Thursday, August 7, 2025

Pocket Peaches: Game On by Dora Wang

I saw the cover on today's read and loved the super-cute vibes. This is the third in a series, and nope, I haven't read the first two. I'm pretty sure that won't make a difference, since these types of books tend to make great stand-alones. This one is for those readers, who need a little more practice before heading into middle grade novels...which is also an age category I've been steering more and more toward lately. Plus, it's a graphic novel, which kids seem to really enjoy, too. Yep, I know graphic novels are more costly for the schools and libraries, but they were still a favorite of my youngest two. 

Anyway, let's take a peek and see if this one pulls in or not.



GAME ON
Pocket Peaches #3
by Dora Wang
Andrews McMeel 
Children's Fiction   /   Graphic Novel
80 pages
ages 6 to 9


COMING...
OCTOBER 21st!!!




Join the Pocket Pals in this colorful, heartwarming graphic novel that blends cozy gaming with meaningful life lessons. Perfect for readers who love kawaii-style comics and charming, whimsical adventures!

Peaches and her pals are back again in this adorable new adventure, Pocket Peaches: Game On. In this sweet, cozy, and heartfelt third book of the beloved comic series, Taro learns to navigate unexpected life changes while maintaining virtual friendships.

Rendered in an adorable soft kawaii art style, this whimsical and lighthearted comic about cozy video games is perfect for young readers starting their reading journeys as well as seasoned graphic novel enthusiasts alike. It's gentle, funny, comforting, and a "must-have" for fans of Hello Kitty, Pokémon, Line Friends, Squishmallows.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER


MY TIDBITS


Cuteness meets gaming, friendship, and more in a quick-paced, easy read.

Taro has made so many new friends since she's moved to the new town, but she still is a little homesick. Plus, her best friend from her earlier home hasn't answered any of her messages or anything. She's afraid he never wants to speak to her again and is busy with his own new friends. While she loves hanging out with her new group, the depression has her missing more and more activities. She's not sure what to do.

The characters in this book are adorable. They are simple in form, rounded, and delightfully pastel colored. It's enjoyable to glance through the various graphics as they take on gaming challenges or meet for some fun. The illustrations are simple and, yet, hold everything needed to bring across the emotions and situations. The text balances well with each one and is kept concise...just enough to bring across the story without overpowering the illustrations. It makes for a read, which even reluctant readers won't steer away from.

The gaming scenes will easily connect with readers. They aren't too wild but have just enough excitement and tension to enjoy. This offers a nice counter aspect to the more emotional issues Taro faces. The sadness is clear and the problems that depression can bring weave into the tale just enough to be obvious but not really spoken. It's an age appropriate way to address the issue without hitting it too hard. The friendship, however, is golden as this read steers into wholesome goodness pure. The solutions are realistic and understanding isn't something easily achieved. 

It's a cute read with fun and good themes, which works very well for the intended age group.



And here she is...

Dora Wang is an artist and the creator of Pocket Peaches. When she started doodling bunny comics, she had no idea that cheeky animals would take over her life. Her inspiration comes from the struggles and joys of each day. She grew up in Maine and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. 

1 comment:

Robin Currie said...

Very clever - and adorable!