Brian Jacques Redwall is now available in a graphic novel format. The story was adapted by Stuart Moore with beautiful black and white illustrations by Bret Blevins. Having never read the Redwall books, this was an opportunity for me to be introduced to the popular series. I fell in love with the character of Matthias at the beginning when he was whistling a tune and stumbled, dropping his basket of apples. I enjoyed seeing him change from a slightly clumsy little mouse into a true warrior. When Redwall Abbey is under attack by Cluny the terrible rat, Matthias begins a journey to retrieve the sword of the great warrior, Martin. A motley crew of woodland animals aids Matthias on his quest and everyone worked together to save Redwall.
There are things I liked about Mark Teague's newest book, Funny Farm , and things I didn't like. Where should I start? I'll do the "didn'ts" first. The illustrations show animals personified. Well, some of the animals are. The main characters, Edward, and his farm family relatives, all dogs, are humanized. They stand upright, do farm chores, eat at a table, wear clothes, knit (yes, with paws) and sleep in beds. Most everybody else on and around the farm, who are also animals, act like animals. They are outside, roll in mud, live in the barn, and require care from their owners. It struck me the most on the page spread where there are pigs playing in puddle in the rain and Edward, a black and white boxer, watches from inside the house. I thought "You're a dog! Go play with them!" But, alas, he can't, seeing as how he goes through his entire visit to the farm wearing a suit and red bow tie. Another picture that bothered me was the maple syrup pa...
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