Graphic Novel Review: STINKY CECIL IN OPERATION POND RESCUE

STINKY CECIL IN OPERATION POND RESCUE is a graphic novel written especially for kids that follows Stinky Cecil, a toad who lives in a small pond, and his friends as they attempt to stop a new highway from bulldozing their home.  In addition to Cecil there's Jeremy the worm, RayRay the lizard, Reggie a fly who only lives five days and then is born again, and Jeff the hamster. Although Cecil is the title character, Jeff is the coolest as he lives in a tree with an elevator and has his own remote-controlled car that he drives around in. The friends do everything they can to try to stop the bulldozers including appealing to their arch-enemy the hawk. I really enjoyed STINKY CECIL IN OPERATION POND RESCUE. The story was fun and entertaining and included several layers of humor. The art was playful and the overall message of the story was much more subtle than it usually is in children's books. Overall, it's a great children's graphic novel.

Book Review: LIVING THE DREAM

LIVING THE DREAM is a treasury of "Mutts" comic strips that features both the daily black and white strips and Sunday colored strips. The strips in the book are mostly from 2013. Not all of the strips from the year are presented and they aren't all presented in sequence. "Mutts" features the Earl the dog and Mooch the cat in a variety of situations. There are both pop culture and literary illusions and, of course, the strong theme of animal welfare. In addition, the little pink sock makes an appearance. Great book for any comic strip reader who likes animals.

Dr. Seuss and Hamlet

"The Argyle Sweater" Saturday, January 31, 2015

Graphic Novel Review: THEA STILTON #3: THE TREASURE OF THE VIKING SHIP

Set in the world of Geronimo Stilton, THEA STILTON #3: THE TREASURE OF THE VIKING SHIP follows the adventures of the Thea sisters, a group of female mice at Mouseford Academy who are mentored by Thea Stilton. Chronologically, this book seems to take place in the late fall and winter and after the events of THEA STILTON #2: REVENGE OF THE LIZARD CLUB. In this book, Professor Van Kraken discovers a long-lost Viking ship in a secret cove that has been preserved from decay. They want to extrapolate the ship and bring it to Whale Island to be put on display in the museum, but it will cost a fortune to do so. In order to raise funds, the citizens agree to donate a portion of the funds from their annual mid-winter fair to the cause.  Along the way, the Thea Sisters discover a recipe for a new perfume. Word about the new perfume leaks out and Vissia de Vissen is determined to get her hands on the formula for it, no matter the cost. Although the series is definitely marketed towards girls, THEA STILTON #3: THE TREASURE OF THE VIKING SHIP is a story that boys will probably enjoy, too. Reading level for the book is for those in 2nd-5th grades. Personally, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading another book in the Thea Stilton series.

Pastis for the Pun

"The Argyle Sweater" Dec. 30, 2014

 "Pearls Before Swine" is my favorite comic strip that's currently being published. "The Argyle Sweater" is my favorite one-panel strip that's currently being published. The author & creator of "Pearls Before Swine" is Stephan Pastis and he has become notorious for all the elaborate puns he makes in his strip. I love this homage/mash-up of that.

These DRINKING HABITS Aren't a Sin

So, in three days this wonderful and hilarious little show I've been directing finally opens. The show's called Drinking Habits and it revolves around the nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing, a small convent in Shady Glenn, Anywhere, USA. The Mother Superior of the convent is a very strict teetotaler who won't even allow anyone to mention a name associated with alcohol. However, unbeknownst to her, the two other sisters in the convent have been keeping the doors of their convent open by bootlegging wine on the side and selling it to the locals.  A possible early frost threatens their harvest.  Meanwhile, someone submitted one of the bottles of wine into a major competition where is won a huge sum on money. The only problem is no one knows for sure who made it. A couple of reporters suspect it's the nuns and they show up to investigate, but get mistaken for a nun and visiting priest. Through in a priest who used to do magic tricks, a simple groundskeeper, and another nun who holds a secret and you've got a show full of hilarity and hijinks. If you happen to be in the Highland, IL area this weekend or next, you should stop by and check it out.

Graphic Novels Challenge 2015

I haven't read any yet, but I am going to attempt to complete the Silver Age Level of the 2015 Graphic Novels Challenge. I was able to complete it for 2014, so I might as well give it a try again this year. Here's to the challenge.

Farewell My Muppets Show

Today the MY MUPPETS SHOW game/app is no longer available for downloading or play. I really enjoyed this game, but they stopped any updates with it about 8 months ago, so it really shouldn't be surprising. It was a fun game, though. Below are some screen shots I took of my game. I had gotten pretty high up and there wasn't much left for me to do, but I was trying to round all my diamond, cash, and food up to a nice even number.

DreamJobbing - The Final Day

So, I'm in this dreamjobbing competition for a chance to be a tv producer for CBS for a week. The competition is fierce, but we're really close to pulling this off. If you haven't voted for me, yet today, please do. It only takes a minute, they won't spam you, and EVERY VOTE COUNTS. Also, today is supposed to be the last day of voting. So, will you help bring this possibility one step closer by getting me to the final round by voting?

DreamJobbing

DreamJobbing - The Long Haul (Please Vote)

So, about a month ago, via Twitter I learned from John Cochran (the SURVIVOR winner who gave hope to all those nerdy guys out there like me) about a contest to win a week dream job as a producer for the tv show THE MILLERS. I made a short video late one night and uploaded it. Since then, THE MILLERS has been cancelled, but I'm in the running to make it to the final round for a chance to work for a week on a CBS tv show!

I'm in this for the long haul, but I have to be in the Top 20 before the voting closes in just 3 days. So, if you would, please take a moment and vote for me. This is a close race and the person in the 19th and 20th position have changed several times the past few days. As I write this, I'm only 85 votes away from being at 20!  Every vote counts. If I ultimately end up winning the contest, this would be an incredibly opportunity and experience for me. However, I really cannot do it without you. So, if you would, please click on the link below, log in (or register) and vote. It only takes a moment. Thank you!

DreamJobbing

Round 2-Dreamjobbing Television Producer

Well, I've made it to Round 2! Thanks to all who voted. Now the real hard part happens. I have to make it into the top 20 vote-getters to move on to Round 3. You can vote once a day. So, please, vote for me and help me get to Hollywood (even if it is only for a week).

DreamJobbing

Turkeys and Flamingoes

Igor Likes Baseball

"Speed Bump" by Dave Coverly, Wednesday,  October 22, 2014

DreamJobbing

I've submitted a video for a contest to win the chance to be a tv producer for a CBS show for a week. You can help me obtain this goal by voting for me through the following link. Vote for me and pass it along. Thanks!

DreamJobbing

Graphic Novel Review: THESEUS AND THE MINOTAUR

THESEUS AND THE MINOTAUR is a graphic novel adaptation of the myth and legends of the Greek hero, Theseus. The book tells the story of both Theseus and the Minotaur, beginning with their somewhat unusual births until their fateful meeting in the Labyrinth of Crete. The book also tells about Theseus' journey home after meeting the Minotaur. The end of the book contains a visual reference guide that provides more information about key characters in the story. In addition, there is an illustrated index at the very end of the book that provides more information about almost all of the characters discussed in the book. Lastly, there phonetic pronunciations for most of the names and places in notes at the bottom of each page. These notes provide readers a valuable service so they can correctly pronounce names and places. THESEUS AND THE MINOTAUR has a suggested reading level for children ages 8 and older. I enjoyed the book's illustrations. Overall, THESEUS AND THE MINOTAUR is a faithful graphic adaptation of the stories of Theseus that works well for introducing middle-aged children (around 4^th grade) to Greek mythology.

Graphic Novel Book Review: BENNY AND PENNY IN LOST AND FOUND!

Benny and his little sister Penny (two mice children) return in their latest Toon Book: BENNY AND PENNY IN LOST AND FOUND! Benny is in a bad mood because he has lost his pirate hat. Penny wants to help her brother find his hat. Benny decides that the best way to find his lost hat is to become lost. At first it's just a game, but then Benny and Penny really get lost. Penny becomes scared and Benny has to overcome his own emotions to help him and Penny find their way back home.

"Benny and Penny" Toon Books are great early graphic novels for children because the characters in the story react like real children react when placed in similar situations. Young children (PreK age) can really relate to these characters. The text is written in a very simple style that make it easy for beginning readers to follow along and the illustrations actually tell a story themselves.

Those who are already familiar with Benny and Penny will be eager to follow their latest adventures in BENNY AND PENNY IN LOST AND FOUND! , but the book is also a good choice for any beginning reader or a young child who is just becoming interested in comic books and graphic novels.