Prince's New Pet - Brian Anderson

Title: Prince's New Pet
Author: Brian Anderson
Series: no
Other works by Graeme Base: Dog Eat Doug, Nighty Night, Sleepy Sleeps
Categories: picture books, art, illustrated, colors, story

The prince's mother loved colors, and the kingdom overflowed with them. When she died, the heartbroken king banished all color from the kingdom, unable to bear reminders of his beloved queen. The prince and the kingdom grow listless in their black, white, and grey world. Then, on the prince's birthday, he is given a new pet. Can the prince protect his colorful new friend from the evil color catcher? Will color ever return to the kingdom?

The art is wonderful and engaging, and the few colors explode out of the grey landscape. Some of the story is told exclusively through art, without words. I loved the story, but even if I hadn't, the art by itself makes this book worth picking up.

Squish Book I: Super Amoeba - Jennifer & Matt Holm

Title: Squish: Super Amoeba
Author: Jennifer Holm, Matt Holm
Series: Yes.
Categories: graphic novels, comic books, illustrated, science, male pov, friends, school life
Other works by Matt & Jennifer Holm: Babymouse series
Notes: Squish makes his debut appearance in Babymouse: Mad Scientist (vol. 14)

Squish is an amoeba, just trying to get through each day of school. With the trademark humor and art of the Babymouse series, children can follow Squish as he wrestles with moral dilemmas and the intricacies of frienship. In the process, they’ll learn some science. Squish loves comic books and has two best friends, one of whom is a genius and the other of whom is happy-go-lucky. Between their two antics, and Squish's own social awkwardness he finds himself in amusing but challenging situations.

Two volumes of Squish are currently available (vol. two is Squish: Brave New Pond) and the third is coming out in May 2012.

Legend - Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Series: Yes: a trilogy. The second book (no title yet) is schedule for Fall 2012.
Categories: YA, dystopia, action, male pov, female pov, conspiracy, intrigue, future, prodigy, romance, corrupt government, rebellion/revolution
Other works by Marie Lu: none
Notes:

If you haven't had enough dystopian YA fiction, check this book out. While it does not have the non-stop action of the Hunger Games, the Republic in which it is set is plenty sinister, and there is action and high tension throughout.

The story is told alternately through the eyes of June, upper class prodigy (who admittedly takes some warming up to), and Day, guerrilla criminal. Their paths cross when Day is accused of murdering June’s brother while escaping after stealing medications from a hospital. The medications are for his younger brother, who has caught the mysterious plague which riddles the poorer sectors of future-Los Angeles. June is pulled from training by her brother's former commander and given the chance to prove herself--by tracking down the elusive Day and bringing her brother's murderer to justice. June, driven by vengeance and the desire to prove herself, is single-minded in her pursuit...until she realizes that she is raising more questions than she is finding answers.

What is the truth? Why does the plague always come back? How does it constantly evolve? What is different about the plague that Day's brother has? Who killed Metias if it wasn't Day? How does Metias' death connect to the plague or Day's family? Who is trustworthy?

June and Day confront these questions and struggle to discover the true nature of the Republic, and confront the ethics of the paths they have chosen. How far will they each go for what they believe in?