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.
Kristin says
Yay for Bone! This is such a great series.
Cindi says
OUr two sons would thoroughly enjoy “Bone Comics!”
I like the fact that Bone is a reader in his books. My sons have been read to every night before bed and now we are really encouraging reading to them. I read a lot including books, magazines and newspapers. Please enter me in your fabulous drawing for the Bone goodies. Many thanks, Cindi
Stephen Saunders says
cool contest.
Marilyn Wons says
This would be so fine for my grandson – thank you for the contest
David says
Bone is great, thanks for the contest.
Carol Ezovski says
My kids would love this one!
Christina says
kids would love this!
Cathie says
I’ve been wondering about these also. Thank you so much for the review. Now I really want these for my young readers so count me in please!
Tracey Byram says
I’ll read anything but this looks like a cute series of books. Liz would enjoy these.
Sharon Jones says
Have heard great things about this…would love to win. THANKS for entry!!!!
Carol Lawrence says
I would love to win this prize.
Lisa M says
This looks really interesting. I think my 9 year old niece would love them.
Stacy says
My husband loves graphic novels and this would be a good way for him to share his love with our son.
adrienne gordon says
My son is just getting into reading comics, this would be great
Steph says
My kids would love Bone. Count me in!
Robert says
I’ve seen the series, but I didn’t know about the comics. I would love to check them out.
Ann Fantom says
I think my daughter would like this.
Linda says
My kids would love this.
Susan C says
My 11 year old niece is a “reluctant reader” it would fun to see if she would enjoy these types of books.
Crystal B. says
Sounds good. Count me in.
misty says
Thanks so much for the opportunity.
Jenn S. says
I think my kids would love these. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Jasmine says
I love the Bone series! Great for children & adults both!
Karen B says
My grandsons would love these!
tim brown says
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
CanCan (Mom Most Traveled) says
I love graphic novels; this looks like a great way to introduce them to my son!
onlycancan at hotmail dot com
Nikki says
My daughter just saw this & wanted it right away! 🙂
beth shepherd says
thank you for having this! I would love to win these! A fantastic read!
Rodney K says
Hope I win thanks.
Angela J says
I’d like this for my grandkids
cathi rushing says
great site
Denise B. says
Bad to the bones!
Jeanette Jackson says
I would like to enter if I may
djp says
another one for the kids
Sylvia Belle says
Great gift for the grandchildren
M.A. says
Sounds like just what the grandsons need!
eda says
Very nice contest here. Thanks.
toasters says
Thanks.
Susan A says
My grandson is kind of a slow reader, but he loves the bones series, I’d love to win this
brandy wilson says
great contest!
Donna says
This would be great to have on hand for the grand-kids. Thanks for the contest.
Lauren says
How fun! My cousin was reading one of these books when she was in to visit, and I think I will have to check one out for my son!
Kirsten says
These would be great for our daughter.
Brenda Elsworth says
my daughter keeps asking me to get her bone books! thanks for the opportunity 🙂
Valerie Mabrey says
count me in
carol says
my granddaughter would love this…thanks for the great giveaway
Ellie says
Great giveaway, thanks!
Linda Moeller says
I like anything that gets them to read.
Monique Rizzo says
My daughter would DIG this!!!! (Get it..hahaha)