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Chris Grabenstein has done it again! The new graphic novel edition of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library totally knocks it out of the book stacks!
I admit that I was a bit hesitant about this one – I mean, really: how could anything top the awesomeness that is the original Mr. Lemoncello? Author Chris Grabenstein and artist Douglas Holgate have done amazing work, though, and this new version deserves shelf space right next to the original.
I love how close to the original storyline this new version is. The text both maintains the depth of the original and even the fun of the original language.
The artwork adds even more depth. Holgate uses colors masterfully, using different palates to indicate flashbacks, tone, and meaning. Students can dig into these, as well as the font, size, and other textual elements to study the inferences and glean more depth from the story.
I can see many uses for this book beyond basic entertainment – not to make light of the wealth of enjoyment it’s sure to bring kids all over the world.
In addition to all of these great features, this new version makes the moral lessons of Mr. Lemoncello abundantly clear. In this version we can see the upset faces of the kids who have to leave the game because they didn’t follow the rules. We can see the hurt on faces when other kids aren’t nice, and that really helps bring these moral lessons home.
The graphic novel version of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is a fantastic addition to the Lemoncello universe. It will make these stories – and the very real, very important life and character lessons they share – accessible to even more children. All libraries who carry books for children should have these Lemoncello books on their shelves.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I have lots of ideas about how to use this new graphic novel version of Mr. Lemoncello with your students! Come back on Monday to learn more.
