SCRAM

May 6, 2024
Beneath the surface of Rockhurst’s
suburban facade lies a hidden gem—the Society of Creatures Real and Magical, or SCRAM. Driven by their curiosity about the town’s cryptid legends, best friends Jenny, who has brown skin and a curly ponytail; Emiko, who has tan skin and large glasses; and Brian, a green-hued humanoid creature with pointy ears and
a cowboy hat; set off in search of a troll. With enthusiasm that could charm any monster, the trio plunge into the realms of mythological lore to uncover the secrets of mystical beings. While perusing the local library for not-so-esoteric knowledge, they learn that trolls are nocturnal creatures with a taste for frog juice. Armed with this newfound expertise, the team embarks on their quest, determined to succeed where others have failed. Each panel of this whimsical graphic novel by Lucey (Jonesy) is packed with playful shenanigans and cartoony facial expressions, making each page turn an unexpected delight. Warm and accessible, this paranormal caper is a winner for readers eager for an escapade that showcases the joys of learning and discovery and the magic of earnest friendship. Ages 8–12.

June 1, 2024
Grades 3-6 After a strange experience at the library where she thought she saw a magical creature, Jenny recruits her friends Emiko and Brian to start the Society of Creatures Real and Magical, or SCRAM. The purpose of their society is to find and learn about magical creatures, and their first mission is to discover some trolls. Lucey takes readers along on the team's adventures throughout the town as they look for a troll and get up to funny antics along the way. The stylized cartoon drawings are easy to follow, with a sharp color palette and detailed panels. Since the kids spend a lot of time chasing clues around town, there's a lot of movement and changes in locations. Lucey does a great job telling a story about perseverance, in which the three friends use creativity to try to find a troll and are surprised when they realize they didn't have to look as far as they thought. Another winner of a middle-grade fantasy comic that brings humor and friendship to the forefront in a whimsical setting.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2024

Gr 4 Up-Jenny forms a group called S.C.R.A.M. (Society of Creatures Real and Magical) with friends Emiko and Brian. Jenny is fascinated by magical creatures and spends a lot of time in the local library trying to find information about them. Her heart is set on meeting a troll, and this begins a fast-paced, funny, silly, and cute adventure. Along the way, the kids learn how not every creature is what they expect them to be. The book makes sure to highlight that as future authors, it's important the kids get their facts correct about the creatures they meet so that their own book can help to set the record straight. The colorful artwork contains lots of laughs and slapstick action, which will draw in even reluctant readers. Bonus content at the end features the book that the S.C.R.A.M. members created together. This book-within-a-book ties an adorable bow around the rest of the story. VERDICT An entertaining graphic novel with a strong heart; for fans of stories about magical journeys, identity, growing closer to friends, and growing up.-Andrea Lipinski

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2024
Young creature-seekers search for a troll in Lucey's droll romp. Convinced of the existence of magical creatures after an unexpected encounter at the library, an intrepid Black child named Jenny recruits detail-oriented Emiko (who's cued Japanese American) and tall, chartreuse-skinned Brian to learn about the cryptids that may exist in ordinary Rockhurst. Together they form the Society of Creatures Real and Magical. Their inaugural quest: to meet a troll! Thanks to extensive library research, the friends look for anyone who may be hiding horns (Brian's hats amusingly throw suspicion off him), navigating the city's dense crowds and searching Mifune's Market for trolls' favorite drink, frog juice. After a detour to speak with Cool Ronan Sammy (a kid who claims to see trolls every day) leads to a frustratingly amusing dead end, the exasperated explorers try their luck at Trolden Park, where a hilarious revelation awaits. Full of zany jokes and clownish wit, Lucey's latest features lovable characters whose fun quest will draw readers in. Throughout the trio's adventures, Rockhurst and its diverse, madcap residents add marvelously to the tale's somewhat fantastic bent, enhanced by artwork that boasts rich, luminous colors and portrays frenetic action. The book concludes with a mock-up detailing the society's findings on trolls, an interview with "a local expert" (i.e., the author/illustrator), and hints of future installments. Comically delightful. (Graphic adventure. 8-12)

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