This first appeared as a newsletter, but due to popularity, we’re putting it here for all to read!
However, if you haven’t subscribed to our mailing list, maybe now’s the time?
Dear Readers, one and all,
This is Michael, commandeering Leesa’s soapbox with my own agenda:
GRAPHIC NOVELS, MANGA and COMICS
Our range of Graphic Novels is growing and growing! You might not be be able to tell (because we can’t let you into the store at the moment – WAHH!), but we keep adding shelving to our graphic novel and Manga section. I would say that we have nearly 4 times the amount of titles that we were carrying in *the before times*! Our sales of them just keep going up! It’s hard to keep up with demand, sometimes!
We’ve worked hard to make them as browsable as possible for you online, knowing that’s how you have to make do, at the moment. So here’s how you can find what your looking for, or discover something new:
BROWSE BY AGE*
All Ages
10+
Teen
Grown Ups
*There are two points to be made for age categories: You can ALWAYS read younger then where you are. I’m serious when I say “All Ages” or “+” I get so much joy from reading these books, I’m sure your child will too. Also, rather than making an 8+ category (which is usually redundant, because many 6 and 7 year olds are reading these books anyway), in the “All Ages” category, just be aware that some have some tense/frightening scenes, depending on how sensitive your child is – the cover image is usually a good indicator of this, and some have emotional content that might lead to questions. I’ve tired to make sure that none of these are “unsuitable”, but may not be as relevant as to an eight year old.
BROWSE BY GENRE*
Manga
Everyday Life
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Classics: Adapted
Non-Fiction
*My disclaimers here are a little more straightforward. Manga is clearly a format, not a genre, but readers of it love it for all that Manga IS. Also, Sci-Fi/Fantasy is a very wide net that basically means “things that are outside the world as we know it” (eg, everything from dragons to talking animals)
Lastly, as the tsunami of graphic novels for younger people can, for the most part, be attributed to the popularity of Raina Telgemeier, we have compiled a list of titles that are enjoyed by readers who have enjoyed her work.
You’ve Read Raina, What Next?
And now, I’d like to highlight another passion we have here at The Little Bookroom: LOCAL PUBLISHING!
Graphic Novels are an expensive investment for publishers. This has meant that they are few an far between when it comes to Australian publishers being able to justify them. So, when they do, we like to pick up the baton and run with it, to prove that the people want local graphics and are willing to buy them in droves (so please, buy them in droves!)
Here are some books by Australian creators that have come out this year alone:
As stated on the cover, Treasure In The Lake is ‘A beautifully drawn coming-of-age adventure story.’ (Kazu Kibuishi, creator of Amulet) That gives you a nice sense of which readers might enjoy this (ahem… Amulet readers). It’s a beautifully drawn, treasure-hunting, submerged town, time-slip adventure. It just hit our shelves last week, I’ve already read it, and happy to report it’s kind of ideal for everyone!
Oh PAWCASSO! Look, I don’t know what to say to you (whatever age you are!) that if you haven’t read Pawcasso then you’re missing out on the most adorable dog-who-is-trained-by-its-owner-to-do-the-grocery-shopping story ever!
You’ll be wanting to CLICK HERE for sure.
Renee Treml has long had many fans of her Sherlock Bones series. And now you can start them even younger with these early reader Graphic Novels! Think along the lines of Elephant and Piggy with a bit more going on, and you’re on the right track. Grade 1&2 Book Club LOVED them! (Oh, there are 2!)
What’s it like attending a pop culture convention when you’re queer and disabled? SO VERY SWEET! I mean, there are struggles, but Stars In Their Eyes is a great way of illustrating how everyday life can be made difficult by social conventions for disabled people. But that doesn’t mean they can have cute-meet romances either! Great for upper primary and all of high school, this one is being released at the beginning of October.
Still Alive is arresting, compelling and tough. This narrative non-fiction reflects on the stories that Safdar gathered while running drawing and art workshops in Villawood over a number of years. High School students with a political or global mindset, as well as grown ups who want to light a fire under themselves will find this a very useful text to have on hand. It powerfully illustrates the human endpoint of inhumane immigration policies.
The Grott is of older readers, teens and adults who like a bit of political commentary mixed in with their dark humour. Grant’s saga opens with teenage brothers Lippy and Penn Wise journeying north on a capitalist pilgrimage to Falter City, to make their fortune with their “medicinal yoghurt” business in tow. It’s eerily of the moment as the plague they unleash could be read with COVID parallels.
Underground: Marsupial Outlaws and Other Rebels of Australia’s War in Vietnam is as fascinating as it sounds. All inspired by actual events these stories weave together a very different picture of the Vietnam war here at home in Australia. Ideal for fans of modern history or if your teenager was once obsessed with books about war (trust me, so many are), or if you’re a teacher looking at how to enrich your curriculum.
Séance Tea Party is a bonus, for two reasons. It came out in December of 2020, so it’s not technically a new release, BUT we love it so much, and we did it for grade 3&4 Book Club and they loved it so much, too! It’s one of those ones that’s as readable by teens (or adults) as it is at a primary level. Friendships, growing up, changes, and ghosts… Gorgeous!
Browse all Australian Graphic Novels
If you’re a teacher or librarian (or a home-school parent, or just really into books from all angles) I’ve got a mailing list for Schools and Library updates. You can check out everything we offer schools and libraries as well as sign up for my email HERE
I hope the school holidays are a nice break for us all, even if we’re unable to travel far.
Warmth,
Michael