The adventure of Coraline and her quest to save her parents was exciting and at the same time a little disturbing. This is a scarier fairy tale than kids are probably used to reading in this day and age. This graphic novel version was a quick read, but I can't say it was a favorite of mine. The story had a good plot with many obstacles that Coraline had to encounter in her quest to save her parents. I think this would be a good book for reluctant readers to spark their interest in reading. ( )

Coraline has the real creepiness of an old fairy tale. Not the Disney versions where everyone lives happily ever after but the old ones where blood is shed by the deserving. I read Coraline the graphic novel after reading the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman. The images were satisfyingly creepy, especially the 'other mother' with mouthful of beetles. Despite its fairy tale feel the story has complexity and layers to that keep you thinking long after you finish this quick read. I am looking forward to seeing this story realised in a third form when the 3D movie comes out. ( )

This tale is about a remarkable young woman named Coraline (who remains polite, even when you call her Caroline). Recently she and her parents have moved into one of those wondrous old houses that are sometimes converted into flats.

Both Coraline's parents work at home, and sometimes she feels a bit ignored and bored. Nevertheless, she is encouraged to explore and so she does. First her neighbors: the Misses Spink and Forcible are two retired thespians who live together in the bottom flat, and up above is Mr. Bobo, who is an avid trainer of mice. Having run out of people, Coraline investigates the premises. Her flat is most unusual; it has 21 windows and 14 doors. Only one door is locked, and that only leads to a brick wall.

What's on the other side of the door? A distorted-mirror world, containing presumably everything Coraline has ever dreamed of... people who pronounce her name correctly (not "Caroline"), delicious meals (not like her father's overblown "recipes"), an unusually pink and green bedroom (not like her dull one), and plenty of horrible (very un-boring) marvels, like a man made out of live rats.

The creepiest part, however, is her mirrored parents, her "other mother" and her "other father"--people who look just like her own parents, but with big, shiny, black button eyes, paper-white skin... and a keen desire to keep her on "their" side of the door. To make creepy creepier, "Coraline" has been illustrated masterfully by P. Craig Russell, who's one of my favorites.

"Coraline" is a fun, spooky read for kids and young adults, and adults as well if they are fans of Gaiman. Just don't read after dark. Ever. Especially not in a new apartment.

Book Details:

Title Coraline: Graphic Novel
Author Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell
Reviewed By Purplycookie ( )

It was pretty good, but I'd rather read the original. ( )

Coraline is a lonely girl whose exploration of her new home gets her into some serious trouble and a mysterious adventure. I would focus on the theme of being happy with what you have or possibly reality vs. fiction. Coralines fiction world doesn't end up as exciting as one thought. This concept would work well using a compare/contrast activity. This activity would be easier to use because the pictures would help.