Jellaby: Monster in the City

Soo, Kean. (2009). New York: Disney Hyperion Books. 978-142310565-7

PLOT SUMMARY

Jellaby is trying to find his way home with the help of his two human friends. They take him into the city on Halloween, hoping that a purple monster can go unnoticed at an amusement park. When they find a funhouse that leads to a mystery location, they also encounter a monster who is looking for a new friend. Jellaby is the bait that has taken them both there and they need to use their wits to find their way out without getting hurt.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is the 2nd volume in the series, and there was much more action involved in this installment mostly due to the introduction of the monster who wants a new friend. The two friends go through a lot of conflict, and there are some unresolved issues with the disappearance of the girl's dad that left me a little confused. Drawings are once again predominantly purple, but well done in terms of depiction of motion and the tone of the story from use of black instead of white space.

READER'S ANNOTATION

Two friends work together to get their cute purple monster friend home, but when they find the secret doorway that should lead them there, they find instead another monster who is also looking for a friend. Using their wits they are able to get safely away, but there is still their monster friend to consider. Now that the doorway is closed, what will they do?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kean Soo originally trained as an engineer, but pursued comics instead. He posted his comics on the internet and soon became assistant editor to the comic anthology Flight. He received an Eisner award for Jellaby.

GENRE

Graphic novel/fantasy

CURRICULUM TIES

none

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

A cute purple monster is one thing, but how would you react if a very large water monster was just itching to have you as its friend? What could you to do to get safely away? And what if your friendly purple monster was just bait for you? Would you still be his friend?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

8-14

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Kids doing what they want without permission from parents

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Know library policies. Know the book and the challenge issues so that you know what to expect and how to approach it if necessary.

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK

This one seems like a good one for reluctant readers because of the comic book format and it is less intimidating than a regular chapter book.