Bone Adventures

by Jeff Smith

Overview

For the youngest fans of the bestselling graphic novel series BONE, Jeff Smith has created two hilarious tales to delight beginning readers.

In Finders Keepers, the Bone cousins find a coin — finders keepers! — but the boys can't agree on how to spend it. Fone Bone wants an apple and bananas they can share. Smiley Bone wants an ice cream cone with a pickle on top. And Phoney Bone wants to build a giant statue... of himself! Whose idea will win out? In Smiley's Dream Book, Smiley Bone walks through the woods on a beautiful morning. During his journey, he meets a flock of friendly and playful birds. Smiley is having such a good time that he must find a fantastical way to keep up with his new friends as they soar into the big, blue sky.These wonderfully funny tales, told with lively artwork and expressive word balloons, will engage young readers like the best Sunday comics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338620672
Publisher:	Graphix
Publication date:	05/05/2020
Series:	Bone (Comics) Series
Edition description:	Combined Volume ed.
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	640,604
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Jeff Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning series BONE, which is published in more than 30 countries and is among Time magazine’s Ten Best Graphic Novels of All Time. BONE was a pioneer in comics publishing for kids in U.S. bookstores when it launched Scholastic’s graphic novel imprint, Graphix, in 2005.

Smith’s other award-winning and acclaimed comics include SHAZAM! The Monster Society of Evil, RASL, Little Mouse Gets Ready, BONE: Rose, and BONE: Tall Tales. Smith splits his time between Columbus and Key West with his wife and business partner, Vijaya Iyer, where he is working on his current project, TUKI.

Editorial Reviews

05/25/2020

Adding to the Bone universe, Smith offers two short comics stories bursting with personality. The first, “Finders Keepers,” features the three Bone boys daydreaming on a curb. Responsible Fone Bone dreams of an apple, sly Phoney Bone fantasizes of riches, and lanky Smiley Bone craves an ice cream cone. When Smiley spots a shiny gold coin on the ground, Phoney nabs it first, causing a humorous, lesson-laden struggle that leaves all three without. In the second story, “Smiley’s Dream Book,” a dopey Smiley flies joyfully through the air counting colorful avian friends, some in hats and scarves, until a menacing bird of prey threatens. Warning off the unwelcome intruder, Smiley firmly stands up for his new friends. Smith’s art style features bold, curving lines; vivid colors; and emotive characters, which, paired with the large panels and minimal use of text, makes this an ideal pick for burgeoning readers and those just discovering graphic novels. Ages 3–5. (May)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for Bone Adventures"An addition to the Bone corpus sure to delight fans new and old." — Kirkus Reviews"Smith's art style features bold, curving lines; vivid colors; and emotive characters... An ideal pick for burgeoning readers and those just discovering graphic novels." — Publishers WeeklyPraise for Smiley's Dream Book:A New York Times Editors' Choice"If you plan to steer a child toward the Bone books later (and you should!), this is a terrific introduction to a world full of wonder and unexpected rewards." — The New York Times"This is an unusually friendly and gentle story, wrapped in a lovely yet dynamic package. Smith's warmly embracing style proves a natural for picture books, and his sensibility is perfectly pitched to a younger readership." — Booklist"Smith's line is masterfully controlled, and each of Smiley's emotions — interest, dismay, elation — will be clear even to the youngest viewers. The generous trim size further shows off the spreads, which have the appeal of classic Sunday funnies." — Publishers Weekly"Full-page illustrations, some wordless and some sprinkled with dialogue balloons, convey the plot in a simple graphic novel-style format, and the bright cartoon artwork has an engaging fluidity and energy." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2020-01-21
Two whimsical adventures in the Bone universe are scaled for newcomers in this picture book with a graphic-novel feel.

In Smith’s newest addition to his ever expanding oeuvre, the adorable Bone boys are back for two new escapades. The first, “Finders Keepers,” features the tall and goofy Smiley Bone, sly and suspendered Phoney Bone, and earnest Fone Bone as they debate how to spend an unexpected windfall. Phoney and Smiley want to spend the money frivolously while Fone Bone presents a more sensible option. When they cannot come to a consensus, the trio finds themselves with nothing to show, gently emphasizing the importance of teamwork and cooperation. In the second tale, “Smiley’s Dream Book” (originally published as a stand-alone in 2018), Smiley has a wondrous reverie, counting birds with bespoke hats and scarves, until a fierce hawk threatens the fun. Fear not, Smiley will save the day, and his bravery is sure to elicit giggles from even the most stoic reader. Each full-color page (tints courtesy of Gaadt) is laid out as one framed panel with large, bright artwork, largely wordless action sequences, and easy-to-read, economically worded speech balloons. With its emphasis on sharing and counting, this is certainly slanted toward emerging readers, but older readers already familiar with the Bones should enjoy spending time with well-loved characters. All three characters present as male.

An addition to the Bone corpus sure to delight fans new and old. (Picture book. 4-9)

Kirkus Reviews