(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Savanna Ganucheau & Lark Pien. Here is a graphic novel adaptation of Holm's 2011 Newbery Honor Book of the same title (rev. 5/10). Turtle arrives in Key West to stay with her aunt and cousins after her mother gets a housekeeping job for a wealthy woman who cannot tolerate children. Because the United States is in the midst of the Great Depression, work is scarce, but Turtle's cousin Beans leads the Diaper Gang, a cheeky group of preteens who cares for babies and their irritated bums with its exclusive formula for fighting diaper rash. Turtle never experiences a dull moment with this crew, and they initiate a variety of mostly harmless antics. Holm's (Sunny Side Up, rev. 9/15, and sequels) novel lends itself easily to a graphic format: its short chapters translate well into paneled illustrations, and the great bits of fun in the novel now get full-color treatment (highlights being big ocean adventures and tick-tocking––a naughty prank). Ganucheau shines when drawing the tropical scenery and setting of the Florida Keys, and colorist Pien catches the eye with soft pastels and skillful mood-setting. The titular paradise is not always sunny, but all visual efforts reinforce the brightness and buoyancy of this idiosyncratic place.

Reviewer: Niki Marion | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jen Wang & Lark Pien. In Wang's (The Prince and the Dressmaker, rev. 3/18) middle-grade graphic novel, Christine follows the rules and tries to live up to her strict Chinese-immigrant parents' expectations. When a new girl--unconventional, self-confident, uninhibited Moon--and her single mom move into Christine's family's in-law apartment, life gets more interesting: Christine learns some dance moves for the school talent show, lets Moon paint her toenails (her parents disapprove of nail polish), and tries new foods. Cracks appear in the girls' close friendship--especially when Moon and another classmate become friends, causing a jealous Christine to act like not a good friend--until a medical catastrophe befalls Moon. Family and friendship dynamics are portrayed honestly and realistically (Christine standing up to her father: "You want everyone to be perfect! Especially me!"), but the focus of the story is kept tightly on the two main characters. Panels in a variety of shapes and sizes and a judicious use of white space pace the graphic novel effectively. A natural for fans of Raina Telgemeier, Jennifer L. Holm, and Victoria Jamieson.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2020