Oliver Twist

Gr 3–6—Literary classics retold in a graphic-novel format. Spreads mostly consist of eight or nine small panels, with each one accompanied by heavily abridged text from the original stories. Definitions of more difficult words are included on the bottom of each page to help struggling readers. The layouts feel cramped, with little variation and no full-page spreads to capitalize on the medium. Gelev's illustrations, although technically sound, do not convey the various moods and incredible settings found in these novels. Instead, pictures usually focus on profiles of expressionless characters and bland action shots that lack any sense of urgency. Word bubbles do nothing to show feeling or character depth but simply help to move the story along. Each volume ends with an author biography, time line, and a few articles that provide some background into the text; although these segments are very well done, they are not enough to consider the books for purchase. Instead, take a look at the "Marvel Illustrated" versions of these tales-although meant for an older audience, they have far superior artwork and storytelling.—Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, WI