A couple months ago, I noticed an ad that read, “If you like V.B. Rose, you’ll like Happy Cafe!” I know somebody likes V.B. Rose because it was requested. So I ordered Happy Cafe. It just arrived so get it while it’s hot!
And don’t forget you can always request things.
Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has inspired movies, songs, re-imaginings, and (of course) graphic novels.
Frank Beddor re-imagined Wonderland in his trilogy The Looking Glass Wars. In his books, the true story of Wonderland, Alyss must fight to regain the throne of Wonderland, where all imagination comes from. Her enemies are The Cat, a nine-lived assassin, and Redd Heart, her aunt and the usurper of the throne. Alyss is helped by Hatter Madigan, her mother’s bodyguard, and the Alyssians of Wonderland.
Hatter M. stars in his own comic series, which details the years after he and Alyss were separated fleeing Wonderland through the Pools of Sorrow. He travels around Europe following those with the strongest white glow of Imagination, trying to find his princess.
Wonderland follows MaryAnn, the White Rabbit’s maid mentioned in the original book, as she follows the destruction left by “The Alice Monster.” The Queen of Hearts want to behead MaryAnn’s boss, various animal citizens of Wonderland want MaryAnn to take over Wonderland, and MaryAnn just wants to tidy things up.
While there is a Disney-esque flavor to the art, there is a bit more creepiness in the story. The Jabberwock and the three little girls from the treacle well make an appearance. We also meet other Royal Cards and learn where they have been all this time.
Well, it’s that time of year so I guess I will mention some nice romantic manga.
V.B. Rose is a sweet little manga. 
The art is pretty. It takes place mostly in a bridal shop. Might be a bit fluffy, but that’s okay.
Miki falls opens with our heroine jumping out a third story window. In four books, one for each season, the reader learns why this was a good idea. (It really was.)
The Toon Books are graphic novels written for beginning readers. Short stories with young characters, these graphic novels are great for the youngest reluctant and avid readers alike.
Art Spiegelman created a crazed Jack in the box!
Jeff Smith (of Bone fame) wrote about a little mouse getting ready for his day! That book got a Theodor Seuss Geisel honor this year.
The winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel 
medal for the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States is Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!
Benny and Penny are a brother and sister who get into simple adventures. Fun books to share with the younger kids.
Hurrah for Benny and Penny! Hurrah for Toon Books!
Ninjas Win!
Teen Read Month Read Beyond Reality Tournament!
In a very close vote, Ninjas beat Vampires and Fairies beat Zombies!
So this week it’s:
NINJAS vs FAIRIES!
This could actually be a close match, power wise.
Ninja are fast, have a variety of powers (real and illusion), but they are mortal.
Fairies can vary in size from inches to human size, have magic powers, are immortal but are allergic to cold iron.
Who can win?
