Graphic Novel # 4

Author: Mark Crilley
Title: Akiko and the Intergalactic Zoo
Publisher: Dell Yearling Date: 2002

Age level: Elementary (3-4)

Summary:
Akiko and all her friends are headed off on a new adventure. This time they are going to the Intergalactic Zoo! What starts out as a normal vacation quickly turns into a scary nightmare. The zookeeper wants to keep Akiko, will she find a way to escape?

Strengths:
Crilley tells the story through the point of view of an upper elementary school girl, and he nails it. The language is great for children and something they can really relate to because it is how they talk and think (mostly). The cast of characters are all unique and quite entertaining. The way everything plays out flows really well and it is a real page turner, especially for the science fiction lovers.

Concerns:
For a graphic novel, it has far too few pictures. It is a great storyline, but it could use a lot more help in the illustration department.

Classroom use/Other comments:
This is a good example of a creative story, and the teacher could use it as an introductory to creative writing. As a starting point, she could have them write an alternate ending, or an additional scene.