Lisa Hanawalt

I’m fully convinced there is a direct connection between those who read the Amelia’s Notebook series by Marissa Moss as as kid and those who grow up to love Hot Dog Taste Test (and Lisa Hanawalt’s work in general). They both share that part-diary-part-comic format and have a very similar sense of humor, albeit for two different age groups. And just something about Hanawalt’s delightful and eccentric yet surprisingly focused drawings just hits the same way as Amelias Notebooks.
Anyway, that’s just a thought. HDTT is so SO charming and weird! I feel like Lisa Hanawalt would be such a fun person to get to know, or like, go to Medieval Times with.… (meer)

The best part of this is the visual aspect- I completely love Hanawalt's artwork! It has this quirky sort of psychedelic cowgirl vibe, paired with tenderly drawn animals who are funny, relatable, and distinct. The scenery especially was enjoyable to look at in "Coyote Doggirl".
However, I think the plot was rather weak. It meandered around, toying with different points and people, but never really settling into a comfortable pattern. There is a whole climactic point that falls apart simply because two characters are hungry/lazy. In a way that was sort of funny but part of me just wanted a more OOMPH from the plot.
I WOULD recommend checking this out, though! It's a visually tasty read (and at quick one at that) and definitely has heart. :)… (meer)