Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock Classics

Gr 3–5—Few franchises spark more nostalgia in children of the '80s than Fraggle Rock, but this Jim Henson creation will likely be of interest to today's kids as well. The book is a collection of four comics originally published in 1985 that have been "digitally remastered" for a new generation. The stories follow a group of five multicolored creatures living in the underground world of Fraggle Rock. Themes of imagination, following dreams, and facing fears play into each episode, as the Fraggles venture into outer space while avoiding Doc; his dog, Sprocket; or the odd Gorgs. Few words are wasted introducing the characters and their universe, which might create a small barrier to entry for some readers. Some of the plots are flimsy, leading to abrupt conclusions. Visually, the book holds a lot of appeal, with vivid colors, unique-looking characters, and simple efficient panel layouts. Graphic-novel collections will survive without it, but Fraggle Rock Classics brings an element of quirky fun to the mix.—Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI