Unicorn Crossing / Dana Simpson / 178 pgs

Unicorn Crossing is the fifth book in the Heavenly Nostrils series by Dana Simpson, perhaps better known by the title of the first book, Phoebe and Her Unicorn. I love this comic strip series! If I could remember the first time I read Calvin and Hobbes, I think it probably felt like this. Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils remind me a lot of Calvin and Hobbes, actually, except that Phoebe isn't quite as devious and the focus of their adventures are more magic than adventure-based. The illustrations are fun, the unicorn is adorably self-involved, and some crazy shenanigans ensue. In this book, Phoebe and Marigold read a book together and try to balance the shine of novelty with their longstanding friendship. We also see them remembering how they met and realizing how much they mean to each other. It's very sweet, and there's something for everyone hidden in these books! A fun read for the whole family!

Ghosts / Raina Telgemeier / 239 pgs

Very cute, kid-friendly graphic novel about two sisters who move to California, due to the younger sister's health issues.  The older sister Cat is bitter over the move and resentful of her sister; and is even less impressed with her new town when she learns from the locals that the town is rumored to be haunted.

The issues of family, moving, and friendship are nicely played out, as well as touching on deeper topics of illness, death, dying, and the afterlife.  Not treating nor scary makes this a good read for any elementary school age child and up.

Sybil: The Backpack Fairy: Nina (v.1) / Rodrigue Dalena Razzi / 47 pgs. / 1st in a Series!

A cute kid-friendly graphic novel.  Nina is a middle school aged girl, who lives with her mom and adorable baby brother.  As Nina starts another year of school, she has to deal with snotty "popular" girls and trying to pay attention in class.  Both matters are complicated as Nina discovers a fairy named Sybil has decided to make her backpack her new home.  With a Fairy in her life Sybil gets to go on quirky and dangerous adventures. 

Cute pictures, and I think kids will like the thought of what would they do if they had a fairy for a friend. 

Sidekicks / Dan Santat / 218 pages

Dan Santat is a very talented illustrator and a seriously funny man. In this story, Captain Amazing is getting a bit older and needs to take on some superhero assistants. His own pets, a hamster, dog, chameleon and cat want to fill the bill. Funny and endearing. Recommend for grades 3 & up! (Worth it just for the illustration of the hippo butt!)

Zita the Spacegirl / Ben Hatke / 183 pages

Graphic novel for kids. Zita risks everything to save her friend who is taken to another planet because of Zita's actions. Great story. Interesting creatures. It reads like Zita may have more upcoming adventures. Girls and boys would enjoy this one.

Hereville: how Mirka got her sword / Barry Deutsch / 139 pages

It's confession time....I have never wanted to read a graphic novel. Yep, hated the thought. So, I was dragged kicking and screaming to read Hereville: How Mirka Got her Sword by reading what others had to say about the book. Hey, if you're going to try something new, then start with something good. I loved it. It has humor, courage, love, compassion, determination, family ties, fantasy, reality, loss, growth, a revenge-seeking pig and Orthodox Jewish characters! The description of Mirka is "yet another troll-fighting 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish Girl." The illustrations are corals, browns and beiges printed on thick glossy paper in a nice sturdy binding. It is a book of substance both in appearance and theme. As bizarre as the characters and plot may seem, you will love this book and love Mirka in her determination to be a heroine. Babymouse, here I come!