The Children’s Book Review | July 10, 2014
The Graphic Canon of Children’s Literature
Edited by Russ Kick
Age Range: 2 to 102
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Seven Stories Press (October 22, 2014)
ISBN: 978-1609805302
What to expect: A remarkable anthology of children’s literature from around the world, retold as comics, graphic tales, and visuals
Part of the remarkable Graphic Canon Series, The Graphic Canon of Children’s Literature brings together a diverse range of contemporary writers and illustrators who give their own take on well-known works from an international selection of children’s literature. Adaptations of Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Harry potter Series (among many other works from around the globe) bring the heart of these essential tales to life in stunningly imaginative visual form. In this way, a work such as Treasure Island—adapted by Lisa Fary with art by Kate Eagle and John Dallaire—comes in an accessible and abridged form for younger readers, while also maintaining the essence of the story; and the artistic visuals compel discussion between child and adult. Likewise, familiar figures such as Pinocchio, Goldilocks, Dorothy, The Little Mermaid, Alice, and many more, get refigured in surprising and exciting forms throughout the book. Parents and children will enjoy sampling small tales from the diverse collection, and the eclectic mix of artists helps to expand a child’s sense of aesthetic possibilities.
In addition to reframing many familiar tales, another great benefit of this anthology is its global perspective. Folk tales from Russia, Britain, Germany, France, and Greece help to give a fuller sense of the diverse range that children’s literature encompasses. The book—in presentation, format, and quality—is itself a work of art, and it will be equally enjoyed by young readers, parents, and toddlers who can immerse themselves in the spectacular illustrations. A rare mix of fun, art, and intellectual depth, The Graphic Canon of Children’s Literature is a perfect compliment to any young child’s growing library.
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About the Author
Founder of the website The Memory Hole, which archived sensitive and difficult to find official documents, RUSS KICK has devoted much of his life to digging up what others hope to keep buried. His bestselling anthologies, including You Are Being Lied To and Everything You Know Is Wrong, have sold over half a million copies. The New York Times has dubbed Kick “an information archaeologist,” Details magazine described Kick as “a Renaissance man,” and Utne Reader named him one of its “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World.” Russ Kick lives and works in Nashville, Tennessee, and Tucson, Arizona.
The Graphic Canon of Children’s Literature, by Russ Kick, was reviewed by Trevor Jockims. Follow along with our book reviews and articles tagged with Comics and our Graphic Novels category to discover more great kids books.
