Comic-Con Connection
Top 2007 kids' books from show exhibitors
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 3/1/2007
Not everyone could be in New York this February at the second annual New York Comic-Con, but a number of leading children's book publishers were on hand to promote their latest and greatest titles that hold special visual appeal for kids and young adults. From picture books to comics and graphic novels to movie tie-in books and science fiction/fantasy series, hundreds of new titles are debuting in 2007 that will feel right at home on specialty toy store shelves. Here's some favorite spring and early-summer titles that were highlighted at the show.
Patrick McDonnell's Mutts newspaper comic strip characters will surely find some new (and younger) fans with Just Like Heaven, the latest picture book featuring the beloved Earl the dog and Mooch the cat that aims, as McDonnell puts it, to celebrate “the things we tend to take for granted, such as nature, birds, flowers, friends and family.” An ideal choice for a spring gift. ($14.99) Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, New York
Ed Masessa's unique The Wandmaker's Guidebook, illustrated by Dan Jankowski, is the latest must-read resource for young wizards-in-training. The lushly appointed hardcover features detailed information and instructions plus a pull-out drawer containing a basic wand with removable handle and all the natural materials needed for an apprentice to personalize it, including feathers, colored sand and brightly-colored stones. ($19.99) Scholastic (Tangerine Press), New York
Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney's new novel, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, is the first-person story of middle-schooler Greg Heffley, told in his own handwriting and through simple cartoons. What began online at www.funbrain.com is now expanded into a charming—and humorous—hardcover for kids. ($12.95) Harry N. Abrams (Amulet Books), New York
The Amazing Spider-Man: The Ultimate Guide, written by Tom DeFalco with a forward by Stan Lee, has been updated and expanded just in time for the third installment in the popular film series. It includes more than 600 panels of full-color illustrations, detailed entries on nearly every significant character and plot development in the long-running comic-book series, and chronological background information that helps tie together Spidey's history and place in the Marvel universe. ($24.99) DK Publishing, New York
Stuck in the Middle, a new anthology of hilarious, illustrated stories edited by graphic novelist Ariel Schrag, includes 17 artists' different takes on that most challenging time in a kid's life—middle school! Each artist shares his or her painfully honest memories of life, love, bullying and more. ($18.99) Penguin Books for Young Readers, New York
The deluxe 10th Anniversary hardcover edition of the first book in Philip Pullman's fantasy series, The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials Book 1, which includes the “papers” of character Lord Asriel, debuts just in time to acquaint readers with the sophisticated series' complex characters and layered literary themes before the debut of the first film, due out from New Line Cinema and Scholastic this winter. ($22.95) Random House, New York
