When the Scholastic Book Orders came with free Rio2 bookmarks just as my review copy of Papercutz’s Rio arrived in my mailbox, I knew that there was a big movie release on the horizon. Generally, I’m not a fan of movie-tie ins, so I was a bit of a skeptic when I picked this up. I was a bit curious, though, when I noticed Stefan Petrucha was penning this tale, because I find his wit unbelievable in the Papercutz Slices series. So would I enjoy Rio: Snakes Alive?
Rio: Snakes Alive
By Petrucha, Stefan.  Silvani, James and Webberson, Amy.
Papercutz; March 2014
ISBN 9781597077
54 pp, $7.99 (also available in hardcover)
Ages 7 and up

In full disclosure, I never saw the original Rio movie. This book isn’t actually an adaptation; it’s based on the characters. In fact, it seems to take place after the first movie.  It doesn’t really go into the previous movie, but the way the story is told, you don’t miss out at all.

Blu overhears Linda and Tulio discussing that the land in which their preserve was on is about to be sold, unless they came up with enough money to purchase it. Upon hearing this, Blu and Jewel fly out of the preserve to see if they can get some help. They get some words of advice from their friend Luiz and pursue it. What they don’t know is that the evil Nigel is lurking in the background and he might just ruin everything.

Rio: Snakes Alive is vividly drawn. The colors and artwork make you feel like you’re in a theater, and the voice of the story stays true to its animated movie origin. Reading this comic feels like watching a movie in the theater. It’s a fun tale.  It’s a sure fire hit for the kids who will enjoy the movie, and it might actually draw readers to go see the movies if they haven’t already.