Reading-Graphic novels

I recently started to read graphic novels. Persepolis and Maus were my first, and I think I love the idea of historical and biographical stories being presented in such a way. THe visual metaphor of Maus in particular has resonated with me. I was never really a comic book reader as a young person, but am becoming more of a fan of what my children's literature professor refers to as "visual sequencial narrative". I am focussing on those intended for younger readers, as any I purchase I can say were for my classroom without having to tell my parents I am starting to become a comic book nerd. More and more of the novels that I have enjoyedare being adapted into graphicc novels or manga. At first I was rather horrified and was loath to read them, but had a vague hope that these might at least encourage children to go back and read the REAL book. I am gradually becoming a convert to the adaptation too. I read the first of The Infernal Devices books in manga form, which I actually liked better that the regular novel. The graphics of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang are now among my favourite recent reads.I am currently reading Boxers one of a two part stiry by Gene Yang about the Boxer rebellion in China in the late 19th century. Not an event that I know alot about, but I am very taken with the mixture of the mythological, spiritual and the physical. Th main character Bao visualizes his heros as colourful and powerful characters from chinese opera. Yang's stylr is engaging and I expecially love his use of transformation and the panels that display irony and understatement. I really see how pictures are worth 1000 words. I am going to go finish it now...

a review

Today I am reading a fun little book that combined a few of my favourite things: Japan, a mystery, a chef competition, and deep fried hotdogs. Well maybe not that last one. Neil Flambé and the Tokyo Treasure is the fourth book in the Neil Flambé Capers series by the Canadian broadcaster Kevin Sylvester.

The hero is a fifteen year old culinary genius who has his own restaurant in Vancouver. I am enjoying this series, which seems like a good boy book that would also appeal to girls. The pen and ink illustrations are good fun. I recommend!