Mini Reviews
It’s time for another set of mini reviews! I’ve been sitting on this one for awhile, as I finished all the books I’ll be reviewing back in 2019. I just find it difficult to review graphic novels since they are so short! Still, I wanted to talk about these three graphic novels because each of them left me with such a happy feeling and really helped close out my reading year.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Title: The Tea Dragon Society
Author/Illustrator: Katie O’Neill
Source: Borrowed (library)
Rating: ★★★★
Links: Amazon::B&N::TBD::Indiebound
Of the three graphic novels I read, this one was the most adorable. And it’s solely because of the TINY, BABY DRAGONS!! They are so stinkin’ cute 💕
Other than the adorable artwork, the story was quite enjoyable, as well. This is the story of Greta, who saves a tiny dragon from roaming dogs and ends up joining a long defunct society. It’s so interesting learning about not only the dragons, but the world in which both they and Greta live. I also love the incredible diversity that is such an easy part of the story. I think my only gripe with this book is that it’s soooo shooooort! I wanted more! Thankfully, The Tea Dragon Festival, the sequel, is already out there in the world so I can jump back in anytime I want.
Title: Pumpkinheads
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Source: Borrowed (library)
Rating: ★★★★★
Links: Amazon::B&N::TBD::Indiebound
I read this in December, but I felt like I was smack in the middle of spooky season. This is one of those graphic novels that just pulls you into the setting with the gorgeous art and the storytelling. I felt like I was hanging out at the pumpkin patch with Deja and Josiah. This story follows Deja and Josiah on their last day working at the local pumpkin patch. They have worked there every year, but this is not only their last day, but their last year there, as they’ll both be off to college soon. So Deja has decided to help Josiah do the one thing he’s never done at the pumpkin patch: talk to his long-time crush.
I will say that, solely from looking at the cover, I guessed how this book was going to end. And, yet, that didn’t detract from my enjoyment at all! I may have known what was waiting at the end, but the ride was so damn enjoyable that I didn’t care! I absolutely adored this graphic novel! The art was A+, the story was so dang cute, and the ending made my heart go pitter-pat.
I am a huge sap, though, soooooo… 🤷♀️ I thought this was a beautiful story with beautiful art to match!
Title: The Prince and the Dressmaker
Author/Illustrator: Jen Wang
Source: Borrowed (library)
Rating: ★★★★
Links: Amazon::B&N::TBD::Indiebound
This was the last book I read in 2019 and, can I just say, what a way to end out the year!
This is the story of a young seamstress named Frances, who dreams of her skills being adored by the masses. She ends up in the employ of Prince Sebastian, who sometimes wears dresses and loves Frances’ style. Together, they take the Paris fashion scene by storm, but how can Frances and her creations be recognized when no one can know who she is or who she works for?
Uuuuugh, this book hurt me and brought me joy in equal amounts. It was so beautiful! And I’m not just talking about the art, though the art is just *chef’s kiss* This was a touching story about trying to be accepted for who you are. There are definitely rough parts of this story that made me ache, but it is overall a wonderfully hopeful tale. And I recently found out that it’s going to be a movie and I am very excited!
Have you read any of these graphic novels? Do you have any suggestions for ones I should pick up? Let me know in the comments!
And, as always, happy reading!
Kerri McBookNerd 