November 1, 2009
Gr 4-6-Galactically speaking, Stone Rabbit orbits in difficulty and subject matter somewhere between Dav Pilkeys Ricky Ricotta and Emmanuel Guiberts Sardine series (Roaring Brook/First Second). Early in this graphic novel, the main character meets his twin from another dimension and falls victim to the classic topebeing mistaken for your alter ego from another planets plotline. Fortunately, in making his escape from the aliens looking to bring his doppelganger to justice, he discovers that the controls of the giant robot of doom he pilots have the same controls as an arcade fighter. Not just any arcade fighter either, but the Robot Fighter XXVII on which hes spent many hours honing his skills as a video gamer. The action is fast and furious, and it may be difficult for some readers to figure out whats happening. The writings main flaw could be its main point of appeal for some readersslang, video game terminology, and frequent repetition of Stone Rabbits favorite response to trouble, Crudmonkeys! Reminiscent of Nickelodeons Ren and Stimpy, this book is heavy on colorful graphics, with characters and worlds alike having typically exaggerated and abstracted features. This is a brand of silly targeting middle graders in particular, and hits its mark with laser precision."Sarah Provence, Churchill Road Elementary School, McLean, VA"
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 1, 2009
Grades 3-5 In this third Stone Rabbit adventure, our hero the rabbit gets zapped by an alien and shipped into outer space, where he is mistaken for Melvin the Plutarkian (a scurrilous villain, of course), tried, found guilty, and sentenced to destruction in the Vlarpaxem. Meanwhile, Melvin, in the form of the rabbit, begins his quest to take over earth. Rabbit uses his game-playing skills (and a lot of luck) to escape the Vlarpaxem, steal a spaceship, and return home to fight Melvin and save the world. Readers who love action cartoons will enjoy the fast-paced, colorful, and zany game-based action.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2010
In Stone Rabbit's third adventure, evil alien Melvin the Plutarkian assumes the bunny's identity, leaving SR to face trial for Melvin's crimes while he ravages Earth. Luckily, our hero's gaming skills save the day. Colorful action sequences and humorous characters create an engaging read, though the frantic adventures can be hard to navigate across the graphic novel's panels.
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)