Haylee and Comet: A Tale of Cosmic Friendship (Family Comic Friday)

Haylee and Comet: A Tale of Cosmic Friendship is the first in a new series of graphic novels for beginning readers. In this debut volume, little human Haylee wishes upon a falling star for a new best friend. At the same time, our falling star, Comet, is also wishing for a new BFF. Soon it's a lifelong friendship between young girl and dirty snowball! 

In their first series of adventures, the pair build a friendship. Not just a bond between pals. But an actual ship that is half rocket and half sail boat. Afterwards, Haylee presents Comet with a very special gift. But when the present is damaged, what can Comet do to not upset his new friend?

This growing series is written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero (Ursa's Light). Marcero is a K-8 educator and professor of creative writing. You can really tell when a children's author has some sort of education background. Because along with being fun, this book is also imaginative and educational!

In between chapters, Deborah Marcero includes a page of fun ideas for readers (and maybe their best friends) in order to continue the narrative of Haylee and Comet and to put to practice through imaginative play. Then at book's end, there's a 2-page feature on just what are comets. 

With all the extras unexpectedly peppered in, I was an instant fan of this book. It hits all of the right elements I look for in a graphic novel or comic for younger reads. Fun-Check. Funny-Check. Encourages play-Check. Educational without being dull-check, check. This was a perfect book for readers in grades K-5 to second grade.

If this book is an instant favorite of the young reader in your life, then the fun doesn't end. A second volume debuted earlier this year and just last week, book 3, 'Over the Moon' became available for retail. 

I highly recommend!

Worth Consuming!

DC Super Pets: Comet: The Origin of Supergirl's Horse (Family Comic Friday)

This Valentine's Day, a couple of special little girls will be getting this book as a gift from my wife and me. I know that technically this isn't a comic book. But it's written by a comic book author. It's illustrated by a comic book artist. And it contains characters from your favorite DC Comics titles! So I'm counting it for Family Comic Friday. 

In this book geared for young readers under the age of 8, kids will be introduced to Supergirl's magical flying horse, Comet! This book is just one of several new paperbacks by Steve Kortae and Aw Yeah! Comics' Art Baltazar that focuses on the pets and animal sidekicks of your favorite heroes and villains including Superman, Aquaman and Green Lantern. This is the second wave of origin books from the talented duo. Books starring Krypto, Ace, The Bat-Hound and Streaky the Supercat were released in 2017. All are still in print. 

After you met all of the DC Super Pets, you can then read up on their adventures in about a dozen age appropriate adventures illustrated by Baltazar. They're written by a host of talented children's authors such as A Dog and His Girl Mysteries' Sarah Hine-Stephens.

One reason I think DC decided to release this next wave of origin books is economic. The animated DC League of Super-Pets is tentatively due in theaters this May. That all depends on COVID, of course. But with the voices of Dwayne Johnson,. Keanu Reeves and Kevin Hart, Warner Bros. is pulling out all stops for this cartoon adventure! What a brilliant way to introduce youngsters to several unfamiliar animal characters than to pre-release a number of introductory volumes featuring the stars. 

However, I am a bit confused why DC and Warner chose to release a book on the squirrel-like Green Lantern B'DG! (pronounced Badge), instead of Ch'p whom is going to be in the movie. 

The youngsters I am gifting this book too are too young to read this on their own. But I have a feeling their Dads will definitely be reading this to them. Plus, I've got to get them started on Supergirl early! If they are a fan of this, you can be sure they'll be getting the Streaky book for Christmas!

A fun read for the whole family and the perfect appetizer for this Summer's animated super pet blockbuster!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.