ChickenHare

Gr 3–5—This entertaining graphic novel is part chicken, part hare, part comedy, part adventure. After escaping the evil clutches of taxidermist/collector Mr. Klaus, species hybrid ChickenHare and his friends are on the run. Along the way they encounter Mr. Buttons, a ghost goat with an ax to grind against Klaus. In the inevitable good vs. evil showdown, Klaus gets his comeuppance at the hands (and paws and hooves) of our heroes. Regardless of the "ya had to be there" plot involving reincarnated livestock, the action never feels confusing. The dialogue is snappy and the pace is brisk. The slick full-color illustrations are more cartoonish than Jeff Smith's "Bone" titles (Scholastic), a series to which ChickenHare will draw some comparisons. Large panels give the art room to breathe and will likely increase the appeal with younger readers. The ending promises continued adventures, and kids will likely be waiting with anticipation. Travis Jonker, Wayland Union Schools, MI