Daddy Mojo

Investigators Take The Plunge, seriously (p)funny stuff for 8 and up

Have you ever been to an incredible restaurant, but then hesitated to go back? You think that it surely can’t be as good as the first time; they probably changed chefs or the servers have all become surly jerks who doing something on Tik Tok with your food. You want to try something new from the place, but have reservations because things let you down. I was like that with Investigators, which was the first book in the graphic novel series by John Patrick Green. The second book in the series, Investigators Take the Plunge does not disappoint. It doesn’t go all Empire Strikes Back on audiences, but it introduces some new characters and produces almost the same amount of laughs.

Take The Plunge, an all age graphic novel that channels the muppets and Lethal Weapon

Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North, character-centric story for 9 and up

There is something very familiar about Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North. It’s a calm, soothing vibe that readers might not have felt since the last time they saw Duane. He’s a polar bear who lives in the very, very far north where the days can be short if they exist at all, and the nights can be endless. But during the warmer couple of weeks, it’ll be just the opposite. Duane has a lot in common with another easy-going bear in that he’s got some friends that hang out with him too. Aside from his friends, it’s the tone of Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North that will softly hook in readers who are eight and older.

A new anthology series with a classic, homey vibe

All age comic books for September 2

This week in all age comic books is for those who have been screaming for graphic novels. There are seven new all age graphic novels that are great for elementary aged readers. There are slightly fewer graphic novels that are out for middle school readers. But the fact that there are great options this week for pre-k geeklings is awesome and something to be celebrated.

Spider-Man fans of all ages and versions should yell out also. The Amazing Spider-Man Threats and Menaces volume 8 is out and collects issues 37-42 of this great monthly series for middle school readers. Mile Morales: Spider-Man #18 is out for that same age and if your reader is even younger then Miles Morales Spider-Man Little Golden Book hits stores also.

New comic book day is every Wednesday unless you’re looking for something from DC Comics. In that case, they arrive in stores every Tuesday. This week from DC Comics has DC Superhero Girls: Midterms and DC Justice League Christmas Heroes. The former is great for middle school readers and the later is perfect for pre-k through lower elementary emerging readers. For a look at all of this week’s all age comic books just scoot on past the image.

All age comic books with lots of issues ensue

When Pencil Met The Markers runs with energy and fun for ages 4 and up

Celebrate the weird, embrace the relentlessly happy and color outside of the lines. That sounds like an alternate catchphrase from The Magic School Bus. In reality, it’s a phrase that perfectly embodies When Pencil Met The Markers. When Pencil Met The Markers manages to hit all of these hallmarks in an illustrated book that could’ve been as effective as a peach marker trying to write on a polyurethaned table. Instead, the book delivers a joyous story that any kid will enjoy.

When Pencil Met The Markers is a familiar tale that’s offered in a superior way. This is a simple illustrated story that can demo older and is a great good-night book

A great, good-night book is a thing to celebrate, this is one of them.

Do Not Go In There!, a glass half-full/full glass illustrated book

Do Not Go In There! is an illustrated book that looks at the two types of people. Some see the glass half full and those who see it as half empty. It’s a world made up of people who see possibilities and others who see reasons why something shouldn’t be done. Morton and Bogart are the two creatures that toss about the pros and cons in the book. They’re best friends, but like most best friends they don’t see eye to eye on everything.

Great premise, but the execution has been done better

All Welcome Here, a back to school primer that works in any year

2020 is a year that will be remembered for many different things. Absolutely every aspect of life has been disrupted to some degree. Have you been to the store and seen all of the candy that’s being marketed with Minions: The Rise of Gru on them? While that film will see daylight in the summer of 2021, there’s a fat chance that all of that candy will be around then. Books are something else that’s been put off or feel displaced during these COVID times. In theory, All Welcome Here by James Preller with illustrations by Mary GranPre could be like that, but let’s re-examine our classrooms for this back to school tale.

During any other school year this would be a normal go-to-school book

You’re My Little Baby, keeps the classics coming from Eric Carle

Eric Carle is an institution. When people mention board books for infants The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the first that they’ll say. His illustrations are some of the first styles of art that kids will recognize. If Sandra Boynton is the queen of board books then Eric Carle is the godfather. Thankfully, this is a friendly competition and the only horses that’ll be seen will be at the farm or playing with other critters who are there to amuse crawlers. From the World of Eric Carle comes You’re My Little Baby. This board book has the hallmark look of classic Carle but adds touch-and-feel or other interactive elements that will further make those crawlers learn to love to read.

You’re My Little Baby is the latest from the World of Eric Carle and is just as timeless as you remember, regardless of when that was.

There is a difference in board books-and this is near the top

Bringing Back The Wolves, the perfect nexus of art and eco education

Middle school students do not need to fear illustrated books and Bringing Back The Wolves is a great example of that. In 1926 Yellowstone National Park has so many wolves that the government offered a bounty for each one that was killed. Around that time thousands of people moving west and wolves were the apex predator to beat. They were attacking cattle with ease which drove a wedge of fear to those farmers who were trying to feed the massive amount of people. Bringing Back The Wolves takes a surprisingly detailed look at the unforeseen effects of these actions and how that environment rebounded.

Wolves, art, education and more in an illustrated book