SNOOPY: BOOGIE DOWN! by Charles Schulz

I grew up reading “Peanuts” and I’m happy to see that the love of the series is being passed down with the publication of SNOOPY: BOOGIE DOWN! This is the 11^th collection of “Peanuts” books published by Andrew McMeel that is aimed at younger readers. Unlike some of the other books in the series, this book doesn’t feature Snoopy more than any of the other regular “Peanuts” characters. Instead, it takes its title from a storyline where Linus accidently gives his blanket to a new girl who moves in and gets Snoopy to help him get it back. Snoopy attempts to do so by pulling out is dance movies, specifically his disco dance moves. Snoopy has some battles with the cat next door, Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin during Halloween, and Sally talks to the wall at school. Spike makes a short visit in this collection; I always liked it when Snoopy’s brothers would visit him (I liked Olaf slightly better). SNOOPY: BOOGIE DOWN! is aimed at young readers at it’s a good collection to do so. There are a few references that the kids might have to have explained to them (I don’t think anyone younger than 35 knows what disco is), but that’s about the only unusual thing about the collection. Highly recommended for “Peanuts” fans both young and old as well as a way to introduce someone to “Peanuts.” New copies of the book include a poster of the book cover.

SNOOPY TO THE RESCUE

Although this book is entitled, SNOOPY TO THE RESCUE it could have easily been called "Hurry, Charlie Brown" or "This Is My Year" because while Snoopy does appear in about a third of the comic, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and several of the other Peanuts characters appear in just as many. The title is taken from a short storyline where Lucy throws Schroeder's piano up into a tree, which turns out to be the nefarious kite-eating tree and they call in the rescue squad, which happens to be Snoopy. Two other longer storylines collected here include one where Snoopy goes off to find his Mom and another where Snoopy flies to the moon. The last part of the book has some information about the U.S. space program and Peanuts.  There's also a page talking about Peteluma and the World Wrist Wrestling Championship. Overall, SNOOPY TO THE RESCUE is a pretty decent "Peanuts" collection for readers and/or fans of just about any age.

Book Review: MAKE WAY FOR THE KING OF THE JUNGLE

First published in 1995, MAKE WAY FOR THE KING OF THE JUNGLE is a collection of “Peanuts” strips that features strips from the last 6-7 years of “Peanuts” original run. Overall, this collection features many of the usual “Peanuts” standbys: Snoopy being the WWI flying ace, the kite-eating tree, Linus & his security blanket, Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin, Lucy in the psychiatrist’s booth, Charlie Brown playing baseball, and Snoopy and Woodstock partaking in various adventures. The book covers both Christmas & Valentine’s Day, too. Spike also shows up from time to time. However, personally, what I like best about these collections are the longer storylines and MAKE WAY FOR THE KING OF THE JUNGLE has one really good one that features Charlie Brown. Charlie Brown quits school to devote his life to making Snoopy happy. The story is kind of strange, yet very tenderhearted. Overall, although MAKE WAY FOR THE KING OF THE JUNGLE is a decent collection of “Peanuts” strips.

Book Review: SNOOPY'S TENNIS BOOK

Charles Schulz incorporated sports into “Peanuts” strips. In SNOOPY’S TENNIS BOOK, Schulz gathers together a various strips featuring Snoopy playing tennis.  The book includes an introduction by Billy Jean King. Some of the strips are part of a series (such as Snoopy being paired with Molly Volley in a doubles tournament), but many are just single offerings. About half-way through the book, there is a series of colored sketches that feature “Snoopy at Wimbledon.” The end of the book features “Snoopy’s Tournament Tips” that is a collection of 17 tips from Snoopy about playing in a tennis tournament.  SNOOPY’S TENNIS BOOK is now more of a collector’s item, but it’s initial appeal is for fans of Snoopy and anyone who likes tennis.

Book Review: SNOOPY COWABUNGA!

It's difficult to believe that Charles Schulz passed away in 2000. However, Schulz drew nearly 18,000 "Peanuts" strips in his life and "Peanuts" continues to carry on after his death. SNOOPY COWABUNGA! is a collection of "Peanuts" strips that mostly focuses on Snoopy. These strips have been published at least twice before in newspapers: they were published once when Schulz was alive and they were republished again after his death. There are dates listed next to the comics, but these dates refer to the second newspaper printings and not the original newspaper printings. I'm a huge fan of Charlie Brown and the "Peanuts" and I love seeing new books out that are being marketed towards younger people. Schulz always did that when he was alive and I'm glad that it continues.

At the end of the book there is a how to list of some activities kids can do: how to make a Woodstock bird feeder, how to make a Snoopy's doghouse origami; and how to make a Snoopy finger puppet. There are also some facts about Charles Schulz as well as a short history of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and some questions for reflection. There's also a list of places to go for further information. New versions of the book also contain a pull-out poster of the book's cover. Lastly, along the side margins of SNOOPY COWABUNGA! there is a flip book.

SNOOPY COWABUNGA! is not a complete "Peanuts" collection or treasury. Instead, it's a collection of "Peanuts" comics mostly having to do with Snoopy and is aimed at children.