By: Ruth McNally Barshaw
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Ages 8-12
July 2008
Cheezers, Ellie fans don't have long to wait now. The sequel to Barshaw's May 2007 debut, Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel, has all the fun of the first book, with a fresh helping of problems for Ellie.
The story begins at "The End," for, according to Ellie, her move away from what is familiar is surely "the end of everything good."
Barshaw's trademark loose, sketchbook style is in clean lines and black and white. Her gift lies in the smooth flow of visual storytelling, complemented by always humorous and sometimes poignant reflections from Ellie. Under a picture of herself gazing skyward in the woods, she says, "Looking up, the trees and the sky look like jigsaw puzzle pieces that don't quite fit. Funny, that's how I feel: like I don't quite fit." Of course, there are surprises along the way in what is ultimately a funny, warm story about friends, family, and finding your voice.
With Ellie McDoodle: New Kid in School, Barshaw has secured herself as a "perfect fit" in the genre of graphic novels, and in the hearts of Ellie McDoodle loving fans.
2 comments:
love it.
welcome to the world of blogging.
hope to see more.
Hugs, Lori. You're the first to review the second Ellie, and I appreciate your kindness -- but also your reviewing style. This review is fun to read!
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