Image Books

Every parent, educator, school board member, etc. should read this book. I have been in education for over 20 years, and I can say with no hesitation that Mr. Kunjufu is on the mark with this book.

This book provided as much insight as I needed to adress the topic I had been researching. Very useful

I brought this book because it is very revelent. The book is Afro- centric. In some was has a strong 60's type message and tone. The facts are true, candid and thought provoking. I highly recommend the sections on how to deal with the school system as an advocate for the child as well the sections on developing the child's self esteem. The recommendations in the book do work.It's a good book for educators and African American families regardless of your child's grades. I highly recommend it.

The teachers who do not reside within the same urban areas of the public schools should read this book. This book confirmed my suspicions about the Teaching styles of Teachers who do not understand how to teach the African-American male students.

When I first visited my son's classroom, I made a mental note to view the boards for educational material. However, after reading "Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education", I witnessed how the educational boards only reflected Caucasian references. There were no references attributed to African-Americans or Latinos, which made up 90% of the classroom. I agree with the author that there should be more Afro-centric educational systems within the urban area, but it is these African-American school administrators who would feel more threatened about adopting such educational centers or programs.

I used this book as a resource for the meetings with my son's Teachers. After reading this book, I have decided to take my son out of the public school system and enroll him in a private educational institution. Although private school is not the answer to all, but least there is some sort of accountability and I can have a more active role in the school's decision process for educating the children. The public school system needs a major renovation in order to secure the future of the African American students. I am not suggesting for the removal of these ineffective Teachers, but at least have the Teachers (all ethnic groups, including the African-American or Latino Teachers) go through a de-sensitizing program so they become aware of the culture of the African-American students within an urban area.

I have been a student of Jawanza Kunjufu's writings since college, his books and presentations have been a critical part of my development as an educator, entrepreneur and mentor to students.

Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education not only presents the facts about the low expections and unfair treatment of African-American boys in public schools, but it also provides solutions. The solution that is most important is that African American parents must become involved in the education of our youth. Schedule several conferences and visits to your child's school and hold the teachers, administrators, the child and yourself accountable to the education of your student.

I recommend this book and all the books written by Jawanza Kunjufu to anyone who is interested in the education of youth and more specifically, African American youth.

Linsey Mills
Author of Simply Outrageous
simpyoutrageous.org

With equal parts Loony Toons, light romance and Pin-Up poster, Frank Cho has created a brilliantly original notion here. "Creature Comforts" is a grand addition to a series that will certainly keep its following happy for years to come.

In "Liberty Meadows", two vets (one: a short, bespeckled, star wars geek. the other: a broad-beamed, voluptuous beauty) take on the dubious honor of caring for and looking over a host of quirky, maniacal anthropomorphic creatures. This includes a midget circus bear who fancies himself an inventor, a lunatic frog, and a sweet, naive duckling. Along the way, there are laughs, blunt trauma humor, and a little romance.

Cho's artistic talent for the toony style of, say, Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck is impressive, but nowhere near as incredible as his style of creating Brandy and other female characters. His ability brings to mind the glorious age of the pin-up girl: artists like Alberto Vargas come to mind. Cho's females are buxom, and beautiful, but also fairly reubenesque- nothing at all like the waifish glamour girls we see in magazines today. This is part of his appeal.

Artists and writers could learn a thing or two from Cho, who has created "Liberty Meadows", a hysterical and beautiful comic so flawless that he makes it look easy.

I have discoved Liberty Meadows by accidentally. Since then I have become a big fan of Brandy and all the animals. Just enjoy the spririt and the drawings of Frank Cho!

Get Volume one and then get this one. Well written, well drawn, great story arcs... the Liberty Meadows series is simply the best.

This hardcover trade paperback is an excellent bargain instead of buying the back issues. Again, one of the few comics I would lend to friends, even girls. ;-)

Being a great fan of Frank's strips, just from seeing an ad for his old strip collection 'University squared,' I am now a big fan of this current incarnation and even have his entire comic book series. So why should I even buy these books? For the extra scenes, redrawn strips and colored versions of Brandy!

With Frank's drawing mastery of beautiful women and hilarious images, plus a great sense of humor and timing, this book is a good place to start if you're looking for a good thing to read if you're having Calvin and Hobbes withdrawals.

Frank Cho's "Liberty Meadows" was one of the most original comic strips in years, with its hard-partying, gun-wielding animals and often insane storylines. And things get even stranger with the second collection of strips, "Creature Comforts."

The animals (and people) of Liberty Meadows are still up to their strange hijinks, including Leslie getting A flea (big one), Frank being set up on a blind date, and Ralpha having some problems with a hair growth formula that includes female hormones ("Gimme a kiss, sweetie." "I'm a man, Dean").

But all those disasters pale when a spark ignites the forest around Liberty Meadows, and the inhabitants have to flee a raging fire. The animals escape in a boat, while Brandy ventures back into the fire to find Frank. And Death himself comes to claim Frank... while a hapless copilot accidently looses the experimental H20 bomb on the sanctuary.

Okay, enough seriousness. In the wake of the fire, Frank and Brandy have to room with the animals, and deal with their craziness. Which means coping with Truman's hatred of Thanksgiving, spiked punch, offended supermodels, poison ivy, Oscar getting "fixed," savage beavers, Dean's pig porn ("Miss Piggy's dungeon of delight? Hold it!"), and a techologically advanced toilet that sucks Ralph in. Literally. And of course, a highly competitive wiener dog race that Oscar is training for.

No, it's not your ordinary comic strip. Not only did "Liberty Meadows" stretch the boundaries of what syndicates would allow, but it also was a lot more self-mocking and intelligent. Even in the most absurd situations, Cho can throw in an artistic namedrop ("We're outta anesthetic, Frank. All we have left is this can of Bud and a copy of "Ulysses" by James Joyce!")

Not that most of the humor isn't pop culture related, like driving out the beavers with Barry Manilow, or physical, like Dean getting thrashed by the attractive women he hits on. Artistically, it's sort of the love child of sophisticated graphic art and Looney Tunes.

And the characters are as lovable as ever -- hypochondriac frogs, midget bears, chauvinist pigs, and timid ducks. Frank and Brandy continue their sweet romantic angst, with the dorky Frank feeling that he has no chance with his gorgeous coworker, especially when her sharp-tongued mother and hunky ex turn up.

"Liberty Meadows" only got funnier with the addition of "Creature Comforts," more hilarious hijinks from the animals (and humans) of Maryland's best animal sanctuary.

Another great collection of Liberty Meadows strips. Nobody draws women better. Oh yeah, there's jokes and critters too. Did I mention Frank Cho draws great female characters?

I have all first 3 volumes and I find this TPB hilarious and entertaining.

More fun in this volume, including the Evil Brandy vs. Not Evil Brandy storyline!
Mr Cho constantly shows his skill, with different drawing styles and even 'borrowing' characters from other comic strips.
Perhaps the only drawback with Frank Cho drawing beautiful women is that they all look beautiful. Apart from the mole and the hair Brandy and Jen look identical.

Cover gallery in the back and skecth pages (but not as many as volume 2). Also a three page story added at the back.
If you love Liberty Meadows this is for you, if you don't love Liberty Meadows... don't bother the rest of us while we're reading this.

Liberty Meadows is a hilarious and sadly underrated comic following the adventures of a group animals with issues and the long suffering humans who take care of them.

This collection has the classic 'Evil Brandy' storyline that has to be read to be believed.

My only issue with the collections is that they don't include the Sunday strips which were collected in the comics.

It's a great series read this book.

Crazy animals and geeky humans return in "Summer of Love," the third collection of Liberty Meadows comics. If the "evil Brandy" story isn't enough to snare people, then the slapstick humor, poignant romance and intense geekiness will definitely do.

This volume starts with Brandy's sultry roommate Jen installing a webcam, which captures all of Brandy's half-clothed, undignified moments. Khan the killer catfish returns to wreakhavoc on our friends, Dean coughs up his lungs, and Frank Cho (chimp alter ego) takes us on a guided tour of the animal sanctuary.

Probably the best storyline involves an "evil Brandy" from our dimension arriving in Liberty Meadows, immobilizing the good Brandy, and trying to kill Frank so that she can conquer the world (with her killer Pokemonkey). What stands between her and conquest? Frank, his tough alter ego, and a very P.O.ed Brandy...

But don't think that it gets too serious -- Cho does action and sci-fi exceptionally well in this story, mingled with some oddball humor. But then it's back to weirdness: going to the gym ("Someone get the jaws of life!"), Brandy's nasty mum, going fossil-hunting, to a summer barbecue with a skimpy dress code, and to a mega-geek convention where Brandy is repeatedly mistaken for Lucy Lawless and Lynda Carter.

Geeks, this is your kind of strip. In what other strip will you see the gang going to a con, with a main character dressed as Darth Maul? Or see references to David Lynch's "Dune" flick? No other strip! While civic pride adds to my liking for Cho, the real winning point is the insane sense of humour, and the appeal to our geeky sides.

The kooky animals take center stage, especially with the physical humor, from exploding gas pipes to sports injuries. Exhibit A: Dean coughing up his lungs, and Ralph uses a bellows to keep him alive. On the other hand, Cho provides some sweet romantic scenes, where poor Frank tries to summon up the courage to ask out Brandy.

As always, Cho keeps a mixture of realistic drawings (Brandy, Frank), and cartoonish artwork of all the animals. The one drawback (for women) is the focus on big-busted women; there's ONE male hottie in the whole book. But at least Cho can laugh at this focus, by having Jen toy with male minds, and having Dean hitting on girls and being hit by them in turn. Hope springs eternal for the piggie, I guess.

The animal shelter/looneybin antics continue in "Summer Love," a hilarious collection of Frank Cho's award-winning strip. And that baby picture on the back is pretty darn cute.

As always, Merton is concise, unsentimental, and challenging, but at the same time, passionate and full of Christian love. Unlike many of his books, which speak mainly to the religious contemplative, "Life and Holiness" is written for the lay person. How can we we lead truly Christian lives in the hustle and bustle of daily life? What does it really mean to have faith, hope and charity in our hearts? In terms of vocation, how do we know what God wants us to do? Are we aspiring to holiness, or are we just trying to get by in our faith? What are the consequences of just trying to get by? In a world so full of seemingly insoluble social problems, what can we do to really change anything? How can we have deep authentic faith without turning our backs on the world? These are just some of the difficult question Merton tries to answer with his usual insight and common sense. I think this book provides excellent help for anyone seeking to put his/her life in a better, more faith-filled perspective.

This tiny book is the best introduction to Merton's writings. Merton, a Trappist monk, discusses Catholic spirituality in a deeply powerful way, and completely avoids the use of theological jargon. But even though he avoids jargon, he still conveys powerful theological ideas: theological seminary ideas like the Incarnation of Christ, justification, and priesthood ordinations all become living realities in his writings. It's easy to read but by no means light reading. He had a unique gift.

Though written from a Catholic perspective, this book is for ordinary Christians of all faiths. It discusses not just the life of prayer, but also the active life. He talks about how Christians can genuinely make their work and their political participation part of their sacred sphere. We'll surely be reading his work for another century; and we'll need it.

If you've read Seven Storey Mountain, you know that Merton has a gift for communicating the Christian faith in a passionate and easy to read style.

In this book, Merton expresses the idea that faith and obedience are both necessary to a complete life in Christ. Neither can be discarded. As such, Merton expresses that saving faith is not simply believing in certain truths, but in living these ideals and expressing them to others in love.

Merton's concern is to call all to holiness. This book does just that. Pick it up and read it, but most importantly think about it.

A few years back, I picked up my mother's copy of Merton's "Seeds of Contemplation." Although I knew of many people who enjoyed Merton's writings, it seemed "over my head" to say the least! Recently, I picked up this book of Mertons' (mostly bacause it was one of his books that wasn't intimidatingly huge ) and after reading a few chapters, I was surprised to find it was simple to understand (even for a 22 yr old!) and yet very challenging to my faith.

Although Merton may be labeled as a "Catholic writer", his writings deal with real-life issues ANY Christian can learn from - if you want to GROW in your spiritual relationship with God, READ THIS BOOK! It will **challenge** you and refreshen your faith! The chapers are small enough (2-3 pgs) to read a little each day....

Most of all, I enjoyed this book because it addresses a common question I often ask: How can I be holy for God in my "normal," everyday life (i.e. without becoming a nun!) .... Merton answers this question to my satisfaction, to say the least!

While I have read many of Merton's other books, they seemed to have been more targeted toward a life of contemplation and clergy. The voice of this book speaks more to the average person with a emphasis on living every day in Jesus's name.

"Life and Holiness" is a somewhat intimidating name to give to a book. Most of us have the realization that we are far from sainthood. While we might strive to be good Christians, classifying ourselves as holy may be a stretch. Knowing our weakness as humans, Merton writes about living everyday life. Through the sacraments, charity, prayer, and faith, we move closer to the perfection that God makes us capable of achieving. Having already been chosen by God to follow, we are already making strides on the path.

While the book is targeted toward the Catholic faction of Christianity, Christians of all denominations can take benefits from this book. Some readers may not follow the focus in Catholicism in certain sections, but these discussions are to be expected from a Catholic Trappist Monk.

If your kids like cat or animal stories, and know the nativity story, they'll love this little tale of mother-and-child cats intersecting with the Christ-child-in-a-manger.

Lovely and unique illustrations. A good Christmas present, for sure.

This book is a sweet and special addition to anyone's Christmas book collection, and especially for those who enjoy reading to young ones--or who love cats! Leona Novy Jackson's tale of a little kitten who is missing from the stable where the infant Jesus later is born, is sure to appeal to little ones. It has eye-appealing wonderful woodcuts by Kelly Dupre which exude the simple joy of the story; my daughter and I had fun searching for the kittens on the pages where they appeared. (The image on this page does not do justice to the vibrant colors on the cover; and the sturdy hardcover features a matching image beneath the dustjacket--very nice.) This book is an interesting variation of the much-beloved Christmas story and reinforces the reality of the story for young children simply by NOT focusing on it, but on the cat family instead. Finally, there is an illustrated glossary in the back of the book, giving easy-to-understand descriptions of the Christian symbols that were in the artwork (such as, the Stable, Holly, etc.). This is another distinctive feature and older kids will want to read it through, as well as the adults. All in all, a great read-aloud book or one you will find your little one paging through on his or her own just for the fun of it. If you like to invest in quality books, this is a must for the Christmas collection!

Legends associated with cats and Christmas have been with us for centuries. There are songs, stories, and poems with cats using the Christmas theme. You will find pictures of cats and kittens on Christmas greeting cards and ornaments. This remarkable story tells of a mother cat anxiously looking for her smallest kitten. She had searched everywhere in the stable. At the sound of two strangers entering the stable, mother cat jumps into a manger to hide. To her surprise she finds her lost kitten sound asleep. She quickly and stealthily returns the kitten to her hiding place in the hay.

During the night the miracle of Christmas took place. The Christ child was born and placed in the manger. "Now, down through the history of cat kingdom, mother and father cats tell this story to their kittens. They tell about the night Baby Jesus slept in the same manger the little kitten had found for its bed."

This heartwarming story is enhanced by the woodcut illustrations of Kelly Dupre. The pictures are child like in character, imaginative, quaint, and colorful. This combination of narrative and art make this a delightful story for reading to children, ages three through seven in observation of the Christmas season. An added feature of the book is a glossary describing many familiar Christmas symbols. I highly recommend that church and public libraries add this book to their selection of seasonal resources.

Parents will experience an exciting, fresh joy of reading as they share this delightful book, about the legacy of the cat family and the birth of Christ, with their children.

"On the holiest of night long, long ago, the animals in the stable were restless..." Thus begins this engaging Christmas picture book that will capture the imagination of young children.

The Littlest Christmas Kitten tells the story of a mother cat who is frantically searching for her little kitten in a very special stable... the stable where Baby Jesus is born. But where could the kitten be possibly hiding?

The illustrations, with their earthly colors, are interesting and original and capture the setting and the `essence' of the story well. The language evokes a warm feeling of serenity and peaceful beauty very appropriate for `the holiest of nights.' At the end there's an illustrated glossary of Christmas symbols related to the kitten's tale.

This is a book that both teaches and delights, and that will make a lovely gift for a young child.

"The Littlest Christmas Kitten" is a very special picturebook retelling of the Nativity story where youngsters ages 3 through 7 can feel the restless anticipation of the animals and the worried concerns of mother cat for her little lost kitten. The lost is found in the midst of a miracle on a special night when Jesus is born and the first Christmas occurs. Kelly Dupre's superb artwork wonderfully enhanced Leona Novy's original and entertaining story about the love and care mothers have for their little ones -- and the birth of the Baby Jesus. Enhanced for young readers with a short word list about Christmas, "The Littlest Christmas Kitten" is wholeheartedly recommended for parents wanting something seasonal to read to their children, and for any community library's Christmas picturebook collection!

I love this book! This is not just a book about dressing beautifully no matter your age, size, or budget; this is a book about bringing your inner beauty out into the world. Janet is a loving guide as she helps you connect with your essence and then helps you dress it into the most gorgeous package possible. If you can't work with Janet in person this is surely the next best thing.

Look Damn Good by Janet Cargill
The day I got this book I could not put it down. Janet helps you to get on track so that you not only will look great but you feel great. You'll be guided to know how to look attractive, stylish, sophisticated and appropriately dressed for your age.

This book is full of great information from a loving professional woman. She writes like she speaks and is full of compassion and geniune caring for women. Janet volunteers her time helping women with this information and more in addition to being a highly paid image consultant with some major Fortune 500 corporations. At this price to have her expert knowledge put into such an easy to read format, it is a gem that will become a classic. MUST READ.

This is a wonderful book for everyone, no matter what your age. There are great tips on how to look and feel special in whatever body type you have without breaking the bank. This book is filled with humor and personal stories from Janet's own life that anyone can relate to. I laughed, I cried as I read this jewel of a book. I have read many sections over and over. I guarantee you will too.

Listen up, ladies! Buy this book -- (better yet, hire her if you live in the New Jersey area!) It's a quick read jam-packed full of her wise and witty adages, relatable stories and specific how-to's. It feels just like sitting down to chat with her over a cup of tea.

After hiring Janet to work with me as an Image Consultant, I knew I HAD to buy her book. She is such a font of wisdom -- and funny, too -- and so REAL. Reading and re-reading her book has re-affirmed and solidified everything I learned from her about how to "look damn good".

With Janet's help, I feel incredibly grounded and confident in my own beauty. I feel and look better than I ever have (even though I'm near the top of what I've ever weighed -- go figure!). And I get compliments wherever I go. (Which comes in handy as I am going through a divorce! LOL)

Do yourself a huge favor and buy this book. And buy a few extra copies to give to the special women in your life -- then you can help each other Look DAMN Good every day!

The Master Potter is a brillantly written fictional allegory that will open your eyes to the destiny God has for you. Many women have been set free just from reading this book! Part two is just as powerful and is a continuation of Beloved's journey.

I loved the description of master potter and how it related to the Lord. The book inspired me to get to know the Lord on a deeper level and understand he loves us, even when we do suffer, he is always part of our lives if we let him.

This book is not only one of the best books I have ever read. It is so many layers deep, it is a virtual goldmine.

When you read this book you will go through the range of emotions. So many things will hit home and so many lightbulbs will go off. Mostly you will stop reading and just go WOW every now and again.

If I could afford it, I would give a copy to every believer. They would benefit greatly.

This may be a fiction book, but the spiritual insight it offers could change your life. It is the most amazing portrayal of God's love and our relationship that I have ever read outside of the Bible. Not only does she reveal glimpses of the spiritual realm and the battle raging in the heavens, she shows God's careful attention to each one of us and our destinies.
Master Potter helps you understand God's character and why he allows some trials in our lives. In this book, Jill Austin covers a number of dilemmas and issues every one of us has to face to fulfill the destiny God has for us. For instance, Beloved and the other vessels face condemnation, deception, and unbelief. Through her careful storytelling, Austin reveals how demonic forces work to destroy our lives but also shows God's redemption and plans to heal us, refine us, and make us pure and beautiful vessels. I also loved this book because it is a wonderful introduction to how the Holy Spirit works in our lives, including the gifts of the Spirit and other manifestations of God.
This book I believe is best used when several friends can read it and talk about it. There is so much in it that it would be beneficial to obtain others' insights and revelations. In fact, I am planning to lead a small group based on the book (even if it is fiction!).

Awesome I suggest you get this book and lend it out to everyone you know, or just buy a bunch of copies and give them out as I did. The book starts off on a sad note and I almost put it aside... but I was told by my sister to read on... by chapter 3 and 4 I was so excited I couldn't wait to finish it.

My 14 year old son loved it. On occasion I heard him laughing away in his room and when I inquired he told me he was reading the book. He instructed me to purchase the sequel "Mountain of Fire" as soon as it's released.

This book will capture the hearts of women, men, young and old.

I came across this book by chanch in a local public library and was tranfixed. I had to have it, so now I have!

Steven & Cathi House have captured in black & white photography and pen & ink drawings an exraordinary thirty years of travel throughout the Mediterranean.

As architects they are classically trained in drawing and photography; as artists they bring the reader their unique understanding of place and people in a poetic way. "Mediterranean Villages: an architectural journey" is filled with beautiful photos and drawings produced in a top quality hard cover edition.

This is an ideal gift for art lovers, travellers, book lovers and of course, architects. In addition to its extraordinary visuals, it is filled with quotes that keep the reader fascinated.

An extreme close-up photograph of the Paraportiani Church in Mykonos is the first image we see of "Mediterranean Villages:An Architectural Journey" by Steven & Cathi House. It is an arresting photo that accents the sun-lit sides of the stone, plaster, and whitewash structure. The tone is set. Steven and Cathi, architects, lead us, gracefully, through the book, seeing the villages of the Mediterranean through their empathetic hearts and eyes. I am impressed how strongly the quality of the power of indigenous stone used in the village structures, walkways and stairways come through the pages of the book. The pen and ink drawings have a lively and rhythmical perspective. They invite me to walk the stairways-up and down and around the village and become aware of the relationships of the structures to the natural contours of the villages, and to the lives of the people living there

"Mediterranean Villages:An Architectural Journey" is a testimonial to the sensitivity and appreciation Steven and Cathi feel for architecture that is an integral part of the total environment. The book, -- an architectural journey-- is a journey of the heart and soul. There is always something new to see and understand. The excitement of their discoveries which began 30 years ago when they made their first year-long trip to the hill towns of the Mediterranean area continues to feed Steven's and Cathi's imagination and artistry as architects today.

Here is that rare book in which the authors' personal passion for their subject joins perfectly with their talents for revealing it to us. As young architects, Steven and Cathi House moved to Greece to learn more about indigenous Mediterranean architecture--and themselves. Over a series of years, their investigations of towns and cities throughout the Mediterranean--recorded in fascinating drawings, indelible black and white photographs, and text--become a record both of the unforgettable landscapes they visit and their own coming of age as architects, artists, and people. This is the sort of book you can open some evening and just wander through a Spanish village, or an Italian hill town, letting it open up to you--then pick another site another evening. Mediterranean Villages is a book that readers will keep close at hand for many years.

This beautiful book is truly a love letter to a region of the world that these architect / life partners know intimately, and adore. And like the best of classic love letters, the mark of the writers' hands and the depth of their insights are all over this volume, page after luminous page, from cover to cover.

The authors' ardent tribute focuses on the Mediterranean's "architecture without architects." This refers to villages built by the very people who live in the houses and worship in the churches using local stone they have quarried or the earth at their feet that they have baked into bricks and then protected with homemade plaster, whitewash, or paint. Fortunately, Steven and Cathi House do not idealize the object of their passion. Instead, they lovingly reveal these rural Italian, Greek, Spanish, and Dalmatian villages--imperfections, eccentricities, hardships, abandonment, and all.

It is ironic that two formally trained architects are at the helm of a project illuminating villages that were formed so organically and without benefit of architects. Ironic, that is, until you realize that the House's "built" the book very, very slowly in their hearts and minds, over decades of time. In addition, they assembled it very much like hill towns and villages evolve.

Reaching into their respective thick travel journals and rich portfolios of images, the authors selected hundreds of gorgeous black and white photographs and pen and ink drawings to reproduce alongside personal memories. They fortified this text with scholarly research and punctuated the book throughout with quotations they collected from a wide array of famous Mediterranean observers all across the arts. With these "vernacular" materials, they inventively constructed an easy, rambling design and an elegant "coincidence" of images and text that live and breathe like the late afternoon activities of an Italian hill town community on their small piazza in early spring.

Mediterranean Villages: An Architectural Journey offers a unique perspective on an area of the world that is most often praised for its beaches, cuisine, museum treasures, or temperate weather. Simple stone and stucco façades are hereby proven to be evocative, eye opening, and inspiring, too.

Monster Zoo is TenNapel taking his craft to new levels. It contains all the earmarks of what he always has done the best (killer imagination, tight story, amazing illustrations) and expands on them. While Creature Tech was the work of a young man breaking into his own, Monster Zoo is the product of a creator is weilding his craft with precision. Monster Zoo is a wild romp with heart, heroism, and the ugliest monsters I've seen since my last family reunion (watch that upper lip, Aunt Edith). Buy it. You'll be more entertained than by whatever goop Hollywood tries to sling at you during the most recent blockbuster season.

The paradox here is that Doug Tennapel is totally original and steeped in tradition at the same time. Another paradox is that each of his stories stands on it's own but can also be an important part of the collection of all his graphic novels.
The Story:
Monster Zoo has all the themes Doug is known for: lost connection between a boy and his father, avoiding your call until you can avoid it no longer, the importance of love/friendship/courage/hope. The supernatural plays an important role in MZ -- not the obvious possessed monkeys tearing the place apart, but the supernatural effects of greed, our connection to the past, our ability to ignore instinct and use our free will to do what needs to be done.
The humor -- it's like Doug followed me and my friends to the mall every week for years taking notes.
The Art:
The way in which the animals turn into monsters is terrific. What's at stake: stopping at simply a mean looking animal. Doug goes further by really understanding that what scares is seeing things that don't fit: evil grin shaped openings and teeth on the sides of animals, eyes exactly where there shouldn't be eyes, movement that frightens because you don't know where it will go next. Doug's monsters are expertly drawn base animals, jacked up with unnerving details. They play on your desire to make sense of what you are looking at. Brilliant.
The characters are great - the jock boyfriend of the heroes love interest has the look of a vacuous twit. Prettier than she first appears describes the young lady. The mono brow sidekick friend looks obnoxious and likable at the same time. Then the hero -- every line makes him look like strength and intelligence hiding under sadness and insecurity. He is the perfect character for a guy like me to relate to.

Monster Zoo is one of the best Popcorn movies you'll ever read. It's got a good story with perhaps TenNapel's best artwork yet. TenNapel doesn't dissapoint with wonderful monster designs. Each new mutated monster that's introduced is a special treat. Likable Characters and witty dialogue also add extra charm. I thought TenNapel's last book, "Flink", suffered from overly quick pacing, but that's not a problem with Monster Zoo, as it takes about as long to read as it does to watch an average-length movie.

Pick up Monster Zoo. You'll enjoy it.

The first thing that is interesting about Monster Zoo is that it is a demegraphic that TenNapel has not tried before. He can capture the wonder of childhood (read Tommysaures Rex, and Flink), and masterfully he has proven his ability with the challenges of adulthood (Creature Tech, Black Cherry), but for the first time he tries to tackle the awkwardness of a teenager.

Which he pulls off remarkably well.

The story is simply a good day at the zoo that goes bad. But TenNapel can create characters that you turn the pages for. You may have only just met our protaganist, but he becomes a piece of you that you remember being and want to see through to the end.

His artwork, as always, is beautiful. He has such a bizarre style. If you have not seen it before it is a black and white, minimalist style. He does not clutter his pages, giving us only what we need to see. Every pencil stroke is purposeful; where you will find yourself studying the pages to find the subtle nuances in every picture. With every page you will look forward to a new creature just to see how creative he can be.

If you already are a fan of TenNapel's work then there is no disappointment here. Buy the book, you'll love it. If you have not had the pleasure of Doug TenNapel this is a fine place to start. This story is not out to teach you something about yourself, it is not a satire on the world around us. It delivers exactly what it promises, a story about a boy and his friends trapped in a zoo full of monsters, and the hijinx therein.

MONSTER ZOO is an absolute blast! For those of you familiar with TenNapel's previous work, fans will find this book a true return to form and then some; for new readers, consider this a wonderful, rousing introduction to the world of this multi-talented writer/artist.

MONSTER ZOO is exactly what it sounds like (an action/adventure fantasy where two best friends find themselves fighting mutant wild animals) but it's also much more. It's got laugh-out-loud comedy (and I don't just mean the fart jokes) exciting action and truly mind-boggling monsters rendered in TenNapel's inimitable style.

But beneath all these layers of popcorn movie hijinks, TenNapel has injected some real pathos, getting into issues of bravery and heroism that seem so delicate and heated a topic in today's war-time climate. Beyond being simply topical or geo-politically relevant, MONSTER ZOO has a human heart, and for a graphic novel filled with pooping otters and self-afflicted wedgies, that's really saying something.

At times, some of the dialogue seems to do more of the heavy-lifting, story-wise, than seems necessary; usually the pictures are giving you everything you need and then some. But I'm nitpicking, which is easy to do when the whole is working so well. The story has significant plants and pay-offs and rewards you for being an attentive reader. It's also got a truly awesome ending with a great twist, which, for my fifteen bucks, is still the best deal in town.

If you're the kind of person who values real, American-style, balls-out entertainment for the whole family, do yourself a favor and pick up MONSTER ZOO.

Also recommended: CREATURE TECH; a masterwork, with another "I can't believe he did that/I'm so happy he did that" climax!

This is the coolest book. I saw this and thought my dad would absolutely love this for Christmas. We exchanged gifts yesterday and it was the best - the look on his face and the fact that he knew a lot about this history and he remembered the actual patches for the jackets and the bumper stickers from when they first came out. This is the best present I got him this year and he was more than happy with this book.

An incredible book with the history of the sport of Nascar. Very worthwhile reading and a definite keepsake for years to come. Thank you for offering this book. KC Gordon

This book is great! It is full of great old photos and memoribilia.

I have purchased two of these books, one for a seven year old and another for an eleven year old and they love them. They are filled with so much information and they like looking at all the memorabilia from past years and how the cars have changed. I suggest every NASCAR fan no matter how young or old, purchase one of these books, it is well worth it.

The book has an amazing amount of historical information, and the collectables are incredible! You feel like you've stepped back in time to the memorable events that have made NASCAR what it is today. A must have for fans and racers alike.