Daddy Mojo

The Torchbearers satisfyingly finishes the Darkdeep mglit trilogy series

That headline sounds likes like a backhanded compliment. It isn’t meant to be but does require a little history. The Darkdeep, the first book in the series was a perfect example of mglit escapism. It set up a world where the kids felt real and the dangers they eventually discovered were equally as scary. The Beast was good but was muddled at times. There was so much happening that the broader world that the kids and the Darkdeep created was confusing and felt like too much. Ironically, in The Torchbearers, authors Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs say hold my drink; amp up the action, widen the book’s scope and end the series in a way that’s fun to read for ages eleven and up.

The TOrchbearers rounds the Darkeep series with ooomph

Arkhamaniacs, a DC Comics graphic novel that runs with glee for 8 and up

When I was a younger man, the Muppet Babies rubbed me the wrong way. I saw the ‘babyization’ of already famous characters represented as infants or babies as robbing the tomb of my childhood. It should also be said that I was also 22 and had a friend who seriously started a petition to remove Barney from PBS because he was annoying. The ’90s, combined with being in your twenties and trying to find yourself was a wacky time wasn’t it? With that mindset clearly in the rearview mirror, I read Arkhamaniacs. I also gave it to our kids to read. Our nine-year-old loved the graphic novel and immediately curled up in bed to read it.

An original all-age graphic novel that immediately attracts 8-year-olds

Blades of Freedom, a smart mglit graphic novel that entertains

In speaking with our elementary school library one of their biggest desires is for kids to read more non-fiction books. For those older elementary students, as well as, anyone who appreciates smart books that educate through humor and real events the Hazardous Tales series must be on your list. Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales is an ongoing graphic novel series on Amulet Books that cover a variety of people, events, or things. They’re also some of the best, not to mention educational series of books that have the potential to engage young readers on real-life happenings. Blades of Freedom is the tenth book in the series and it brings the elements that fans enjoyed from earlier books, but also digs deeper into history and unknown nuggets.

An educational… and fun non-fiction graphic novel? yup.

The Fallen Hero, a sequel that delivers for middle school readers

I didn’t read The Dragon Warrior. I started reading it, but got jammed up with life, birthdays, work, and then suddenly (one year later…) The Fallen Hero came out. Our ten-year-old read The Dragon Warrior and said that I should read it, but I was too busy planning his birthday, going over his schoolwork, teaching, or otherwise adulting. The Fallen Hero picks up shortly after the events in The Dragon Warrior, and just like that book, our now 11-year-old highly recommends this book.

The Fallen Hero goes deeper into the fun end of Chinese mythology pool

KIBO 10 Home Edition, go-to coding at home for ages 4-7

I am not a coding teacher. However, after trying to teach two elementary-aged students the basics of coding in a number of different ways I have determined the common stumbling block that both of them had. It has to do with the go, stop, turn left, go, stop, rotate, go, blink, go, conundrum. We reviewed a great product from Kinderlab Robotics the other year that was awesome but did have a high price point and geared at classrooms. That robot solved the aforementioned issue that our kids had in learning coding, and now they’ve released the KIBO 10 Home Edition that does so at a much friendlier level to your purse strings.

Coding need not be greek for those aged 4-7

Christmas Parade brings this classic world some seasonal charm

Sandra Boynton is a book treasure. She’s been publishing her distinctive animals with their happy faces, catchy songs, giddy situations and comfort-book food since the early 70’s. Christmas Parade takes her menagerie of critters and puts them center stage in the parade that goes past the pig’s house. They hear the big booms and are initially scared, but then squeal with delight when they realize what’s really happening. If you’ve got a newborn through crawler this is one of the Christmas books that they’ll grow up with and fall asleep to.

Boynton Board book magic

A Natural History of Fairies is THE book on this winged species

“What’s this book about”, our nine-year-old asked. He then started to look through it and was engaged. I told him that it’s about fairies, where they live, what they do, and the different types of them. “Is the tooth fairy in it?”, he asked. The moment he heard “no, but….”, he closed the book and ran to the bathroom to coincidentally brush his teeth.

Fairies are real and if you can’t see them it’s because you don’t want to. That’s the kind of person who would enjoy A Natural History of Fairies. If you’re dubious, look closer at the book and your opinion will morph. Much like the green patch of moss under the tree that suddenly looks like it could be a landing pad or pillow for an imp that’s trying hard not to be seen. It starts from the moment you feel the cloth, embossed cover, with the smooth illustration and the start to marvel at the details and love that went into that one image.

Fairies wear boots and this book has them all

All age comic books for December 16

It’s a typical slow, late December week for new comic book day. There are a couple of new all-age comic books, including one must-read release, plus a graphic novel that will be one of the most sought-after new releases this winter. Cat Kit Comic Club is the new Dog Man. He ran his course and Cat Kid, his partner in crime fighting fun has their own series from elementary book juggernaut Dav Pilkey. This graphic novel was available at Target last week and is out at any book retailer this week. DC Comics also has Scooby Doo Where Are #107 hitting comic book stores. This series is only $2.99 and flies out of elementary school libraries when they have copies.

Power Rangers, a new monthly series from Boom! Studios and Doctor Who Comics are some of the other new all-age comic books out. It’s weeks like this where it’s also a great opportunity to catch up on releases you missed or to experiment on new titles that you have always been curious about.

Issues, issues, all age comic book issues