Multi-award-winning author/illustrator Raina Telgemeier (Guts; Smile) and comics expert Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics) combine their prodigious talents to give middle-grade readers a graphic novel that is both a winning story and a charming instructional tool.
Makayla and Howard love to create new tales--Makayla through imagination; Howard through illustration--and decide to join forces to create one cohesive work. But they struggle with combining their separate ideas. Ms. Fatima, the school library's media specialist, explains to Makayla and Howard that they must cooperate with their individual talents: "in comics, you want the pictures and words to work together to tell stories." Makayla and Howard grow so excited about cartooning that they ask Ms. Fatima if they can start a comics club. Fellow schoolmates Art and Lynda join, and the Cartoonists Club is born.
Telgemeier and McCloud create a cast of characters who are each on a genuine comics-discovery journey. Makayla can't decide what is important to share and not share with her readers; Howard's dad doesn't appreciate his illustrations; Art juggles their love of comics with their many other loves; and Lynda is apprehensive about sharing her "really personal" art. The characters break the fourth wall and speak directly to the child reader, both extending an invitation and giving advice on how to create one's own comics. The illustrations are dynamic, with characters exploring their panels, poking their frames, and even noticing readers. An amazingly entertaining "how-to" and a perfect step up for fans of the Cat Kid Comic Club series by Dav Pilkey. --Kharissa Kenner, library media specialist, Churchill School and Center