This is a great little graphic novel mystery for young readers. Poppy, who lives in a pumpkin, and her friend Sam, who lives in a butternut squash, are trying to help Basil. When she sleeps at night, someone is biting her leaves. The illustrations are really cute! The problem solving sets a good example for children. I think Poppy and Sam would make a cute series. This would be a great book for a classroom, school or public library. The publisher, Owlkids Books, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. ( )

With the ever-growing popularity of graphic novels, I'm sometimes frustrated by the lack of popular and still high-quality titles for younger readers. Sure, there are plenty of movie tie-ins and on the other end of the spectrum there's Toon books with their mostly artistic titles, but where are the Bone, Amulet, and Raina Telgemeiers for 2nd graders?

So I simply fell in love with this sweet and adorable title. Poppy, a miniature girl with light brown skin and black hair and her best friend Sam, a cute panda, live in a garden. Poppy has a house in a pumpkin and together they care for the garden. But one day something horrible happens - someone bites off Basil's leaves while she's sleeping! Can Poppy and Sam solve the mystery?

Colorful, simple pictures show a busy, green garden with anthropomorphic bugs and plants. The speech bubbles are easy to follow and the panels clearly outlined.

There's a little nonfiction included, as Poppy and Sam use various methods, both deductive and scientific to solve the mystery and keep the culprit away from Basil. Once the nibbler is found, Basil generously hands over some leaves, reminding them that it's better to just ask!

Verdict: A sweet choice for beginning readers, I'm eager to use this one in book club and I hope it turns into a series.

ISBN: 9781771473293; Published August 2018 by Owlkids; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

I love that they are making graphic novels for younger and younger children. This book could easily be read at storytime, or any other time. Poppy is a little girl who live in a pumpkin. Her and her friend Sam are on a mission to figure out who is snacking on the basil leaves. The story is fun and the illustrations are masterful. ( )