Not all Pilgrims were “goody-goodies,” explains narrator Standish Brewster, a professor of “Pilgrimology.” Case in point: Johnny and Francis Billington (“So we nearly blew up the Mayflower
. It wasn't like we meant to!” the boys insist). Cartoon graphic novel–style panels depict the Pilgrims' arrival, as Brewster provides scholarly background and the boys interject in speech balloons, complaining about how boring the Mayflower
was or objecting to the settlers' taking a kettle full of corn from the natives (“When we do it, they call it stealing. When they do it, they call it 'A Special Providence of God.' ”). The boys' comic hubris and the snappy format enliven a familiar history lesson. Ages 5–up. (Aug.)
