Sky' & Ty, Book 1: Howdy, Partner (Family Comic Friday)

If you are a fan of the Old West you've probably heard of the Pony Express. It was a short-lived delivery system that was a network of young men astride super fast horses that provided mail to far away outposts and burgeoning towns. But have you heard of the Tyrannosaurus Rex-press? Okay, I made that name up. But creator Steve Breen took inspiration from a picture drawn by his son to craft this fantasy Western graphic novel for readers ages 6-9.

Sky lives on a farm with her grandmother. It's been her birthday wish for a while now to have her very own dinosaur to ride. Not a pony, but a living breathy thunder lizard with a terrifying face and a mighty roar.

One day while exploring the desert outside of the range of her family farm, Sky comes across a cave she's never encountered before. Whoa and behold, there's a dinosaur inside. A T-Rex to be exact; named Ty. It's Sky's dream come true. Only Ty is gentle, with a kind face and is a lovely shade of orange. And he's got some serious dance moves that can outlast the fiercest of grizzly bears!

Immediately a friendship is forged between a girl and her dinosaur and on one fateful day, a new business is forged! Mr. Rigby is struggling to get an important package to faraway Huckleberry Park. Big Earl needs what's inside the box by 4 o'clock and there's no way Mr. Rigby is going to get it to him in time. With Ty's speed and Sky's ability to hold onto the box, there's a good chance Big Earl will get his delivery on time. But first Sky and Ty have to come up with a great motto for their new business venture!

I loved this book. I'm hoping it's setting up a whole like of books because I didn't want this book to end. The artwork of Sky and Ty has elements of Syd Hoff's classic Danny and the Dinosaur series. The characters are unique with distinctive voices and there's Easter eggs and humorous quips throughout the book along with an assortment of enjoyable extras!

I also liked that Sky and Ty was a family collaboration. Breen took inspiration from his son Matt when the boy drew a picture of a cowboy atop a giant T-Rex. While I don't think Matt Breen is giving his pop plot ideas like little brother Malachai gave to Ethan while creating Axe Cop, I still appreciate how family is at the center of the heart of this book. 

Parents and guardians are going to love this book. Remember what I said about there being a mean grizzly bear? Well, in the book, the bear is threatening a tiny bunny. Instead of fighting him, Ty challenges him to a dance off. All of a sudden, Sky's playing DJ with a full set. It's the kind of unexpected humor that zigs when you expect the plot to zag. It was hilarious. And that's the sort of humor that you get when parents and children get together and brainstorm. Maybe this book will inspire the young reader in your life to help you create the next classic in children's graphic novel lit!

One thing is for sure, Sky and Ty: Howdy, Partner is going to fill your house with a bunch of laughs!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars