Review: Surprise Island: The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels by Gertrude Chandler Warner

SUMMARY FROM OPENROADMEDIA.COM:

Henry, Jesse, Violet, and Benny Alden have a home with their grandfather—but their adventures are just beginning! They’re about to spend the summer camping on their own private island. The island is full of surprises, including a kind stranger with a secret. Join the Boxcar Children in their graphic novel adventure on Surprise Island!

MY TAKE:

I read the first book of the Boxcar Children series several years ago after buying a copy from a secondhand book store. As a kid who loved building forts, the story of the siblings who lived in a boxcar was very appealing to me.

In Surprise Island: The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels, the children are spending the summer in their grandfather's island. I thought it was a little bit odd that they stayed inside a barn instead of the house, but since they're quite comfortable living in the outdoors, I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise.

For those who aren't familiar with the series, these kids are like mini adults, that is, they can cook their own food and build their own furniture.

This book is a quick read so don't expect too much from the story's climax. It's not a mindless story or anything, but really, there's only so much that can be squeezed into a short story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Albert Whitman and Company (Open Road) for the e-copy. For more info on Surprise Island: The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels, and to purchase a copy, please click here.

THE GOOD:

1. Pretty coloring, reminds me of oil pastels.
2. It can inspire and encourage kids to be more independent.
3. Interesting premise.

THE BAD:

1. A different font choice, maybe something that looks handwritten, would probably have made it look nicer.
2. The illustration style might not appeal to everyone.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Downstairs, the children's real best friend settled back in his big chair to make new plans for them.

READ IT IF:

1. You liked building forts as a kid.
2. You want to inspire your kids to be more independent and adventurous.
3. You miss your childhood.

RATING:


SOUNDS INTERESTING?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gertrude Chandler Warner was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on April 16, 1890, to Edgar and Jane Warner. Her family included a sister, Frances, and a brother, John. From the age of five, she dreamed of becoming an author. She wrote stories for her Grandfather Carpenter, and each Christmas she gave him one of these stories as a gift. Today, Ms. Warner is best remembered as the author of The Boxcar Children Mysteries.