Scary Godmother: Comic Book Stories, by Jill Thompson

This is a truly delightful collection of stories about Hannah Marie and her friends who live on the Fright Side of her bed.  It’s perfect for boys and girls 10 and up (and their parents and/or older siblings) who enjoy funny, spooky stories that are not too scary.  The artwork is whimsical and amazing to look at; it took me a week to read this book (almost unheard of; I am usually the one who finishes a book in a few days) because I spent a lot of time appreciating the artwork and examining the beautiful detail in all the panels.  People my age and older may be more familiar with Jill Thompson’s contributions to Neil Gaiman’s Sandman universe, so if you have not yet checked out Scary Godmother, I recommend it!  Find it at your local comic book shop!

Wonderland, by Tommy Kovac and Sonny Liew

Wonderland, by Tommy Kovac and Sonny Liew, is about what happens right after Alice has visited the White Rabbit’s cottage.  The story focuses on Mary Ann, the housemaid, and how she gets mixed up in her own Wonderland adventure.  It’s very well-written and stands up on its own: even if you are only familiar with Alice’s story and have not read the books, you will still be able to enjoy Wonderland.  That being said, you will appreciate it more if you have at least read Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.  Also, watch the animated Disney film (it’s a trip!): the illustrations are meant to look like the Disney characters, but the artwork is a style all its own and very beautiful.  It’s a laugh-out-loud read, and great for ages 8 and up (though teenagers and adults. will be quicker to understand some of the wit and humor than most children).

Marvel Fairy Tales, by C. B. Sebulski

Marvel Fairy Tales, by C. B. Sebulski, is a collection of fairy tales and classic stories featuring well-known Marvel characters. They're all rather fun, though of course I preferred some over others. I loved the artwork; it's really neat seeing these re-imagined superheroes starring in such familiar tales as Peter Pan and Red Riding Hood.