New Comics for New Readers – September 19, 2012

This week is all about young readers!

Wednesday is New Comics Day! Each week, The Comics Observer picks brand new releases worth checking out that should be suitable for someone who has never read comic books, graphic novels or manga before.

These are out today! If you like what you see here, click the links to see previews and learn more about them. Then head to your local comic book store, or check out online retailers like Things From Another World and Amazon. Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook.

For a full list of this week’s new releases, see comiXology and ComicList.com.

(Disclaimer: These aren’t reviews. Recommendations are based on pre-release press, previews, and The Comics Observer‘s patented crystal ball. Product descriptions provided by publisher.)

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Drama
Written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Published by Graphix/Scholastic
Genre: Young Adult
Ages: 10+
Grades: 5+
240 pages
$10.99

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school’s production of “Moon Over Mississippi,” she’s a terrible singer. Instead she’s the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she’s determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn’t know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Following the success of Smile, Raina Telgemeier brings us another graphic novel featuring a diverse set of characters that humorously explores friendship, crushes, and all-around drama!

The Secret of the Stone Frog by David Nytra

The Secret of the Stone Frog
Written and illustrated by David Nytra
Published by Toon Books
Genre: Fantasy
Ages: 8+
Grades: 3+
80 pages
$14.95

In a magical world unlike any you’ve seen before…

When Leah and Alan awaken in an enchanted forest, they have only each other and their wits to guide them. In a world full of pet bees and giant rabbits, they befriend foppish lions and stone frogs. Learning to overcome danger, they find their way home — and their independence.

Newcomer David Nytra’s breathtaking pictures break the boundaries of imagination, sending the reader on a wild flight of fantasy that tells a moving and universal coming of age story.

Mr. Big: A Tale of Pond Life by Carol & Matt Dembicki

Mr. Big: A Tale of Pond Life
Written by Carol Dembicki
Illustrated by Matt Dembicki
Published by Sky Pony Press
Genre: Fantasy
Ages: 6+
Grade: 2+
160 pages
$12.95

A stunning graphic novel for kids about an ornery snapping turtle, a murder of crows, and the importance of ecosystems.

In a watery world where only the strong survive, the reptiles and fish living in a small pond launch a plan to eradicate Mr. Big, a snapping turtle that is terrorizing them. Despite a few protests from some pond dwellers, who warn of the potential consequences this could have, the animals solicit the support of a murder of crows to carry out their plot. But the scheming crows have their own motives to kill the large reptile and decide to use this opportunity to do so. However, as the plan is put into action, a different, greater terror has found itself a member of the pond. Will Mr. Big be ousted forever? Or will the pond dwellers come to realize that even the old snapping turtle might serve his purpose in their small environment? And what will become of the new threat to those living in the peaceful pond?

This stunning graphic novel written for young readers illustrates the delicate balance that exists in small, self-contained, natural ecosystems and the relationship between predator and prey. Mr. Big is perfect for the classroom and will appeal to children interested in nature and comics.