Today's read takes a break from serious reads and slides into humor in graphic novel form. Actually, I'm expecting a little spice-of-life humor mixed with friendship and a few problems kids can identify with. But maybe, I'm wrong. Telling by the title and cover image, this should be a summer-sun read and get readers ready to sprint into spring and warmer weather. We can dream, can't we? This is the 2nd (I believe) in the series, and I did read the first one and enjoyed it. (HERE)
Let's see if this book is just as fun!
OPERATION: MAKE A SPLASH
by Tate Godwin
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Children's Humor / Graphic Novel
173 pages
ages 7 to 10
COMING FEBRUARY 24th!!!
Nick, Sy, and Violet have the perfect vacation planned, but nothing is going according to plan. Now, they’ll have to think fast, get creative, and make a splash in ways they never expected! A fun-filled graphic novel for fans of Cat Kid Comic Club, Hilo, and InvestiGators!
Sy’s finally going to prove himself as a pro gamer—if only his dad didn’t insist on a father-son fishing excursion instead.
Nick is set to collaborate with his musical hero, DJ French Toast—but their jam session is far from smooth.
And Violet? She signed up for Comic Design Camp . . . so why is she suddenly the star of the Drama Camp play?
Despite the obstacles, this trio isn’t backing down. Together, they’re ready to take on every obstacle, sink or swim. After all, school break has only just begun—and it’s time to make a splash!
Full of laugh-out-loud moments, big-hearted fun, and cartoonist Tate Godwin’s signature style, this graphic novel proves that no mission is impossible when you’ve got your friends by your side. Perfect for spring break, summer, or any time!
Sy’s finally going to prove himself as a pro gamer—if only his dad didn’t insist on a father-son fishing excursion instead.
Nick is set to collaborate with his musical hero, DJ French Toast—but their jam session is far from smooth.
And Violet? She signed up for Comic Design Camp . . . so why is she suddenly the star of the Drama Camp play?
Despite the obstacles, this trio isn’t backing down. Together, they’re ready to take on every obstacle, sink or swim. After all, school break has only just begun—and it’s time to make a splash!
Full of laugh-out-loud moments, big-hearted fun, and cartoonist Tate Godwin’s signature style, this graphic novel proves that no mission is impossible when you’ve got your friends by your side. Perfect for spring break, summer, or any time!
MY TIDBITS
This trio of friends is in for quite the summer...in ways they didn't expect.
Nick, Violet, and Sy are more than ready for summer break and have big plans. After all, they start middle school the next school year. They promise each other to make a splash and change their lives as they each head to prove themselves in their own areas: a pro gamer, a rapper, and a comic artist. But only a day or two in, and everything seems to fall apart. Comic Design Camp is suddenly Drama Camp, gaming hours turn into fishing with Dad, and the rapping collaboration isn't quite what it seems. All three either struggle or fall flat on their faces...and it's doubtful that any of them will even get a drop of what they'd hoped to achieve.
This group jumps into drama pure with three different themes in three different directions. Each one's hopes are big, and each one is determined...which makes it so fun to get behind them and root for them the entire way through. All three are kind and don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but their struggles aren't really their faults, either. The dreams each holds will reflect those of many readers, and the author makes sure that all three are really first steps, which fit the age group. Sy's desire to gain gaming skills and leave his first marks aren't over the top, and his desire not to disappoint his dad with a fishing competition isn't only kind but realistic. Nick's issue is a little more common as he faces bullying, but with a slightly different twist since he's not the target. Rather, his warm heartedness makes him realize and want to step in when someone else is being bullied. Then there's Violet, whose problem is thrown at her immediately thanks to her parents' mistake by registration. All three will have readers wondering how they will solve their problems. Plus, all three flow wonderfully into the weave as their tales switch from one to the other in a smooth fashion.
The text is just right for beginning readers who are sure of their words. Some of Nick's vocabulary will push those word skills, but that's his character and adds reading practice in an enjoyable way. The illustrations make the action happen and add as sense of light humor as well. These also bring across the emotions while sticking in a lighter-color direction, which actually, makes the entire atmosphere less aggressive and fitting to this trio and their tales. The entire thing moves at a steady-pace to keep those pages turning, since something is always happening.
There are messages built in, obviously, but these flow right into the adventure of life in a grabbing and enjoyable way. It's a fun read from beginning to end, and I'm looking forward to see what happens to these guys next.
And here he is...
Tate Godwin is a cartoonist living and drawing in North Carolina. When he's not creating comics, he's playing video games, making music on his beat machine, or baking his favorite dish: banana pepper scones (okay, not really). You can learn more about him on his website: tatecartoons.com. Operation: Cover-Up is his first graphic novel.
