The Buddy System by Matthew Cody

Happy Mother's Day! 

THE BUDDY SYSTEM

Time Buddies Book 1

by Matthew Cody,

Colleen A.F. Venable

Illustrated by Chad Thomas

Epic! Creations, Inc.

Middle Grade Science Fiction  /   Graphic Novel

ages 8 to 12

COMING JUNE 25th!!!

Buckle up your chrono-belt and get ready to explore another dimension of the Cat Ninja story! Time Buddies is a history-smashing, humor-packed new graphic novel from Epic Originals!

When Hoot, an adorable, impulsive owlet from the future, meets Bentley, a studious, rule-following kid from the present, neither one quite fits into their own time. But with the accidental click of a sparkly button (or is it a snazzy one?), the two are off on an adventure that winds through ancient Egypt, the Wild West, and even the Renaissance!

Will the history-hopping duo make it back to when they belong, or are these buddies officially out of time?

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Time travel mixes facts with fun twists to create a humorous and adventurous ride.

Hoot is ready to travel with his classmates for a field trip back in time to witness one of Cat Ninja's famous battles, but something goes wrong. Instead, Hoot finds himself landing a day or two after the event and runs into Bentley, a kid who never seeks adventure of any kind. Hoot wants to find his classmates and zips back through time again, but this time accidentally takes Bentley with him. From dinosaurs to Egypt to the Wild West and more, the two hit one adventure after the other, and it doesn't seem they'll ever get back to where they're supposed to be.

While this tale branches off of the popular Cat Ninja series, it's not necessary to have visited the Cat Ninja books before diving into this new series, since it swings off in a very independent direction. 

Hoot is a cute owl, who strongly believes in his abilities and doesn't quite live up to his own expectations. It makes him easy to connect with and root for as he steers through sticky situations, while never giving up and shaking his mistakes off to immediately try again. His self-assurance clashes against Bentley's tendency to be overly careful. This not only leads to fun back-and-forth dialogue and humor but helps each to learn from the other and form an interesting friendship.

The tale enjoyably weaves historic fact with silly fiction to create one grabbing moment after the other. But to make sure the reader learns a bit of history along the way, each historical moment is revisited at the end of the book to point out where facts end and fiction begins. All of this is done in an exciting manner, keeping the adventure and humor front and center.

It's an easy read and the graphics bring every moment to life. The moments run by pretty quickly, keeping the pace high and boredom away. It's especially good for those middle grade readers, who might still need a bit more reading practice before diving into larger novels.

And here they are...

Matthew Cody is the author of several popular books, including the award-winning Supers of Noble’s Green trilogy: Powerless, Super, and Villainous. He is also the author of Will in Scarlet and The Dead Gentleman, as well as the graphic novels Zatanna and the House of Secrets from DC Comics and The Bright Family from Epic/Andrews McMeel. He lives in Manhattan, New York, with his wife and son.

Colleen AF Venable is the author of the National Book Award long-listed Kiss Number 8, a graphic novel co-created with Ellen T. Crenshaw. Her other books include Mervin the Sloth is About to Do the Best Thing in The World with Ruth Chan, The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom with Lian Cho, and the Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye series, illustrated by Stephanie Yue and nominated for the Best Publication for Kids Eisner.

When not bingeing old Twilight Zone episodes, Marcie Colleen is busy writing children's books. She is the author of numerous titles, among them Love, Triangle, Penguinaut!, The Bear's Garden, and the Super Happy Party Bears chapter book series. She lives in San Diego, California. Visit her at www.thisismarciecolleen.com.

Chad Thomas is an illustrator and cartoonist living with his family in McKinney, Texas. He’s worked on books such as TMNT, Star Wars Adventures, and Mega Man and also illustrates activity and educational titles. He loves his family, comic books, and Star Wars and will let his children beat him in checkers, but never in Mario Kart.

IWSG and Happy Book Birthday, Welcome to the 'Burbs by Matthew Cody!

Every 1st Wednesday of the month, writers get together to express fears, concerns, and offer hope as well as encouragement or whatever else their hearts desire. This group was birthed by the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has grown into a thriving, broad community with tons of possibilities. Check it out here!

I especially excited to join in with these co-hosts this month:  Diedre Knight, Douglas Thomas Greening, Nick Wilford, and Diane Burton

And this month's question is...

November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

Yes, I have participated in the past, but since I'm usually attacking middle grade manuscripts, shorts, and such, the 50,000 words isn't always the goal. And, honestly, I usually don't or barely make my goal, anyway. While the extra shove is great, this constantly writing doesn't fit in my life schedule, yet. So, while I find it a great way to motivate writers, it hasn't been super helpful for me.

But just because it hasn't yet, doesn't mean it won't be in the future. So, I'm keeping it in mind and seeing what will come.

What about you? Are you a NANO winner, or have you given it a go? What were your experiences?

************

It's Happy Book Birthday time! I do love to celebrate, and today's read will take care of that nicely. This is the 4th book in the Cat Ninja series, a graphic novel packed full of adventure and excitement...or so I'm told. Nope, I have not visited the Cat Ninja before nor any of his friends. So, I'm diving in a little late to the game, but I have a feeling that won't be a problem.

Ready for some excitement and fun? Then, let's  

WELCOME TO THE 'BURBS

Cat Ninja #4

by Matthew Cody

Illustrated by Chad Thomas

and Warren Wucinich

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Adventure / Graphic Novel

160 pages

ages 8 to 12

Everyone’s favorite feline superhero is back for even more hilarious adventures set in the Cat Ninja-verse. Catch up with Cat Ninja, Master Hamster, and the rest of the family as they face...the suburbs!

When Dad buys a new house outside the city, the kids are less than excited about new neighbors, backyard barbecues, and quiet, tree-lined streets. And they’re not alone—a summer in the suburbs is enough to make Cat Ninja miss the villains of Metro City!
 
Our hero and his family feel like fish out of water when they arrive in Peaceful Valley, but it won’t be long before Dad’s new neighborhood reveals its scaly, golden underbelly.
 
This volume includes:
Five full-length comics
One bonus Cat Ninja Tale

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60320177-cat-ninja

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cat-ninja-matthew-cody/1140975223

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1524875856

INDIE BOUND: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781524875855

MY TIDBITS

This is my first Cat Ninja book and...let's just say it's quite the ride.

Dad has bought a house in the suburbs, which means a move from Metro City to a quieter area. While there is a bit of rough adjustment (friends, area, and such), most neighbors are friendly enough, but when one brings over a pet fish as a present, the adventure begins. The fish is a henchman for the evil Godfather (fish-mafia), and when Mr. Squeaks disappears, Cat Ninja needs to face down the threat. But there's more to the mafia than meets the eye. 

Although the fourth in the series, this book can be picked up and read on its own without too much trouble sinking in. The reader does get a chance to discover the newness of everything, since the family is just moving into the new neighborhood and has some 'new' beginnings themselves. The situations do ring a bit of familiarity for anyone having to find new friends and steering the waters of divorced parents, but that's not the main thrust. This one is all about action and fun and intrigue and...well, super-spy adventure.

The illustrations are bright and bold or carry just the right amount of secret dimness, letting the atmosphere of each situation come across nicely. It's wonderful to see the characters in action with all of their various personality quirks. Even the bad guys shine, especially since there are additional panels to give a little backstory on each one. And the text gives what is needed and lets the illustrations do the rest. The entire thing does end with a bit of a cliff-hanger...so the next book won't be a stand-alone? We'll see.

I enjoyed this one quite a bit, but then, it's not hard to adore ninja cats, clever hamsters, and the rest of the crew. 

And here they are...

Matthew Cody is the author of several popular books, including the award-winning Supers of Noble’s Green trilogy: Powerless, Super, and Villainous. He is also the author of Will in Scarlet and The Dead Gentleman, as well as the fantasy series The Secrets of the Pied Piper. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and son.

Chad Thomas first picked up a pencil in 1983, decided to draw cartoons in 1988, and finally started getting paid for it in 2005. He loves his family, comic books, and Star Wars, and he will let his children beat him in checkers, but never in Mario Kart. He has worked with a number of publishers in the comic industry on books such as TMNT, Star Wars Adventures, and Mega Man. He has also illustrated several children's science and learning activity books.

Warren Wucinich is a comic book creator and part-time carny who has been lucky enough to work on such cool projects as Invader ZIM, Bright Family, Courtney Crumrin, and Cat Ninja. He is also the co-creator of the YA graphic novel Kriss: The Gift of Wrath. He currently resides in Dallas, Texas, where he spends his time making comics, re-watching 80’s television shows, and eating all the tacos.