enjoy this. It is written very much like a comic strip–short scenes, block type, shadowy drawings–it’s all there. Also like the Sunday comics, there is a bit of material that is not suitable for younger eyes (or goes right over their heads). That’s for you to decide. I would recommend it for ages 10 and up, because of some more mature content: an OMG or two, a character who smokes cigars, a bar setting, and a little romance.

Another compelling reason to hand this over (especially to your reluctant reader) is that Bone is a reader! He carries comic books around with him, but also discusses his love of Moby Dick with one of the characters. I think that this was an intentional insertion to try to encourage additional reading. I love that.

FIVE of you can try out this series yourself:

One grand prize winner will receive the first three books in the series, a 12 inch plush character and a Bone action figure.

Four runners up will receive volume one: Out from Boneville

Leave a comment here if you’d like to win. I’ll post the winners on August 27.

Comments

  1. I have been wondering about these books for awhile. I have heard good things about them, but wasn’t sure about age appropriateness so your review was very helpful. I would love to win this giveaway!

  3. I bet my stepdaughter would love this series. She is the Sunday comic reader at our house, and she owns lots of comic strip related books that she gets out when she doesn’t want to read anything too in depth. I’d much rather have her read something like this than nothing at all!

  4. This would be a great addition to my classroom library. I’ve been looking at these books for awhile, it was nice to read a review of them.

  6. I think both my kids would enjoy this, my son especially. He has really been into graphic novels lately, but mostly reads the Star Wars ones.

  8. I have often wondered about these books when I have seen them offered by Scholastic. Good to have a reliable review. Thanks for the chance to win some 🙂

  10. Oh, this would be great for my niece. She’s trying to get into reading but needs something to help push her there more so. This would be perfect!

  12. Never too early to start fun reading.

    Thanks for the chance! Good luck everyone!

  20. These would be great for my grandson to read when he comes to visit!! He loves to read….

  29. I have a 8 year old son I am trying to get read more. I am gonna check into these books.

  30. My son is an extremely reluctant reader. I was surprised when he checked out these books from the school library — and he actually read them. It’s a great series.

  33. My son has really been wanting this set so much !
    Thank you so much for offering this wonderful giveaway.
    I would LOVE to win !!

  35. I would love to have this for my grandchildren. We have story time and it would be great to add this to our library, we have been looking at these but have not purchased any of them yet. Thanks for the giveaway!

  49. What a great giveaway. Thank you! My kids would love this! They love books and who wouldn’t love the adorable plush and cool action figure.

    Thank you for a fun giveaway!

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