[BOOK REVIEW] Stephanie's Ponytail by Robert Munsch

Title:  Stephanie's Ponytail

Author:  Robert Munsch

Artist:  Michael Martchenko

Genre:  Humor / Bullying / Children's / Individuality

Year Published: 1996

Year Read:  1997 (Re Read: 2018)

Publisher:  Annick Press Ltd.

Source:  Purchased

Content Rating:  Ages 5+  (Themes of Bullying)

Buy on:  Amazon  //  Book Depository 

Now, I have actually read “Stephanie’s Ponytail” many years ago when I was a child and I had actually reviewed this book the first time around.  But, now I wanted to reread this book to see if my feelings about this book has changed.  It turns out, I felt the exact same way I did years ago (in other words, it STILL was an AWESOME book to read), but I wanted to change up my review to be in tuned with my recent book reviews!

One day, Stephanie decided to have a ponytail since all the other kids were not wearing ponytails.  When Stephanie came to school, all the other kids teased her ponytail by saying:

“UGLY, UGLY, VERY UGLY!”

And Stephanie replied:

“IT’S MY PONYTAIL AND I LIKE IT!”

The next day, Stephanie comes to school to see that the other kids had copied her hairstyle by also wearing ponytails and this makes Stephanie angry since she wanted to have a unique look for herself.  So, the next day, Stephanie decided to wear her ponytail sideways since that was a style that she thought that the other kids would not possibly wear.  Of course, the other kids teased her about her hairstyle once again and then the next day, the other kids started wearing their ponytails to the side just like Stephanie.  Each day Stephanie changes her hairstyle to stand out from the other kids and each day, the other kids and even some of the teachers continue to copy Stephanie’s hairstyle!

Will the other students continue copying Stephanie’s hairstyle or will Stephanie evenutally get back at them?

Read this book to find out!

Wow!  When I started rereading this book, I thought that my opinions on this book would have changed over the years (it has been nearly ten years since I last read this book after all).  But, lo and behold, I was pleasantly surprised that my opinions have remained the same after all of these years (in other words, OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE)!  Robert Munsch has created a unique way of tackling the subjects of peer pressure and individuality through this story as Stephanie is shown constantly trying to find a style that would make her unique, which is her ponytail and standing up for her individuality when her classmates teased her about her ponytail.  This book also made me questioned about why exactly Stephanie’s classmates teased Stephanie about her ponytail each day and yet, they copy her ponytail style every time she tries to change her hairstyle.  I am assuming it is because Stephanie’s classmates are jealous of Stephanie’s individuality and they copy her to take away her individuality. Michael Martchenko’s artwork is extremely humorous as he depicts each character in a cartoony style that is reminiscent of the Sunday Paper comic strips.  Michael Martchenko’s artwork of Stephanie is truly the highlight of the story as Stephanie is portrayed as a cute little girl that constantly styles her ponytail in a different way in each image and I loved the fact that she is shown wearing a 90s style type of clothing as it shows the audience how people used to dress like during the 90s (which is the very decade that I grew up in)!

Parents should know that Stephanie is shown to be a bit rude at some points of the story (which was a problem I had when I read this book the first time).  Now, do not get me wrong, I understand how frustrated Stephanie is because she wanted to have a style that makes her unique, but her classmates keep on copying her styles, therefore taking away her individuality.  If I was Stephanie, I would be upset too since I also pride myself on being unique and I would be annoyed too if people copy my styles just to poke fun at me.   However, I do think that it was a bit rude for Stephanie to call her classmates “a bunch of brainless copycats,” even though they were purposely copying her styles, while still making fun of her.  I personally think that Stephanie could have handled the situation much better than resort to calling her classmates names.

Overall, “Stephanie’s Ponytail” is a truly hilarious story about embracing your individuality in the most creative way possible and I am sure that many children will enjoy this book for many years to come!  I would recommend this book to children ages five and up due to the bullying themes possibly upsetting smaller children.

* 1999 Grand Canyon Reader Award for Picture Book

You might also like:

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

• Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

• More Spaghetti, I Say! by Rita Golden Gelman

[ARC AND BOOK REVIEW] Alex + Ada Volume 2 by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn and My Little Heart, Ruthie by Toni Jannotta

Title:  Alex + Ada Volume 2

Authors:  Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn

Artist:  Jonathan Luna

Genre:  Science Fiction / Romance / Drama

Year Published:  2015

Year Read: 2/20/2018

Series: Alex + Ada #2

Publisher: Image Comics

Source:  Library

Content Rating:  Ages 18+ (Some Strong Language and a Sex Scene)

Buy on:  Amazon  //  Book Depository

What is this story about?

After the events of the first volume, Alex has finally unlocked Ada, which means that Ada now has the ability to think for herself.  Unfortunately, the government had picked that time to enforce a crackdown on all androids living in the city as they found out that there are some sentient androids running around the city and they will go to great lengths to find each sentient android and punish them.  This new crackdown puts Ada in great danger as she has become sentient now and the government could track her down if she is not careful.  Meanwhile, Alex and Ada start developing feelings for each other, but due to the government crackdown on sentient androids like Ada and due to Alex’s conflicting feelings about whether or not he should fall in love with Ada, despite her being an android, will Alex and Ada have a chance at a real relationship?

Read this graphic novel to find out!

What I loved about this story:

Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn’s writing continues to be excellent in any way possible and I believe that the story took an even more intense and exciting direction in this volume!  I loved the way that both Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn wrote Alex and Ada’s relationship with each other as I was sitting on the edge of my seat trying to see if Alex and Ada would actually take the next step in their relationship!  I also liked the fact that the story tackled the issues about what it means to fall in love with someone who is not human, as we get to see Ada’s anguish at not having Alex reciprocate his love for her right away due to her being an android and I enjoyed seeing how Ada tries to deal with her emotions when it comes to love and heartbreak.  I also loved the intensity that Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn brought to this story as I was seriously sitting on the edge of my seat trying to see if Ada will be found out by the government because of her sentience and how Alex is trying to keep her safe.  Jonathan Luna’s artwork in this volume is just as luscious and gorgeous as it was in the last volume as the characters and their environments just glow off the pages!  I especially loved the image of Alex standing in the rain as the environment looks dark and gloomy and I just loved the shadows that show up underneath the characters as it gives the artwork an authentic feel.

What made me feel uncomfortable about this story:

For anyone who does not like strong language, there is a bit of it here with one utter of the “s” word.  But, the language is not as strong here as in other comics geared towards an older audience.  Also, there is a sex scene in this volume and even though it is not quite explicit, this may be troubling for anyone who does not like reading sex scenes.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, “Alex + Ada Volume Two” is even more exciting than the first volume and I hope to read the series’ conclusion in the next volume!

You might also like:

• Paper Girls Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan

• Serenity: Those Left Behind by Joss Whedon and Brett Matthews

• Alex + Ada Volume 1 by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn

Title:  My Little Heart, Ruthie  

Author:  Toni Jannotta   

Artist:  Jennifer Mones  

Genre:  Drama / Friendship / Self-Esteem / Poetry / Music

Year Published: 2016

Year Read:  2018

Publisher: BookBaby

Source:  eARC (Edelweiss)

Content Rating:  Ages 5+ (Some Bullying)

Buy on:  Amazon  //  Book Depository

I would like to thank Edelweiss and BookBaby for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The book starts off with a heart named Ruthie, who is living alone in an icy cell and the only thing she has with her is her beloved harp.  One day, Ruthie feels a warm breeze blow into her cell and she goes out to see where the breeze is coming from.  It turns out to be coming from another fellow heart named Clyde who encourages Ruthie to come and play her harp with him.  But, Ruthie refused to play her harp because of a past incident that has left her emotionally scarred.

Can Clyde help Ruthie get out of her icy cold cell that she has locked herself into?

Read this book to find out!

Wow!  I was quite amazed at how this book managed to tackle the issue of self esteem issues in such a beautiful and creative way!  Toni Jannotta has done a great job at writing this book as the book is told in a poetical way and the verses really fit in well with the tone of the story.  I also like the way that Toni Jannotta tackled the subject of self-esteem issues as I truly felt for Ruthie when she was ridiculed for her harp music and it caused her to withdrew within her cell to prevent herself from playing her harp in the public again.  I really liked the character Clyde as he was trying to encourage Ruthie to play her harp and I think it was quite important to have a character in this book that can teach children about believing in yourself, despite what other people say and be quite supportive of the main character.  Jennifer Mones’ artwork is truly beautiful and creative as most of the artwork is done in paper cut outs and it really brings some true imagination to the story.  I also loved the fact that Ruthie and Clyde are portrayed as hearts who have angel wings as it gives this book quite an angelic feel.

The reason why I gave this book a four-star rating was because the pacing was a bit slow at some parts and I felt like I had to rush through some scenes just to get to the meat of the story, which did not really happen until towards the end of the book.

Overall, “My Little Heart, Ruthie” is a truly beautiful and heartwarming story about the importance of believing in yourself even if everyone else is against you and it is a truly important book for children who have also gone through self-esteem issues to read!  I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.

You might also like:

• Robin and the White Rabbit by Åse Brunnström and Emma Lindström

• Hiznobyuti by Claude Ponti

• Unraveling Rose by Brian Wray

[BOOK REVIEW] Jughead Volume 2 by Chip Zdarsky and Ryan North

Title:  Jughead Volume 2

Author:  Chip Zdarsky and Ryan North

Artist:  Derek Charm

Genre:  Comedy / School / Adventure / Spin Off / Magic / Fantasy

Year Published:  2017

Year Read: 1/18/2018

Series: Jughead #2

Publisher: Archie Comics

Source:  Library

Content Rating:  Ages 13+ (Some Language)

Buy on:  Amazon  //  Book Depository 

Introduction:

It has been awhile since I had last read the reboot of the recent “Archie” comics and at the same time, I was reading the reboot of the “Jughead” series, which I had enjoyed!  Now, I finally got the chance to read the second volume of the “Jughead” reboot series and I must admit that I have enjoyed this volume even more than the first volume!

What is this story about?

The first half of the volume starts off with both Jughead and Archie going to Camp Lucey to spend some time together, only to find out that a family reunion is going on at the campsite (unfortunately, it is the Mantle family reunion, meaning that Reggie Mantle is going to be there). This causes Jughead and Archie to have a horrible time at camp and it also causes a rift between them as they start arguing with each other about whether or not it was worth it spending time together at their old campsite. Later on, unfortunately, Jughead and Archie get lost in the woods and they would have to put aside their differences if they want to survive the woods!

Meanwhile, in the second story, Jughead meets a girl dressed up as a burger and Jughead refers to her as the “Burger Lady” and ends up falling for her.  Later on, when the “Burger Lady” reveals herself to be none other than…. SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH, Sabrina asks Jughead out on a date.  Unfortunately, Jughead does not seem to have any kind of romantic feelings for Sabrina and he has a hard time telling her this, which leads to Sabrina dishing out some unwarranted revenge on Jughead!

What I loved about this story:

Chip Zdarsky’s and Ryan North’s writing:  Wow!  I was amazed by both Chip Zdarsky’s and Ryan North’s writing in this volume!  Both Chip Zdarsky and Ryan North brought so much humor and drama to the stories and it really made both stories so original and creative at the same time!  In the first half of the story, I was surprised at how dramatic Chip Zdarsky’s writing had gotten when it involved Jughead and Archie getting lost in the woods and having an argument during the whole ordeal.  I was actually feeling sorry for Jughead during the whole ordeal since he believed that he was losing Archie’s friendship due to Archie paying more attention to getting a date rather than hanging out with his longtime friend and you can see how deep Archie and Jughead’s friendship with each other really is.  I also liked the way that Chip Zdarsky balanced the humor and drama in this story as while it focuses on Archie and Jughead’s friendship nearly falling apart, there are still some humorous moments spread throughout the story.  Ryan North has done a fantastic job at writing the “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” segment of this volume as it was filled with humor and relationship drama at the same time!  I am so glad that we finally get to see Sabrina the Teenage Witch make her appearance in the “Jughead” reboot because what “Archie” reboot would be complete without “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” causing magical mischief in the “Archie” universe?  I really enjoyed Jughead and Sabrina’s relationship with each other as it was hilarious seeing how the misunderstanding between them unfolded and heartwarming at how they do care about each other’s feelings about the situation.

Derek Charm’s artwork:  Derek Charm’s artwork is both hilarious and adorable to look at as the “Archie” characters look much younger in this volume than they do in the first volume and I loved the exaggerated expressions that the characters occasionally show whenever they are frustrated or acting goofy.  I also honestly think that Derek Charm’s artwork is a vast improvement over the artwork in the first volume since I think that it fit the characters much more closely and it does not look as goofy as the artwork in the first volume.

What made me feel uncomfortable about this story:

For those of you who do not like language, there is some language in this volume, such as the usage of the word “friggin.”  However, the language in this volume is barely noticeable and it is still suitable for younger readers.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, “Jughead Volume Two” is a vast improvement over the first volume and fans who love both the “Archie” and “Jughead” reboot series will definitely get a kick out of this volume!

* 2017 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards for Best Humor Publication and Nominated for Best Publication for Teens (Ages 13-17)

 You might also like:

• Jughead Volume 1 by Chip Zdarsky

• Archie Volume 1: The New Riverdale by Mark Waid

• Afterlife with Archie: Escape from Riverdale Volume 1 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

[BOOK REVIEW] Farmer Goff and His Turkey Sam by Brian Schatell

Title:  Farmer Goff and His Turkey Sam

Author:  Brian Schatell

Genre:  Animals / Contests / Fair / Food / Humor

Year Published: 1982

Year Read:  1994 (Re Read: 2018)

Publisher:  J.B. Lippincott

Source:  Purchased

Content Rating:  Ages 5+  (Some Suggestive Themes)

Buy or Add on:  Amazon  //  Goodreads

Now, I have a little story to tell here.  When I was in the first grade, my teacher was reading us this book that involved a farmer, a turkey and a pie eating contest and for the longest time, I could not remember the name of this book and therefore, I was not able to read this book for years…. until NOW!  Now, I found out that the title of this book was called “Farmer Goff and his Turkey Sam” by Brian Schatell and man, was it awesome reliving this book again after all of these years!

Farmer Goff was a farmer who lived with his wife and his turkey Sam on a small farm and every year, Farmer Goff would take Sam to the county fair for the annual Turkey contest where Sam would win a blue ribbon every year.  Sam also happens to be extremely fond of Mrs. Goff’s delicious apple and turnip pies, but Farmer Goff is always telling Sam that he has to eat his turkey feed and to not eat any of the pies…or ELSE!  One day, Mrs. Goff baked over 294 pies for the county fair and Farmer Goff took the pies and Sam with him to the fair.  Once Farmer Goff and Sam got into the contest, Farmer Goff started bragging to the other farmers that his turkey Sam will win the contest since he had been training him and feeding him nothing but turkey feed.  At this, Sam got angry at Farmer Goff since he does not like eating turkey feed and he decided to do something about it.

Will Sam the turkey wins the contest and will he finally eat Mrs. Goff’s famous apple and turnip pies?

Read this book to find out!

YAY!  I finally got the chance to read this book again after so many years!  It is a shame that this book is not so well-known among the book community and it is an even bigger shame that this book ended up going out of print, to the point where I had to buy a library copy of this book just to own this book (not that it is bad that it is a library copy, but that just tells me that this book does not have its own printed edition).  Brian Schatell has done an excellent job at both writing and illustrating this book as the tone of the book is extremely humorous and sarcastic and I loved the way that Sam the Turkey gets back at Farmer Goff for all the abuse he has taken from Farmer Goff.  I also like the fact that this book is a bit similar to the antics of Looney Tunes as Farmer Goff and Sam seem to have a bit of a Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner type of relationship with each other as Farmer Goff is Wile E. Coyote and Sam is the Road Runner.  Brian Schatell’s artwork may seem a bit too simplistic, but I think that the artwork works extremely well with the book’s simple yet sarcastic and humorous tone.  The only problem I had with the artwork is that they say that the characters won blue ribbons, but because of the colorings being mainly gray, light brown and red, the *BLUE* ribbons are shown to be *RED* ribbons instead.

Parents might want to know that Farmer Goff acts extremely condescending towards Sam the turkey, especially denying him the right to eat Mrs. Goff’s pies, even though Sam has not done anything wrong prior to the contest.  Parents should let their children know that it is wrong to act rude towards other people and that they should be more kind towards people who have helped them out many times.

Overall, “Farmer Goff and His Turkey Sam” is a truly fantastic and underrated classic that anyone who loves checking out obscure books and books with sarcastic tones will definitely enjoy!  I would recommend this book to children ages five and up due to Farmer Goff having a bad attitude throughout this book.

You might also like:

• Battle Bunny (Birthday Bunny) by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett

• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka

• The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka