After polishing off their pancakes and coffee at the diner, Marissa, Ty, Radwa and Garrett make their way to the cemetery to get drunk and summon a ghost. It is Halloween, after all.
At the cemetery, the group find a nineteenth century mausoleum. Inside is essentially a cabinet of curiosities, including a creepy automaton.
To all the dreamers who seek what is lost: make a wish
Naturally, everyone makes a wish and then … they’re not in New Jersey anymore.
It turns out creepy automaton guy is Tom. Tom wants to attend the ball but he’s missing some teeth and the way he sees it, Marissa, Ty, Radwa and Garrett are just the boozed up kids he needs to retrieve said teeth.
Having only just arrived in Confetti Realms, the kids don’t know the lay of the land. It’s a good thing Tom has a map.
The kids brought their baggage with them so there’s some friendship dramas and misunderstandings to clear up along the way. There’s also a bunch of creatures to meet and bargain with in their quest for the missing molars.
I particularly liked the axolotl wearing pearls and Moira. I wanted to spend more time with Moira and learn her backstory.
I initially really liked our four accidental dimension travellers. However, their arguing distracted me at times from fully appreciating the details of the world they had been transported to and the array of characters that inhabited it.
I loved the artwork and the colour palette. I enjoyed exploring this world but would have liked to have had more of a chance to get to know the creatures I was introduced to there.
This was a fun Halloween read that made me crave pancakes and add riding a giant centipede to my bucket list.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Maverick and Mad Cave Studios for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
On Halloween night, when the moon is full, teenagers get up to mischief. But when an encounter with a giant, sentient puppet in a graveyard sends four teens to a mysterious dimension called the Confetti Realms, they must overcome obstacles in their own friendships – and collect the debted teeth owed to the puppet – in order to make their way home.
But the allure of staying in a fantasy world is a hard one to beat, and going home to their normal lives is starting to sound less and less appealing for some. Will these friends return home?
Featuring a diverse cast of characters, this Tim Burton-esque, comedic, modern, and high-energy story is written by Eisner Award-winner Nadia Shammas, with art by Karnessa and colours by Hackto Oshiro.
It’s Stephen Graham Jones. It’s time travel. It’s a sci-fi slasher.
Even if I wasn’t already convinced by those selling points, I would have only needed to take one look at Rafael Albuquerque’s incredible cover artwork to decide I needed this graphic novel in my life.
Welcome to 2112. It’s a good thing time travel exists so we can go back and prevent the apocalypse which, if I’m being completely honest, arrived later than I thought it would.
So, who in our group of outcasts are we going to send back in time to save the world? Humanity’s best hope is … a linguist with no fighting experience.
Go back in time. Kill Columbus. Save the world from America.
I hope Tad’s ready for a steep learning curve.
This volume includes the first six issues of the series. I love the concept and am keen to find out what the world will look like if Tad succeeds in his mission. I think I need a reread, though, to remove some lingering questions marks above my head.
While I had no trouble following what was happening in 1492, 2112 baffled me at times. I ended up borrowing the six individual issues from the library but they didn’t include the helpful summaries I was hoping would help me fill in the blanks.
I expect my experience with this graphic novel will mirror that of the first volume of Monstress. At first I didn’t really get it. A reread converted me and it became one of my favourites. I’m looking forward to saying the same about Earthdivers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
The year is 2112, and it’s the apocalypse exactly as expected: rivers receding, oceans rising, civilisation crumbling. Humanity has given up hope, except for a group of Indigenous outcasts who have discovered a time travel portal in a cave in the desert and figured out where everything took a turn for the worst: America.
Convinced that the only way to save the world is to rewrite its past, they send one of their own — a reluctant linguist named Tad — on a bloody, one-way mission to 1492 to kill Christopher Columbus before he reaches the so-called New World. But there are steep costs to disrupting the timeline, and taking down an icon isn’t an easy task for an academic with no tactical training and only a wavering moral compass to guide him. As the horror of the task ahead unfolds and Tad’s commitment is tested, his actions could trigger a devastating new fate for his friends and the future.
Join Stephen Graham Jones and artist Davide Gianfelice for Earthdivers, Vol. 1, the beginning of an unforgettable ongoing sci-fi slasher spanning centuries of America’s Colonial past to explore the staggering forces of history and the individual choices we make to survive it.
You know when you can’t wait to read the final book in a series but at the same time you don’t want to read it because once you reach the end, it’s the end? Welcome to my Sheets dilemma.
Marjorie and Wendell have lived in my heart for five years now. Eliza joined them two years ago. Lights gave me Wendell’s story, which I have needed to know since the day I met him, but I’m still not ready to say goodbye to this trio of outcasts.
I love them individually but I love them even more when they’re together. That’s not to say I wasn’t ready to give one of the characters a talking to at one point, but they came good in the end.
Grief and loneliness have weaved their way through this trilogy, and sadness and some anger have accompanied them. There’s also been friendship, messy and complicated, but also wonderful.
I loved Tierney at first sneer. For someone who could have been cast as the villain, and was in many areas of her life, she had a complexity that drew me to her. I kept wanting more page time with her.
After being wowed by the artwork in the first two graphic novels in the series, I expected a lot from this one and wasn’t disappointed. Before you read a word, you know from the colour palette alone that you are in the world of Sheets.
It’s inviting and soothing and lovely. Wendell’s past came with its own set of colours so, at a glance, you knew which time period you were in. Young Wendell is absolutely adorable.
Am I sad that it’s over? Of course. Am I glad I was along for the ride? Absolutely.
Bring on whatever Brenna Thummler creates next.
“How could anyone forget you?”
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
Marjorie Glatt’s life was forever changed the day she discovered a group of ghosts hiding in her family’s laundromat. One of those ghosts was Wendell: a lonely phantom turned Marjorie’s best friend. When he and Marjorie are joined by ghost-enthusiast Eliza Duncan, the three friends band together in friendship, bravery, and all things paranormal.
Wendell died far too young and now must wander the Land of Humans with nothing more than a sheet for a body. He knows how he died — a tragic drowning accident — but lately he’s grown curious about his past life. He wants to know more about why he died, not just how he died. It’s not easy, though, since Wendell’s memory of his human life has grown increasingly blurry. With Marjorie and Eliza’s help, they set out on a journey to find out more. When they hear a rumour about Wendell’s death, they wonder if it might not have been an accident after all. Meanwhile, Marjorie and Eliza’s friendship is tested when Marjorie starts to befriend the very people who used to bully Eliza.
In the third and final instalment of the Sheets trilogy, Wendell will finally uncover the truth of his human life. Marjorie and Eliza will learn that some people really can change. Most of all, they start to see that everything can cast shadows, but if you look hard enough, you can find the light.
Today I have the privilege of interviewing Remy Lai, the author of GHOST BOOK.
Hi Remy. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me.
GHOST BOOK was one of my most anticipated graphic novel reads of the year. It exceeded my expectations and I loved it even more during my reread.
What inspired you to write this book?
July and William popped into my head and wouldn’t leave. I knew they are friends, William is a ghost, and one would sacrifice for the other. But the story didn’t click into place until years later when I figured out Hungry Ghosts play a role. From there, I drew inspiration from the Chinese myths and stories that I grew up with.
July and William meet. That’s Floof on William’s head. I adore Floof!
Hungry Ghost Month is about the gates of the underworld opening. How much fun was it creating your version of the underworld?
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most fun, it was 20. I mean, to be honest, when I was in the thick of drawing street market scenes, I thought the fun score was a 2, because it was so time-consuming and I felt trapped in a never-ending loop of drawing street vendors and crowds. But the end product is so worth it.
Even though it was easy for me to connect emotionally with both July and William, I didn’t expect to get misty-eyed. How do you create characters that readers care about?
I try show the characters as truthfully as I can, from their strengths to their flaws and vulnerabilities.
All of the Hungry Ghosts fascinated me but my current favourite is Needle-throat Ghost. Do you have a favourite Hungry Ghost? What’s their backstory?
The vomit-licking Hungry Ghost is probably the most fun to draw because of the long tongue. When they were alive, they must have done something heinous involving puke.
July and her classmates encounter a Hungry Ghost
Dumplings play a pivotal role in this graphic novel and I found myself craving them as I read. I have to ask, how many dumplings were consumed in the name of research during the creation of this graphic novel?
298. Which isn’t excessive considering it took me 8 months to draw this book.
You’ve said that you create the artwork for your books digitally using an iPad. What apps do you use? Do you have a favourite brush?
Clip Studio and Photoshop. No favourite brush as I use different ones for different books — whichever is best to tell that story.
If you could spend time with a character in this book, who would it be and what would you do together?
Heibai Wuchang. They’re hilariously solemn, and I’d like to try to tell them a joke so good they’d laugh. Or at least chuckle.
What do you want readers to take away from July and William’s story?
That a little kindness might mean the world to someone.
What are July and William doing now?
They’re probably having another adventure. I think there’s another story set in the world of GHOST BOOK. I just haven’t figured it out yet.
What’s next for you?
I have a much, much spookier book coming out next year titled READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. It’s an illustrated prose book about a girl who played an Ouija board-like game and unleashed an evil that started communicating with her in her journal.
That sounds incredible! I can’t wait to read it!
Lastly, is there anything else you’d like readers to know that we haven’t already covered?
During Hungry Ghost Month, do not go swimming.
Based on what I’ve read about Hungry Ghost Month, that is very good advice. It’s been an absolute honour talking to you today, Remy.
Thank you so much for having me! I’m so glad you enjoyed GHOST BOOK!
GHOST BOOK is published by Allen & Unwin. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend you grab a copy.
Remy Lai writes and draws for kids. She is the author and illustrator of the critically acclaimed PIE IN THE SKY, FLY ON THE WALL, PAWCASSO, and the junior graphic novel series SURVIVING THE WILD. Her latest book is the spooky graphic novel GHOST BOOK. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, where she can often be found exploring the woods with her two dogs —Poop Roller and Bossy Boots. Sometimes, she eats ice cream for breakfast.
Once Upon a Blurb
Twelve years ago, the boy and the girl lived. But one was supposed to die …
July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren’t real. So she pretends they don’t exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it’s Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He’s a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth – for William to live, July must die.
Inspired by Chinese mythology, this resoundingly hopeful tale about friendship, sacrifice and the unseen world of ghosts is a dazzling heir to beloved Studio Ghibli classics.
Oxhead and Horseface had one job. I guess underworld training isn’t what it used to be…
We catch up with them twelve years later, when cause has had sufficient time to become effect. We join the effect during Hungry Ghost Month.
THE GATES OF THE UNDERWORLD ARE OPEN!
July Chen does her very best to pretend she can’t see ghosts, primarily because it upsets her father. July may as well be a ghost herself because she makes no lasting impression on anyone. Her classmates don’t even remember her.
Then she meets ghost boy William Xiao and his floofy companion, Floof. Only ghost boy isn’t actually a ghost. He is a wandering soul and the “luckiest unluckiest boy”. On the plus side, he can remember July!
This was one of my most anticipated graphic novel reads of the year and it didn’t disappoint. I loved July and William as individuals but it was their friendship that sucked me in.
Sometimes I don’t connect as deeply with graphic novel characters as those I meet in novels. This wasn’t the case here. However, I didn’t realise how much I was invested in their friendship until I was surprised by a misty eyed moment.
Unacceptable. Anarchy.
I enjoyed my second read even more than my first. I teared up much earlier but I was also able to appreciate details I missed when I devoured the story the first time.
It was so much fun browsing with underworld inhabitants at the Dire Market. I had trouble choosing the best Hungry Ghost; my current favourite is Needle-throat Ghost. Floof stole my heart and can sit on my head whenever they want.
The illustrations are the perfect complement to the story. There’s some sweet and some creepy. The characters are expressive, particularly June.
This story explores loss, sacrifice and the bonds of friendship and family. I won’t forget my trip to the underworld anytime soon. I hold the author personally responsible for my ongoing craving for dumplings.
A broken heart is a heart that has loved and been loved.
Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Title: Ghost Book Author: Remy Lai Publisher: Allen & Unwin Published: 1 August 2023 RRP: AUD $19.99
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
Twelve years ago, the boy and the girl lived. But one was supposed to die …
July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren’t real. So she pretends they don’t exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it’s Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He’s a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth – for William to live, July must die.
Inspired by Chinese mythology, this resoundingly hopeful tale about friendship, sacrifice and the unseen world of ghosts is a dazzling heir to beloved Studio Ghibli classics.
There’s a part of me that will never forgive Ann M. Martin for making me love a senior dog. If I know a dog isn’t going to survive a book, I refuse to read it and I blame Louie for that.
I ugly cried through the novel this week and now it’s the graphic novel’s turn. I don’t know whether it’s worse to imagine Louie’s final days or see them laid out before you panel after panel.
This is my first Chan Chau BSC graphic novel and they’ve done a really good job of adapting this story but, with all due respect, I don’t think I will ever read Louie’s story again.
Rather than getting the tissues out, here are the main differences I noticed between the book and graphic novel.
Book: Kristy’s alarm goes off at 6:45am. Graphic novel: Kristy’s alarm goes off at 6:30am.
Book: Kristy says “Poor old Louie” twice, when she feels his cold paws and when David Michael asks her to call Louie to her. Graphic novel: Kristy only says “Poor old Louie” when David Michael asks her to call Louie to her.
Book: Shannon Kilbourne has thick, curly blonde hair. Graphic novel: Shannon Kilbourne has straight, dark brown hair.
Book: After saying the neighbourhood kids look like snob clones, Kristy board the school bus. She calls out, “Good-bye, snobs”, to which Shannon replies, “‘Bye, jerk-face”. Kristy pokes her tongue out at Shannon. Graphic novel: After saying the neighbourhood kids look like snob clones, Kristy board the school bus. Kristy pokes her tongue out at Shannon. Shannon responds in kind.
Book: Kristy talks to Mimi downstairs in the kitchen. Because of Mimi’s stroke, her speech isn’t perfect. Graphic novel: Kristy calls down the Mimi, who is sitting downstairs having tea (probably special tea), as she goes upstairs to the BSC meeting. Mimi’s speech appears unaffected by her stroke.
Book: Charlie, Kristy and David Michael take Louie to his first vet appointment. Graphic novel: The three kids and their mother take Louie to his first vet appointment.
Book: Priscilla, the purebred cat, cost $400. Graphic novel: Priscilla, the purebred cat, cost $4000.
Book: Mary Anne babysits Myriah and Gabbie Perkins. Jamie Newton storms off and goes back home after upsetting Gabbie. Graphic novel: Logan is at the Perkins’ home as well. Jamie Newton stays for the tea party.
Book: All of the furniture in the Delaney’s family room is white. Graphic novel: Only the fireplace is white.
Book: Dawn babysits her younger brother, Jeff. It doesn’t go well. She cries about the situation during the next BSC meeting. Graphic novel: Jeff isn’t mentioned at all.
Book: The fish fountain cost $2000. Graphic novel: The fish fountain cost $20000. Basically, we’re adding a 0 to every price.
Book: Mallory helps Claudia babysit her siblings. Graphic novel: Jessi is there, too.
Book: Karen and Andrew are there when Louie gets sicker. Graphic novel: Karen and Andrew (and Boo-Boo) nap with David Michael and Louie. This is really sweet and doesn’t involve the trauma of seeing Louie get much worse. Louie also doesn’t end up going down the basement stairs.
Book: Watson stays in the car during Louie’s final vet appointment. Graphic novel: Watson stays in the reception area with Kristy and David Michael during Louie’s final vet appointment.
Book: Brother Louie is played on a tape deck. Graphic novel: There’s a CD of Brother Louie.
Book: A cross marks the place where Louie’s belongings are buried. Graphic novel: A gravestone marks the place where Louie’s belongings are buried.
Book: Mary Anne makes the exorcise joke about Ben Brewer. Graphic novel: Jessi makes the exorcise joke about Ben Brewer.
There’s a lot of sad in this story, so I need to leave you with a smile. Andrew is such a good football in this adaptation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
Kristy’s mum got remarried and their family moved to the ritzy neighbourhood across town. The other members of the Baby-sitters Club think it’s a good opportunity to get some new business, but the kids who live nearby aren’t very friendly. They criticise Kristy’s clothes and make fun of the BSC. And, worst of all, they laugh at Louie, Kristy’s pet collie, who’s getting old and not feeling well. These kids are total snobs! But if anyone can put them in their place, it’s the Baby-sitters Club!
Cam Geary’s lookalike has started attending Stoneybrook Middle School and Mary Anne is all about the swoon.
I love this adaptation, especially seeing Mary Anne’s face when Claudia calls her out for having a crush on Logan.
For some reason, my reviews of the BSC graphic novels started with me playing spot the difference between them and the book, and now I can’t stop. So, here’s some of the differences I noticed and random things I feel compelled to comment on.
The cover image is gorgeous. Mary Anne’s outfit has a bunch of differences.
Book: White skirt with sketchy pink and blue pictures. Graphic novel: Orange skirt with white pictures. Book: Pink shirt and baggy pink sweater. Graphic novel: White shirt. Book: White slippers with pink and blue edging. Graphic novel: Pink shoes. Book: Smushed orange flower pinned to her outfit. I loved the smushed flower! Graphic novel: Flower tied to her wrist.
Graphic novel: We learn that it’s possible what Kristy learned about decorum in the first book hasn’t stuck.
Book: Because everything is right in the universe, Mallory is not a BSC member yet. Graphic novel: Mallory is still a BSC member before her time. Yes, I’ll probably mention this every single time until she’s supposed to be.
Book: Mary Anne gets all melty about Cam Geary being on the cover of Sixteen magazine and talks about how the previous issue had an article about him. Graphic novel: Mary Anne gets all melty about Cam Geary being on the cover of Sixteen magazine and says she’s not usually into it but … 😍, Cam Geary.
Graphic novel: One of the reasons Mary Anne is in love with Cam Geary is because he knits. Very appropriate. I don’t remember this being mentioned in the book.
Book: Mary Anne and Dawn make it to Claudia’s room after only calling out hello to Janine. Graphic novel: Janine tries to tell Dawn about California’s almond exports on her way to the first BSC meeting of the story.
Book: During the first meeting, Claudia and Stacey are sitting on the bed, while Dawn and Mary Anne sit on the floor. Graphic novel: Claudia is on the bed and Stacey is on the floor. Dawn joins Claudia on the bed. Also, Mallory is there (see above grumble).
Book: Cam Geary is dating Corrie Lalique. An awkward, not entirely okay discussion ensues about the size of her breasts. Graphic novel: Cam Geary is dating Corrie Lalique. Corrie is not defined by her breasts. Yay!
Book: Mary Anne’s gym class play field hockey. Graphic novel: Mary Anne attempts to run in gym class.
Book: Mary Anne always gets home from BSC meetings before her father finishes work. It’s her responsibility to start dinner. Graphic novel: Mr Spier is home, casually reading a book, when Mary Anne returns from a BSC meeting. Mary Anne and he talk about his love life. That does not happen in the book.
Graphic novel: Mallory is there during the emergency meeting and suggests that Jessi Ramsey could be another junior officer. A trial for Jessi while Stacey is babysitting Charlotte is organised. Jessi shouldn’t be in Stoneybrook yet.
Book: Logan sits next to Mary Anne during the emergency BSC meeting. Graphic novel: Logan sits next to Dawn during the emergency BSC meeting.
I loved watching Mary Anne spruce herself up for the BSC meeting that Logan attends, even though the outfit she eventually chooses is different than the one she wears in the book. Book: Bright vest over a white short sleeved blouse. Graphic novel: Green shirt with cats on it and a light green cardigan. Jessi is there and that’s when we’re introduced to her. Jessi says her family haven’t found a house yet but in the book, I’m almost positive her family has already moved in before we meet her.
Book: Stacey had to introduce Mary Anne because she can’t speak in front of Logan yet. Graphic novel: Mary Anne actually finds the words to introduce herself and her role in the BSC.
Book: Awkward bra snapping story. Graphic novel: There’s no awkward bra snapping story.
Book: Jackie Rodowsky is known for his red hair. Graphic novel: Jackie Rodowsky has brown hair.
Book: Mary Anne thinks of her own picture she drew of a house but doesn’t say anything. Graphic novel: Mary Anne makes a quip when Logan says he has a picture just like that one that he drew. Mary Anne should be too overcome to say anything, let alone anything smart, at this point.
Book: Logan’s scar is on his lip. Graphic novel: Logan’s scar is near his lip.
Book: Logan and Mary Anne remember what they said about how much trouble can one kid be in front of Jackie. Graphic novel: Logan and Mary Anne remember what they said about how much trouble can one kid be after they finish the babysitting job.
Book: Stacey reads Happy Birthday to You by Dr Seuss to Charlotte. Paddington Takes to the Air and Tik-Tok of Oz are also mentioned. Graphic novel: Jessi reads Harriet’s Happy Birthday by P.G. Bunsworth to Charlotte. No other books are mentioned.
Graphic novel: There’s no mention of the underwear or sportwear departments when the girls go shopping for Mary Anne’s dance outfit.
Graphic novel: The dance begins at 7:30pm and ends at 9:30pm. Mary Anne worries that she won’t be able to find enough things to talk about with Logan for three hours. Maybe swooning affects your ability to do math?
Graphic novel: Claudia does Mary Anne’s makeup for the dance. What would Mr Spier have to say about that?
Book: Mary Anne sits in the bleachers after the shoe incident. Graphic novel: Mary Anne hides in the toilets after the shoe incident before moving to the bleachers.
Graphic novel: We meet Becca Ramsey in chapter 12 and learn the Ramseys are currently staying in a hotel. Not awesome, but they do have a buffet with pizza bites. Maybe it’s not so bad after all.
Book: Jessi’s books are in storage. Graphic novel: Jessi and Mallory bond over the Off Your High Horse book series.
Book: Stacey says she’ll call Logan to let him know about the change of time for the party. Graphic novel: Stacey says she’s already called Logan to let him know about the change of time for the party.
Book: Mary Anne arrives late to the party. Graphic novel: Mary Anne arrives at the party on time, thanks to advice from her father.
Book: Stacey does the whole mood lighting thing before the rec room goes dark. Graphic novel: There’s no mood lighting.
Graphic novel: Logan asks Mary Anne if it’s okay for him to call her his girlfriend. Book: This did not happen in the book. Why did this not happen in the book?! This is awesome!
Book: Logan doesn’t want to join the BSC because of the whole embarassing being a boy at a girl club thing. Graphic novel: Logan’s reason for not wanting to join the BSC is because he forgot he is supposed to babysit his siblings during club times on Monday and Wednesday. I’m glad the original reason was changed but this seems like a pretty lame excuse.
Book: Tigger’s siblings are two red tabbies and “one splotchy, patchy calico”. Graphic novel: Tigger’s siblings look just like him so there’s no specific reason why he’s the right one.
Graphic novel: Logan goes back to Mary Anne’s house with her and Tigger, and hangs out with her in her bedroom! Not something Mr Spier would have approved of.
Book: Mary Anne and Stacey sort things out over the phone. Graphic novel: Mary Anne and Stacey sort things out in person.
Book: The BSC members bring Mary Anne the leftovers of the cake and there’s enough for four small slices. Graphic novel: The BSC members bring over an entire cake. Much better! Also, Logan, Mallory and Jessi are there.
Book: Mary Anne gets a Smash tape from Kristy, socks from Stacey, a shirt from Dawn and jewellery from Claudia. Graphic novel: the Smash tape becomes yarn and Mallory and Jessi give her books.
Book: Logan becomes an associate member over the phone. Graphic novel: Logan and Jessi become members at Mary Anne’s house.
Graphic novel: The Chewy Perkins incident doesn’t happen.
Book: Kristy mentions that Louie is getting old, foreshadowing the trauma that is to come. Graphic novel: Louie isn’t mentioned.
I’m not emotionally ready for the next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
It’s the first day of a new school year, and while Mary Anne doesn’t know what to expect from the eighth grade, she’s looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. One thing she definitely doesn’t expect is to meet Logan Bruno, who just moved to Stoneybrook!
Logan has a dreamy southern accent, he’s awfully cute… and he might be interested in joining the BSC. But the baby-sitters aren’t sure if Logan would make a good club member, so they send him on a job with Mary Anne as a test. Logan and Mary Anne hit it off, but Mary Anne isn’t sure of where their friendship could go. Life in the Baby-sitters Club has never been this complicated – or this fun!
Welcome to one of my childhood favourite BSC books, which is adorable as a graphic novel.
There are a lot of minor changes in this graphic novel. Most don’t make any difference and there are some improvements on the original, but since I’ve already said pretty much everything I need to about the story in my review of the book, here are some of the changes I noticed.
Stacey’s hair is quite short. It doesn’t line up with the descriptions in the books, but it looks cute and I think I prefer it this way.
Book: Mallory hasn’t been initiated into the BSC yet. She is not at the party at Kristy’s new mansion. Graphic novel: Mallory is a BSC Junior Officer. She is at the party at Kristy’s new mansion. I’m never going to be okay with Mallory joining the BSC before her time.
Book: Stacey’s mother offers her apple slices to take with her to Kristy’s new mansion. Graphic novel: Stacey’s father offers her pretzel sticks to take with her to Kristy’s new mansion.
Book: Stacey’s father is in the garden when she’s leaving for the mansion. Graphic novel: Stacey’s father is inside sitting on an office chair when she’s leaving for the mansion.
Book: Mimi is in the car when Mr Kishi drives Claudia, Mary Anne and Stacey to Kristy’s house. Given Mimi’s recent stroke, this makes sense to me. Graphic novel: Mimi is not in the car when Mr Kishi drives Claudia, Mary Anne and Stacey to Kristy’s house. Is anyone at the Kishi’s house making sure my Mimi is okay?
Book: It’s Kristy’s idea for the BSC members to write to each other while they’re separated for two whole weeks. Graphic novel: It’s Mary Anne’s idea for the BSC members to write to each other while they’re separated for two whole weeks. While Mary Anne is the sentimental type, I kinda like the idea of this being homework from Kristy.
Book: Stacey’s bikini is yellow and skimpy. Graphic novel: Stacey’s bikini has flowers on it and no yellow.
Book: Stacey’s mother gives her stamps for postcards. Graphic novel: Stacey already has stamps for postcards when her mother asks about them.
Book: On the way to Sea City, the Pikes stop for ice cream at Howard Johnson’s. Graphic novel: On the way to Sea City, the Pikes stop for ice cream at Happy’s Ice Cream.
Book: Nicky makes a VOMIT COMET sign in response to the triplet’s BARFMOBILE sign. Graphic novel: Nicky doesn’t make his sign. This sign delighted me as a kid. I wish it had stayed.
Book: Scott has blonde hair. Graphic novel: Scott has brown hair.
Book: Hunky lifeguard Scott is 18 years old. Graphic novel: Hunky lifeguard Scott is 15 years old. That’s much better!
Book: The Enchanted Tree at Burger Garden has chocolate bars. If you find one with a golden wrapper you win a prize. Graphic novel: The Enchanted Tree at Burger Garden has mystery eggs. If you’re lucky you’ll find a coupon inside one.
Book: Claire brings Mary Anne butter for her sunburn. Graphic novel: Claire brings Mary Anne peanut butter when she’s sunburnt because it’s yummy. Good thinking, Claire.
Book: The Pikes go to Fred’s Putt-Putt Course. Graphic novel: The Pikes go to Marty’s Mini Golf.
Book: Stacey and Mary Anne arrive at Hercules’ Hot Dogs before Alex and Toby. Graphic novel: Alex and Toby are waiting outside Hercules Hot Dogs when Stacey and Mary Anne arrive.
Book: Stacey has a hamburger at Hercules’ Hot Dogs. Graphic novel: Stacey has a vegie dog at Hercules Hot Dogs.
Burger Garden was awesome! I need to go there.
Claire is just as skilled at miniature golf as she is in the book.
Scott doesn’t act all creepy with Stacey, which is a huge relief.
I will always love Sea City. I went there so many times with Mary Anne and Stacey when I was a kid that it began to feel like my very own holiday destination.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
Stacey and Mary Anne are baby-sitting for the Pike family for two weeks at the New Jersey shore. Things are great in Sea City: There’s a gorgeous house right on the beach, a boardwalk, plenty of sun and sand… and the cutest boy Stacey has ever seen!
Mary Anne thinks that Stacey should leave Scott alone and focus on the Pike kids, but Stacey’s in love. Looking for reasons to hang around his lifeguard stand takes up all of her time, which means Mary Anne has to do the job of two baby-sitters. Mary Anne doesn’t like it one bit! How can she tell Stacey that Scott just isn’t interested without ruining their friendship and breaking Stacey’s heart?
Jesse had her hopes set on attending a fashion program this summer. Her parents had other ideas. She’s just been dumped at fat camp for two whole months!
While this is Jesse’s first fat camp experience, some of her fellow campers have endured multiple admissions. It seems that Camp Bloom doesn’t have the best success rate. Maybe someone should speak to the chef…
On campfire confession night, Jesse and Noah witness a murder. There’s nothing like murder to inspire an impromptu cardio session.
To be fair, if someone told me I couldn’t eat chocolate for two months, I might get a bit stabby too.
Jesse, Noah, Tony and Kate take it upon themselves to solve the murder mystery.
This was an entertaining read. I loved the characters, the representation, the sleuthing and the lack of body shaming.
Throughout the story you discover why each of the main characters are at the camp. My favourite backstory was Kate’s.
Matthew Seely’s illustrations complemented the story well, adding to the humour. The characters are expressive and I loved the colour palette.
I’d like to see Jesse, Noah, Tony and Kate solve another mystery together.
Welcome to Camp Bloom, where you can transform from a crying, fat caterpillar to a happy, skinny butterfly. If someone doesn’t kill you first.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
Deep in the Oregon wilderness sits Camp Bloom, a weight-loss camp where “overweight” teens can “get in shape.” Jesse would rather be anywhere else, but her parents are forcing her to go. Noah isn’t sure if he wants to be there, but it’s too late to turn back. Tony is heartbroken at the thought of giving up his phone and internet. And Kate… well, she likes the hikes, at least. As far as these four teens are concerned, it’s just another boring summer.
Until one night, when Jesse and Noah witness a beloved counsellor’s murder. The body’s gone by the next morning, but a blurry photo leads to one clue – the murderer is one of the camp’s staff members!
But which one? As Jesse, Noah, Kate, and Tony investigate, they quickly discover that everyone’s got their secrets… and one of them would kill to keep theirs hidden.
We meet Kellyn West in a graveyard. She’s a social media influencer doing a livestream when Clay Coogan decides it’s time for her viewers see what her insides look like.
Maybe if Clay wasn’t so verbose, he would have finished the job before Detective Olivia Hubbard arrived.
“I … I’m the dreaded creature, gliding beneath the water, hidden behind tints of azure.”
Um…
“They’ll put a box in a box in that box, and none of it will matter.”
Oh, just die already, Clay!
End flashback.
Clay has been classified as a Sequel Killer because, you know, they never stay dead! Kellyn has been awarded a designation of E.V. (Endemic Victim) and a place in the Endemic Victim Protection Program. She’s on her way to Sacred Lamb, not that that sounds ominous or anything.
There she meets such famous E.V.‘s as Bambi Mondale and the Babysitter. They’re not all thrilled to be getting a new neighbour.
“You’re weak. You’ll break. You may be safer here. But we aren’t safe from you.”
To be fair, the bloodshed does begin fairly soon after Kellyn’s arrival.
In theory, having a bunch of E.V.‘s living in the same town is supposed to keep everyone safe. In reality, if you’re planning on going on a final girl rampage, Sacred Lamb is the ideal destination. I’m only surprised it took forty years for the carnage to arrive at Sacred Lamb.
“… There’s nothing to see here.”
I love slashers and was hoping for The Final Girl Support Group vibes. I really liked the concept and the story had a strong start.
I expected to get even more into the story once the blood started to spill but instead it lost me. Thanks to group therapy, we learn the backstories of some of the other final girls but I didn’t connect with anyone in particular.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and TKO Studios for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Once Upon a Blurb
A meta-horror story about survival, obsession, men, women, and chainsaws.
Sacred Lamb is a secret town where the survivors of endemic slasher killers (think real-world Jason Vorhees, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger) reside in a ‘witness protection’ to stop innocent people from being murdered when the inevitable ‘sequel’ occurs and the slasher returns from the dead.
Social media influencer Kellyn West, who just recently dispatched “her” own slasher killer Clay Coogan on a live stream, is the newest resident. Feeling more locked away than protected behind the barbed wire fenced-in town, where the government has hidden away these E.V.s (“Endemic Victims”) since the slasher spree started in the 1970s, Kellyn has to team with an old woman, and the original Survivor Girl, known only as “The Babysitter” to rally the EVes and survive as an army of slashers start showing up, seemingly back from the dead, and back for blood.
Schizanthus Nerd 