Travels of Thelonious

Excellent book and series for the younger reader. An adult could read the entire book in about an hour or two max. One of the things I like most is the lack of fantasy. Sure much of the story is fantastic and the science is minimal, but nobody is pulling out a spell and whipping up some magic. Much of the current science fiction has given way to fantasy with good luck charms, witches, magic, and what have you. It's nice to enjoy a book that wasn't influenced by Harry Potter and the many fantasy writers. The series, in a way, reminds me of a Carl Bark's Uncle Scrooge adventure. It has the charm and style of something written 40 years ago. The art is reminiscent of the late great American artist, Basil Wolverton. Since it is part-comic and part-book, it is a gateway book for young readers. I have given this series to several kids including my own and they loved the adventure. It is a refreshing, far-fetched adventure that readers of all ages will enjoy. Just as a recommendation, buy the hardback. It doesn't cost much more (unless it's out of print) and will be more durable over the years. But, factor in that after this first book, your young reader will be asking for the next two books.

We discovered this book today at the library and read it in one full swoop, and it is fantastic and sweet and exciting. The graphics added to his enjoyment enormously. He is just starting to read, but I read 98% of the book out loud with him in one hour and forty-five minutes, and we will read it again and again. This is a book we will actually purchase along with the new one (volume two). And we will wait anxiously for volume three to hurry up and arrive. We have already loved and read all of Capt Underpants and all of the Magic Tree House books. We are thrilled to discover this brilliant adventure.

Remember the scene in 12 Monkeys when Bruce Willis went up into the "real" world and took samples from what used to be modern day New York City - remember that the planet was seemingly taken over by animals, and that was the ultimate root of concern for our human existence? Do you remember? It was a wild concept that has only been briefly touched in a handful of other films, but finally, the envelope is opened in a cross-over graphic novel/young adult story that bends the mirror of existence while leaving you licking your lips for more. By mere chance I picked up this opening volume excited about the end of humankind, but also about flipping the page to both illustrations and story. This book reminded me of a cross between those "Illustrated Classics" and the most recent young adult story (which should sweep the nation), "The Inventions of Hugo Cabaret" by Brian Selznick. While it is not as developed as Selznick's work is, what makes this story work is the unique combination of graphic novel form and modern storytelling. It allows you to see the work, as well as read into the character's minds and emotions. As graphic novels become a stronger medium in our culture, I believe these books are going to become more common place, so open your eyes, and begin your journey with the small, yet vibrant, Thelonious Squirrel. "The Fog Mound" does pull from common storybook clichés from the moment it opens, but still is successful with pulling the reader deep into the unknown. With our unknown heroine attempting to lay the foundation of the story by describing his excitement behind learning the legends of why humans no longer exist on planet Earth provides us with a creepy feeling of a post-apocalyptic world. What we would take for granted, our hero, Thelonious believes to be nothing more than honest "fairy tales". As he tries to convince others, a storm comes through which washes him to a neighboring town that was once a huge infrastructure of modern civility. Thelonious is lost, bewildered by the sights, scared beyond his wildest dreams, and nearly becomes a slave to the Lizard Queen, until he meets up with a fellow friend named Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is a porcupine that welcomes Thelonious into his home, a warm bed, and some canned food. Thelonious is grateful, and begins to read some of the books in Fitzgerald's home out of sheer curiousness. He learns of a bear with a flying machine that may get him closer to being home. That bear is Olive, a native of the Fog Mound that is attempting to return home. The three decide to make the pilgrimage together, and with the clueing eye of Thelonious, they discover a map that will make them all happy. Alas, disaster strikes, the map goes up in flames, and all these displaced mammals have to show for is the kindness from a peculiar stranger named Brown. Brown is a lizard that has just happened to show up at the most opportune times. With a destroyed human city behind them, the band of motley her

They say the book is for Ages: 8 - 12 and Grades: 3 - 7 . But when I spotted this book in the bookstore I immediately wanted to pick it up and read it for myself ! For one, the illustrations (especially the cover) were beautiful! It reminded of the retro children's books of my day (well Im 24) I think this book is colorful and adventurous and humorous for even adults to enjoy (especially if you're a child @ heart) and we all can learn something from these talking animals ! The cliffhanger at the end was nice .. I cant wait to read book 2 ! I didnt know this book just came out this month. So Im now a fan in anticipation ! lol My boyfriend couldnt wait til finished the book to him so he went and got his own copy too lol.

Thelonious is wonderfully illustrated with great care, detail and imagination. That, together with the humor, originality and pace of the story, which works well on both the cartoon pages and the text pages, has my nine-year old completely fascinated and captivated. A terrific encouragement to young readers. More of this please -- my child and I are eagerly awaiting the further volumes.