Today, it's time to shout-out another book birthday! Yay!!!
This one hits the market tomorrow and is the second in a graphic novel series for chapter book readers. I read the first one...(yep, I did!)...and you can find that review here. It was cute, pretty original, bubbly, funny, and a fun read for the age group. So, I'm glad that I can dive into the second adventure and see what this crew is up to next. It will definitely be original. So, let's take a look!
GAME ON!
Cloud Puppy, Vol. 2
by Kelly Leigh Miller
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Chapter Book / Graphic Novel
ages 6 to 9
Cloud Puppy—part puppy, part cloud, and all adorable— explores the immersive world of video games with her friends in this second book in a delightful graphic chapter book series that’s Narwhal and Jelly meets The Amazing World of Gumball!
Cloud Puppy loves playing Valley of Runes, a cozy farming video game. But when Jack says that his favorite games are better, Cloud Puppy begins to feel badly about the things that she likes…until she learns that Jack has never even played Valley of Runes!
Cloud Puppy challenges her picky pal to a trade to share their favorite games. But Jack has other he thinks it will be fun to surprise Cloud Puppy with a scary simulator. But it’s his first time playing it, too, and it’s more frightening than he thought! Can the friends find a game they both enjoy without getting too spooked?
Cloud Puppy loves playing Valley of Runes, a cozy farming video game. But when Jack says that his favorite games are better, Cloud Puppy begins to feel badly about the things that she likes…until she learns that Jack has never even played Valley of Runes!
Cloud Puppy challenges her picky pal to a trade to share their favorite games. But Jack has other he thinks it will be fun to surprise Cloud Puppy with a scary simulator. But it’s his first time playing it, too, and it’s more frightening than he thought! Can the friends find a game they both enjoy without getting too spooked?
MY TIDBITS
Friendship and gaming fun rank high on every page with adorable characters.
Cloud Puppy has a new, favorite video game, but when one of her friends tell her that it's a baby-game, and she should be playing high ranking games, she begins to doubt herself. This even gets worse when another game she plays is mocked, too. Luckily, her family and other friends offer golden support, but just to make sure their advice is leading her on the right path, she challenges this picky friend to a game exchange. And the results aren't what either expected.
The characters are quite original, not only in their appearances but other aspects as well. And they are adorable in their own ways. Their energy, good hearts, and friendship makes them so easy to like and cheer for. Plus, despite their unique qualities, readers soon realize that they are almost normal 'kids'...just with abilities and such. They share a love for video games, which will ring close to home, but also enjoy being together, whenever possible.
The graphics remain pretty much in the pastel tones, adding to the cuteness but also presenting a light atmosphere...even when small problems arise. The text fits well to the audience level and balances with the illustrations, so that both carry a part of the story. It's an enjoyable read with something always happening. While some moments take place inside the video game, there are plenty in the homes, outside in nature, or even at school.
The message in this volume circle around staying true to yourself and also being open to try new things. This works nicely into the adventure and comes across clearly as Cloud Puppy tries her best to make everyone happy and figure out how to handle the various interests.
It's an fun read with likable characters, and I'm already looking forward to seeing what the group will be up to in volume 3.
And here she is...
Kelly Leigh Miller is an illustrator and author who loves everything cute and whimsical. She is the author of the Cloud Puppy series, I Love My Fangs!, I Love My Fur!, I Love My Magic!, and many more books. Visit her online at KellyLeighMiller.com.
