Looking for a series of books that both boys and girls, ages 7-to 13 years old will actually love to read? The Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel Series written by Karla Oceanak and illustrated by Kendra Spanjer is the answer! Distributed by Independent Publisher Group, The Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel Series launched with publication of Artsy-Fartsy in December 2009. The hardcover novels for ages 7-to 13 feature the hybrid half-text, half illustration format made popular by the Wimpy Kid Series. Each book in this alphabetical illustrated novel series integrates fun and challenging words that start with the title's leading letter. An engaging glossary invites kids to look the words up. What a great way for kids to learn new words and expand their vocabulary!
We received the three books in the series: Artsy-Fartsy, Bogus & Cahoots and loved Artsy-Fartsy so much that we have decided to review each of them individually! Artsy-Fartsy is "extremely funny!", says my 7 year old son. We quickly finished the book because it is fun & entertaining. Both boys and girls will love Aldo and his friends. My son laughed and laughed as we read the book together. My son, who also is a big fan of the Wimpy Kid Series is quite excited about this series. It may have a similar format to the Wimpy Kids books but Aldo and all the other characters are unique and easy for kids to relate to.
The series stars 10-year-old Aldo Zelnick, a budding young artist who hates physical activity but loves bacon. (He also loves Slushies!) When Aldo's grandmother gives him a blank sketchbook for recording "all his artsy-fartsy ideas", a reluctant Aldo begins writing and drawing the story that becomes Artsy-Fartsy. Great book for story-time and for independent reading. My son says that it is just hilarious and is excited to read the next book in this series!
Series author Karla Oceanak has ghostwritten numerous self-help books and speaks on children's literacy. Illustrator Kendra Spanjer is also a studio artist. Bailiwick Press is a new micropress specializing in humorous yet meaningful fiction for children and young adults. For more information, visit Bailiwick Press and www.aldozelnick.com
