The Lost Islands (Explorer #2)

In this eclectically entertaining follow-up to Explorer: The Mystery Boxes, Kibuishi and a crew of cartoonists again take turns weaving seven tales based around a loose theme. This time the motif is islands, and the contributors are left to interpret it in illustrated shorts. Some, by using their strange and remote settings as microcosms, underscore the value of hard work (Jake Parker's "Rabbit Island") or finding one's niche (Katie and Steven Shanahan's "Radio Adrift"), while others examine more abstract concepts such as exploration and isolation (Jason Caffoe's "Carapace"). Together, they coalesce into a product greater than the sum of its parts. Standouts include Chrystin Garland's "The Mask Dance," a gorgeous rendering of a young islander's terrifying nocturnal encounter with shamanic spirits, and Dave Roman and Raina Telgemeier's fable "Desert Island Playlist," about a castaway girl who is literally confronted by her past and future. With this second showcase Kibuishi affirms his editorial savvy for amassing talented creators and providing a vehicle to let them do what they do best: use comics to tell funny, thoughtful, and just plain good stories. Ages 9-up. (Oct.)■

Gr 4 Up—Carrying on the spirit of the much-loved "Flight" anthologies, Kibuishi continues his vision in this graphic novel that's filled with imaginative and kid-friendly stories. The book's variety is its greatest strength, creating mass appeal for a wide audience through an excellent mix of art styles, tones, and themes. Jake Parker starts off with a clever and retro-looking story about an island of lazy bunnies that forget the meaning of hard work. Chrystin Garland expertly takes the island motif in a complete different direction with a curious girl who must escape from an island of ghosts. Dave Roman and Raina Telgemeier's "Desert Island Playlist" does not disappoint with its thought-provoking story about a girl trying to find herself, although it may be Michel Gagne who steals the show with a visually stunning tale about a school of fish fleeing an erupting underwater volcano. Ending on Kibuishi's own cautionary tale about a power-driven sea captain, Lost Islands is a great sequel to The Mystery Boxes (Abrams, 2012) that is masterfully told and beautifully drawn. A must-have for any collection.—Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, W