(3) 4-6 Olympians series. O'Connor's tenth Olympians book focuses on the mischievous Hermes. This volume emphasizes the inherently comical nature of the god's myths, making it more lighthearted than previous entries. The graphic-novel format is well suited to retelling these stories, with the artist drawing influence from both classical art and old-school comic-book styles. Author's note, "G(r)eek Notes," and character bios provide additional insight. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. The Olympians series returns to a direct focus on a single deity, here the daughter of Zeus and Leto. The comic-book format and illustrations are well suited to telling these stories, and bold, exaggerated facial expressions and poses exemplify the superhuman nature of the characters. Author's note, "G(r)eek Notes," and character bios provide additional insight. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. This graphic novel, seventh in the series, is largely based on The Iliad and focuses on the titular Greek deity's (and fellow Olympians') role in the Trojan War; O'Connor occasionally provides thought-provoking character studies of mythological figures. The exciting, colorful comic-book-style art fits the story's superhuman action. An author's note and discussion questions are included in the back matter. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) K-3 Imagining how he would care for his very own triceratops--walking it, cleaning up after it, teaching it tricks--one little boy imagines how the work "will all be worth it when she runs out to greet me at the end of the day." Contrasting with the endearingly straight-faced text, the pencil and watercolor illustrations make the impracticality of dinosaur ownership humorously clear.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) K-3 A girl with big poofy pigtails describes what life would be like with a pet raptor. Readers will relish looking around the narrative at what's really happening: while the girl's tone stays chipper, the high-spirited illustrations show that life with Raptor, who gets bigger as the story progresses, wouldn't be a breeze (note the scattered homework and half-eaten armchair).

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. The Greek god of the sea is the focus of this graphic novel. A variety of stories are presented about Poseidon and his monstrous progeny, such as Cyclops Polyphemus's run-in with Odysseus. Like previous books in the series, the modern, action-packed graphic storytelling lends accessibility to the mythology. The author's notes and character profiles provide additional information. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. This latest volume in the series of graphic novels profiles the beautiful Greek goddess of love. Like the prior volumes, this book injects the mythology with an accessible modern sensibility through its colorful, action-packed graphic storytelling. Author's notes, "G(r)eek notes," and character bios provide insight into the myths and the author's creative development process. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. The fourth book in this series relates the major myth about the Greek god of the Underworld, in which Hades kidnaps and marries Demeter's daughter, Persephone. This graphic novel's lively format brings a modern sensibility to the ancient myth and makes it accessible to a wide audience. The author's notes and character biographies provide additional information. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. O'Connor's author's note states, "Hera is my favorite goddess...I really like her style." This series entry focuses on the queen of the Greek gods, Zeus's wife, who usually plays a supporting role in the myths. In this graphic novel version, Hera's sassy 'tude and no-nonsense sensibility bring a modern flair to the ancient tales.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. After opening with the history of Zeus's ancestors, the tale progresses to the birth of the "king of the gods," his fight with the Titans, and the rise of the Olympians: "ageless and immortal, a new race of gods." This graphic novel treatment brings a modern, colorful, action-packed look to an old tale. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. In this graphic novel, the Fates narrate a collection of myths featuring the Greek goddess, including the story of her birth from Zeus's skull, the Olympians' battle with the Gigantes, and Medusa's betrayal of Athena. The lively format brings a modern sensibility to the ancient myths and makes them accessible to a wide audience. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) K-3 Uncle Bernie is very hairy, has really big feet, and is mysteriously absent from photographs, giving rise to his nephew's suspicion that he's Bigfoot. In the end, our narrator realizes being different doesn't make someone a monster. The text reflects a child's sense of logic, and the humor-filled illustrations, using some cartoon panels, incorporate enough absurdity to make the lesson palatable.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Three kids on the beach pretend they are superheroes--the Incredible American Eagle, the Amazing Bug Lady, and Manphibian. After battling (and popping) Manphibian's sea serpent (a flotation toy), the other two--needing his help defeating a bully--apologize. Though preachy and episodic, the story succeeds with the dynamic visual back-and-forth switch between reality and the imaginary comic-book world.

Reviewer: Mark Adam