Penko Gelev

This graphic novel interpretation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet isn't formatted in the way people typically imagine a graphic novel, but it is easy to follow and provides several helpful tools for those who struggle to read Shakespeare. For starters, each page is made up of a series of illustrations, each in a small box and each containing pictures of the characters along with speech bubbles/dialogue. Under each picture, narrative text outlines the plot. Shakespeare's play is retold by Jim Pipe, who utilizes authentic Shakespearean language; to help his reader, though, he includes footnotes on each page, translating tricky wording for the modern day reader. Sometimes the footnotes are excessive, creating a cluttered and confused first glance. The book also begins with a character page, depicting each character with his or her name under their drawing. The illustrations, done by Penko Gelev, are well-matched, colorful and classic without being distracting or flashy. All of these elements help navigate the reader through one of Shakespeare's most popular tales! Although most teenagers still won't be salivating at the chance to pick this up, it's an adequate option for Bard exposure.… (meer)

*Book source ~ Library

So, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…I doubt there are very many people who haven’t heard about this tale in some form or another. But just in case, Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that when he drinks it he splits himself and he becomes Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll is the “good” part of him and Mr. Hyde is the “bad.” There you have it in a nutshell.

Like so many classics, this one is still lingering on my TBR. So when I saw the graphic novel I thought, “Hey! I have time to read that. It’ll take like 30 minutes.” Now, never having read the original I can’t rate how well the adaptation is, but I do know I understood the gist of the story from this graphic novel. The illustrations aren’t bad either. I still look forward to reading the original, but at least I can say I finally know more than it’s about a crazy Dr. who, while experimenting on himself, drank some funky Kool-aid thus splitting himself into two distinct personalities.… (meer)

*Book source ~ Library

It’s Frankenstein. Who the hell doesn’t know about Frankenstein? Oh, and by the way, Victor Frankenstein is the creator of the Creature. The Creature is not called Frankenstein. Just sayin’.

This is yet another one of those classics I haven’t gotten around to reading. I will someday. Since I haven’t read the original I can’t say how well the adaptation is, but I enjoyed the story and I will give the original a try one of these days. The illustrations are pretty good, though the Creature looks a bit different than I thought he would. However, considering the only Frankenstein movie I’ve seen is Young Frankenstein that’s to be expected. lol I would say this is a good book for someone wanting to read Frankenstein’s story without wading through the old-timey prose (1818, people!) of the original. Or maybe to read as a springboard before tackling the original.… (meer)

Book Summary: This book is about two lovers in the midst of trouble. The problem is that their families are against eachother. The conflict between them goes back for generations. How with Romeo and Juliet push through the struggle? Will love endure?

Personal Reaction: I love seeing the pictures accompany the text in this book. it makes everything come to life. I enjoy that in the back of this book they include the historical background and a little about the author.

Classroom Extension: Romeo and Juliet happens to be some very popular literature in the school system. By reading this book to Elementary school children they will have a better understanding of this literature when they read it in high school. A teacher could use this book in a lesson about different types of books. This book would be the example for a graphic novel. Also, it can be used to help aid in a theater class and show the characters expression to use in different scenes along with costume ideas.… (meer)