Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels #1: The Discovery of America

Disclosure: I am not a huge fan of Christopher Columbus, and I take issue with the way he was presented to me as a child as such a hero. It's pretty well documented at this point that he was not the first European to get to America. I suppose news didn't travel so well back in the middle ages, so it WAS big news when Columbus made his voyage, but I still feel he has more attention and accolades than he deserves. All this aside, I do think this is a good book for a number of reasons. My five year old loves Geronimo Stilton books. She is drawn to the eccentric characters and silly (but not gross) humor. The illustrations are quite appealing too. We found this new graphic novel "The Discovery of America" in the library and just had to check it out. My daughter ignored the other "fun" books she'd picked out and plunked herself down with this "educational" one and read it cover to cover, animatedly discussing the funny bits and her own observations on the characters as she read. She enjoyed the book thoroughly and is already after me to find the other graphic novels about Geronimo. Now on to details of the book itself: The premise here is that Geronimo's friend Professor Volt created a time machine in order to correct time line changes that have been put into motion as a result of a trio of time traveling pirate cats. Geronimo and his friends (Thea, Trap, Benjamin and Pandora) must use the machine to disrupt the evil plans of these cats, and preserve the proper sequence of events. The cats went to Spain in August 1492, so our band of merry mice follow along and join Columbus' crew on the Santa Maria. They have handy dandy earpiece translators which allow them to understand any language, though I do wonder how it also gives them the knowledge to speak in other languages as well! The pirate cats, disguised as rodents, attempt to sabotage Columbus and incite the crew to mutiny. It is only through the joint efforts of our brave mouse friends that the cats are exposed and made to wash dishes in the galley. The ships finally land in San Salvador, and are greeted warmly by the friendly natives. It looks as if they stay for a party and then return to Spain, minus the Santa Maria, which was damaged in a storm. The crew are able to board the other ships and all appear to return from the voyage safely. The bad guy cats escape to their time machine, and Geronimo and his company transport back to New Mouse City and Professor Volt. The story leaves out most of the bad stuff, but does suggest hardship when rations run short, wind doesn't blow, and fear of the unknown causes problems with the crew.

Everyone knows that Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, but the Pirate Cats were heading back in time to divert the Santa Maria, "the flagship of the Great Christopher Columbus, "and were going treasure hunting. Something had to be done and Geronimo Stilton and crew, Thea, Benjamin, Pandora and Trap, were getting ready to do a little time travel themselves. Professor Volt designed the Speedrat, just the right kind of craft, to get them on their way to Spain. ZKII ZIIK and they were off. When they arrived it was August second and they had to quickly head to Palos because the ship sailed the next day. Would they be able to find those scoundrels and avert disaster? In the meantime the Pirate Cats had arrived and had squashed themselves into rodent masks. Stilton and his gang would never find them if they didn't use their best detective skills. As they made their way toward the harbor, they followed the fishy trail of the Cats. It was surprising that people actually threw their garbage in the streets way back then. UGH! When they arrived at the ship, they were able to get jobs from the Royal Inspector, who would take down all the details of the voyage. They would soon be "sailing to the Indies." There were clues here and there, but would Stilton's rodents be able to find the Pirate Cats before they altered history forever? This Geronimo Stilton book about Columbus and his voyage to America on the Santa Maria is a great way to learn history. This is an historical graphic novel at its best and is very interesting. The panels are detailed, very colorful and animated. I liked the added details of small sidebars that give a little bit of extra history for the reader to take in. Details such as the fact they used "sand to make the ship stable" made following Stilton and his gang fascinating. I've found it difficult to say whether or not a young person will be drawn to any particular graphic novel, but there is no doubt in my mind about this one ... it's a winner!

My son loves these books. I always preorder the new ones. Anything to keep them reading! Great book, great adventures.

Two full-color graphic novels revolving around rat Geronimo Stilton offer fun fictional adventures especially recommended for reluctant readers who need plenty of excitement and graphic stimulation. THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA has Geronimo facing his worst enemies: the pirate cats, who have discovered how to time travel and change history. THE SECRET OF THE SPHINX continues the saga: here the cats are trying to change the face of the Great Sphinx into a cat's face. Swift action and adventure make for outstanding fun titles.