Melanie's Picks

OKSI, by Mari Ohokoivu

Reviewed by: 
Melanie
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Oksi By Mari Ahokoivu, Silja-Maaria Aronpuro (Translated by) Cover Image

Oksi (Paperback)

By Mari Ahokoivu, Silja-Maaria Aronpuro (Translated by)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781646141128
Availability: Click Title to See Location Inventory
Published: Levine Querido - October 26th, 2021

Fan of graphic novels? Folklore? Add Oksi to your collection!

Hauntingly beautiful. Compelling. Even if, like me, you are not too familiar with Finnish mythology. I enjoyed all 391 pages in one sitting, but found myself pausing enough to really appreciate the visuals and themes. A truly immersive reading experience.

Barb The Last Berzerker, by Dan and Jason

Reviewed by: 
Melanie
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Barb the Last Berzerker By Dan Abdo, Jason Patterson, Dan & Jason, Dan Abdo (Illustrator), Jason Patterson (Illustrator) Cover Image

Barb the Last Berzerker (Hardcover)

By Dan Abdo, Jason Patterson, Dan & Jason, Dan Abdo (Illustrator), Jason Patterson (Illustrator)
$13.99
ISBN: 9781534485716
Availability: Click Title to See Location Inventory
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - September 28th, 2021

Oh no! The Berzerkers - or Zerks, legendary warriors who fight on the side of humans in the war against monsters - are trapped by the evil WitchHead. Barb was always told she's too small or too young to help. But now she's their only hope! Follow Barb's awesome adventures as she travels to the Northern Zerks for help. Along the way, she expectedly fights monsters. She surprisingly saves and befriends monsters, too. These characters are zany and impossible not to like. (I dare you not to fall in love with Porkchop the Yeti.) The artwork is bold and powerful - simple and scribbly AND detailed and nuanced. The thematic elements hold positive messages. And Barb is one fierce, brave, kind, compassionate, vulnerable, smart heroine. No wonder that by the end, an eclectic bunch of new friends joins her to save them all. Pure entertainment! I can't wait for the next book.

Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulson

Reviewed by: 
Melanie
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Garlic and the Vampire By Bree Paulsen, Bree Paulsen (Illustrator) Cover Image

Garlic and the Vampire (Paperback)

By Bree Paulsen, Bree Paulsen (Illustrator)
$15.99
ISBN: 9780062995087
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Quill Tree Books - September 28th, 2021

Short and sweet, but packed with good stuff -- folklore, friendship, endearing characters, adventure and triumph, and delightful graphics.