Comics Squad: Recess!

Gr 2–5—An all-star lineup of graphic novel notables contributes original works to this anthology, sharing the common thread of recess. Holm's Babymouse and Jarrett Krosoczka's Betty characters make appearances in their own vignettes, presented in orange-tinted, two-color palettes, while other characters, such as Eric Wight's Jiminy Sprinkles and Vernon's Scratch and Squeak, make their debut. A wide range of writing styles is featured, from Yang's 18 disciplines of the ninja to Dav Pilkey's tale of George and Harold's invented spelling in their "Tree House Comix," and in each entry, the storytelling is strong and the art reflects each cartoonist's unique style. Two stories that particularly stand out are "300 Words" by Dan Santat and "The Rainy Day Monitor" by Raina Telgemeier and Dave Roman. In Santat's tale, two boys forget to complete a 300-word assignment on Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree. Having only recess to complete the task, one painstakingly counts his words to meet the required quota in a scene that will elicit audible giggles. The other boy attempts to ask a female classmate if he could copy from her paper, all the while recalling a stomach-turning mishap with said female during the school play. The result is a touching and sweet story that will stick with readers. Telgemeier and Roman's story involves a tabletop game of kickball so fun that kids stuck indoors for recess may be quick to follow suit. This anthology will serve children well as an introduction to a variety of comic-creating talents.—Matthew C. Winner, Ducketts Lane Elementary School, Elkridge, MD