Grimaldi

Lerner Graphic Universe publishes a lot of European, especially French, graphic novels. Sometimes they work well, sometimes they just don't translate culturally. I think this new series will do quite well, even if it's not super popular.

Tib lives in a sort of caveman Miyazaki forest. It's lush and green and the tribe is happy and safe. Well, mostly. Unfortunately, Tib has a birthmark on his face and the other kids tease him relentlessly. Then Tib meets an amazing creature, who he names show more Tumtum. He hopes that such a rare creature will make the other kids like him, but he just can't seem to get anyone to believe him about Tumtum. When he finally does get the tribe's attention, it's not in a good way and suddenly he has to decide if he's going to protect his new friend or follow the tribe.

The book is formatted like a Tintin comic, picture book sized with lots of small panels. The text is fairly simple and all dialogue. The art has a crisp, digital feel to it and the lush green landscape and cute dinosaur definitely feel a bit Miyazaki-ish. However, I would give this one to middle grade kids because, well, this dinosaur is not a vegetarian. Plus, some of the cavewomen are dressed a little skimpily.

Verdict: There's lots of humor in this story and the messages about not teasing, appreciating differences, and sticking by your real friends are lightly done. With the Croods movie I anticipate a lot of interest in funny cavepeople and parents will like the anti-bullying messages. This probably won't be as popular as, say, Babymouse or Summer Camp Science Mysteries, but it's a fun, nicely written, and well-illustrated graphic novel that a lot of kids will enjoy.

ISBN: 9781467712972; Published 2013 by Lerner Graphic Universe; Purchased at ALA annual 2013 for the library show less

Even though this story is not one that occurs in current times, it shows a lot about fitting into your own culture. Not everyone can fit into the culture that they live in. Many young children can relate to that because they are trying to find out who they are and may not fit into the mold of everyone around them.
Writing prompt: Write about a time that you felt like you did not fit in. How did it make you feel? Did anything happen to change your feelings?

"In a prehistoric era, Tib, a boy who is made fun of for his birthmark and his clumsiness, makes friends with Tumtum, a big, playful red dinosaur only he ever sees. When Tumtum saves the tribe's kids from a pack of hungry wolves, the shaman decides it's time to welcome a dinosaur into the tribe"-- Provided by publisher.