Cold Mountain (Graphic Novel): The Legend of Han Shan and Shih Te, the Original Dharma Bums is a graphic novel that uses the poetry of Han Shan and Shih Te to tell the story of these two scoundrels. If they existed, that is. The main part of why these people might not have existed is their names are “Cold Mountain” (Han Shan) and The Foundling (Shih Te). And while it is romantic to think they put their poetry on trees, rocks and caves, more likely […]
The Alpha of Alphabet books
Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson is a very clever way of making an alphabet book. You start with a small “story” about an ant. And then find out what is bigger than an ant on the B page and so on throughout the book. There is none of that “A is for Ant or A = Ant. The End” to the style. The pages format could make it difficult for the very young to read it. You have hidden flaps that are not always obvious to […]
We know where the Dragon’s Maw is, where is Paw?
I thought I was going to love Scales & Scoundrels Volume 1: Into the Dragon’s Maw. The cover looks funny and has some interesting looking characters. However, from page one I disliked Luvander. I was shocked (yes, my biased showed through) that Luvander is female. The way they introduce her, she has typical scoundrel qualities that in graphic novels stereotypically lends itself to a young male character. But the fact she is a she was introduced very casually. The other players of a very Dungeons […]
When you blend in and stand out at the same time
While Smudge by Mahogany L. Browne is out of print in stores and on-line, you can try for pre-loved copies or on Button Poetry’s website as well. The reason I am reviewing this book is not just because I read it, but this is a book that needs to be talked about. First, I was not the audience the book really was meant for. I am old fashioned when it comes to poetry. I like a nice box for my poetry. Granted, it can be […]