Daddy Mojo, Author at Daddy Mojo

Peter & Ernesto Sloths in the Night, caps this all age series with a grin

A kid’s first graphic novel is a great thing. We include the all age graphic novels in our run down of the week’s new all age comic books. Early through upper elementary school-aged kids want to have a graphic novel that they can read and appreciate. This is something that is their jam. The older kids might like it too, but this the kind of graphic novel that they can enjoy without any assistance from mom, dad or their older sibling. Peter & Ernesto is one of two elementary school based graphic novels that pop up in my mind. The third and final entry in the series, Peter & Ernesto: Sloths in the Night is out and caps the series in a perfectly happy and friendly manner that will leave ages 6-10 grinning from ear to ear.

If you’re looking for a great graphic novel series for elementary school ages this is the sign

Pets and Their Famous Humans, short, artsy tails for 8-10

I’m a glass half full kind of guy. So when I first took a look at Pets and Their Famous Humans I had to set it down. I love pets. I really like humans and I enjoy art. In theory there’s nothing I shouldn’t have not liked about the book. Sensing that I was missing something I showed the book to our 10-year old son. He also loves books, animals and people. “It’s classy”, he succinctly said before diving back into the middle grade book he’s reading.

Pets, the muse behind some famous folks in this book for young readers

Center of Gravity, switches gears for the better

I really like books that I didn’t think I would like. Center of Gravity is a book like that. Personally, there’s nothing about the subject matter that appeals to me. Tessa’s mother passed away relatively recently and her dad has started dating again. Things have gotten very serious and the two of them are packing up things in Denver to move to a coastal California town. The new girlfriend is much younger than her dad and her family is apparently loaded. At first, Center of Gravity feels like a middle school companion to Karate Kid. However, as the book moves along it takes a much more serious turn. In doing author Shaunta Grimes delivers a character study that’s as much about teenage grief as it is insecurities, acceptance and moving on.

An honest look at kids circa 1985 that’s not what you expect

Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier, astronaut education for 9 and up

Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier is Science Comics by another name. Science Comics is the line of educational and entertaining graphic novels on :01 First Second Books. This isn’t technically a Science Comics book, but it has all of the hallmarks that make those books so worthwhile. Astronauts focuses on the women in space, the resistance to them being in the program, which countries led the way and a small overview about space missions and training.

If you’re a fan of Science Comics or educational graphic novels this is a go-to entry

A Field Guide To Getting Lost, more than middle school divorced kids

I once suggested to my not-future wife that she get lost. I didn’t mean it in an insulting manner, she was headed on a trip overseas and I suggested that she get lost. If you’ve ever found yourself by being in a completely different environment and doing things that are totally different than what you’re used to, then you understand. If that emotion is embodied by a time in your life then it’s quite probable that said time is your teen-age years. A Field Guide To Getting Lost is an upper elementary school through mid-grade book that targets those readers by treating them as young adults, who are still keen to have some adventure.

It’s light, without being flippant and serious without being heavy

Attack of the Stuff is one of the best (& oddest) graphic novels this year

Jim Benton is a bestselling cartoonist and author. Elementary aged audiences know him for Catwad, Dear Dumb Diary, Clyde, Dog Butts and Love, Franny K. Stein, his Victor Shmud books or something else that’s most likely funny, cartoonish or creative. In Attack of the Stuff, Benton offers up a standalone all-age graphic novel that is unlike anything you’ve ever read. Some readers’ fingers will burn with anticipation through the pages of the book so quickly you’ll need a cup of ice next to it to cool them down at the end of it. Other readers will simply laugh at the puns, illustrations and sheer ridiculousness of the plot. We’re firmly in the first camp and have read the graphic novel several times, finding something new to laugh about each time.

Gird your loins-this is all age graphic novel greatness

MacKids Streaming Schoolhouse, April 27-30 at 1ET with best-selling authors

Suddenly everyone’s a school teacher, and I mean that in the highest form of a compliment. With most school age children at home doing virtual learning to some degree; it’s a great time for some complementary classroom instructors. Macmillan Publishers, home to some of our favorite children’s authors is having MacKids Streaming Schoolhouse from April 27-30 at 1:00 PM ET. The lessons will include art, science, social studies, language arts and your instructors will be best-selling authors.

Break up the home schooling with online classes by best-selling authors, for free

Infinity Train Book 1, available on DVD and streaming now

From the first moment I saw the trailer and heard the synopsis for Infinity Train I knew it would be one that we’d thoroughly enjoy. A young girl stumbles onto a train where everything defies reality and she’s unable to get back home. Created by Owen Dennis a writer and storyboard artist on Adventure Time, Infinity Train reminded us of what The Wizard of Oz, mixed with Snowpiercer and aspects of The Matrix. Oh –and the look is reminiscent of a Cartoon Network show with more anime-esque elements than you’d expect. Infinity Train, Book 1 didn’t disappoint and is now available on DVD and streaming.

For ages 7 and up, this is part OZ, Matrix and Snowpiercer