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.
Yay for Bone! This is such a great series.
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
cool contest.
This would be so fine for my grandson – thank you for the contest
Bone is great, thanks for the contest.
My kids would love this one!
kids would love this!
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!
I’ll read anything but this looks like a cute series of books. Liz would enjoy these.
Have heard great things about this…would love to win. THANKS for entry!!!!
I would love to win this prize.
This looks really interesting. I think my 9 year old niece would love them.
My husband loves graphic novels and this would be a good way for him to share his love with our son.
My son is just getting into reading comics, this would be great
My kids would love Bone. Count me in!
I’ve seen the series, but I didn’t know about the comics. I would love to check them out.
I think my daughter would like this.
My kids would love this.
My 11 year old niece is a “reluctant reader” it would fun to see if she would enjoy these types of books.
Sounds good. Count me in.
Thanks so much for the opportunity.
I think my kids would love these. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I love the Bone series! Great for children & adults both!
My grandsons would love these!
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
I love graphic novels; this looks like a great way to introduce them to my son!
onlycancan at hotmail dot com
My daughter just saw this & wanted it right away! 🙂
thank you for having this! I would love to win these! A fantastic read!
Hope I win thanks.
I’d like this for my grandkids
great site
Bad to the bones!
I would like to enter if I may
another one for the kids
Great gift for the grandchildren
Sounds like just what the grandsons need!
Very nice contest here. Thanks.
Thanks.
My grandson is kind of a slow reader, but he loves the bones series, I’d love to win this
great contest!
This would be great to have on hand for the grand-kids. Thanks for the contest.
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!
These would be great for our daughter.
my daughter keeps asking me to get her bone books! thanks for the opportunity 🙂
count me in
my granddaughter would love this…thanks for the great giveaway
Great giveaway, thanks!
I like anything that gets them to read.
My daughter would DIG this!!!! (Get it..hahaha)